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Watkinson pays tribute to Fred

Following Andrew Flintoff's decision to retire from Test Cricket after the current npower Ashes Test Series, Lancashire Cricket Director Mike Watkinson had the following to say from Old Trafford on Wednesday.

“The decision has come as a surprise to us, but Fred loves playing cricket for England and he would not have taken this decision lightly.  Fred knows he has the full support of Lancashire and we are here to help him in anyway we can.

“He will obviously talk to the ECB about his future and then we’ll do the same, but we look forward to having a closer relationship with Fred over the coming years.  Although he hasn’t played much for us over the past four or five years, he loves playing for Lancashire and always brings something special to the Old Trafford dressing room.

“Fred is one of the best all-rounders in the world and it will be disappointing not to see him playing Test Cricket for England, but England’s loss will hopefully benefit Lancashire.  He is an inspirational character and highly respected by his peers, the press and the public, and I’m sure this decision will enable him to continue his career for years to come.”

Andrew Flintoff is on a rolling contract with Lancashire County Cricket Club which currently takes him to the end of the 2010 season.