My Favourite Photograph: When Flintoff consoled a dejected Brett Lee

Flintoff consoling Brett Lee [PC: Twitter]

“It’s not IF you win or lose, it’s HOW you win or lose that really matters.” In the midst of England winning the Ashes in 2005, Andrew Flintoff shows everyone how a true sportsperson treats his opponent as he consoles a dejected Brett Lee.

Certain photographs leave a lasting image in your mind, and this is one of them. 

The year was 2005, and the cricket fanatics were all set for a gruelling Ashes summer in England. Australia were the favourites to retain the crown and they made a statement by dismantling Michael Vaughan’s team in the series opener at Lord’s.

The Australian team under Ricky Ponting were a force to reckon with. Their confidence was at an all-time high and cricket experts reckoned that they’ll steamroll England 5-0. However, as they say, cricket is a game of great uncertainty and England certainly had tricks of their own to surprise the visitors.

What transpired in the historic game?

Flintoff was at his best in the 2nd Test

It was time for the 2nd Test in Birmingham, and we certainly witnessed an all-time classic between two of the fiercest rivals in the history of cricket.

Green track was awaiting both the sides as Punter won the toss and had a smile on his face when he elected to bowl first. There was a sense of nervousness in the English camp. They were taken apart in the first Test, and the batters looked shaky at the start of play.

But once the dust settled in, The Three Lions showed their true colours against an in-form Aussie attack. Riding on half-centuries from Marcus Trescothick, Kevin Pietersen, and Andrew Flintoff, the home side posted a healthy 407 in their first innings.

In their response the star-studded Australian lineup faltered and were dismissed for 308. England had a lead of 99 and could smell something special building up. But they were brought down to Earth in their second innings as Australia bundled them out for a mere 182.

Overcast conditions, green top, and a potent English bowling attack was waiting for the Aussie openers in the run-chase. During the phase between 2000-2007, the Ponting led side were almost invincibles. It was as if the word ‘losing’ was not a part of their dictionary. But this was about to change.

Hayden-Langer laid the foundation for the middle-order batters with a 47-run opening stand. But here comes the twist in the tale. England’s trump card was waiting like a hungry wolf to jump on the Aussie batters. Yes, I am talking about Andrew Flintoff. The dynamic, on your face bowler took the command in his own hands and was the chief destroyer with the ball in hand.

He ran through Australia’s middle order, and at one stage the Aussies were tottering at 220 for 9. Still needing 62 to take a 2-0 lead in the series, the last hope for Punter’s troops - Brett Lee, and Michael Kasprowicz were at the crease. England were one step closer to the winning line, but if you have watched the Australian side of the early 2000, you’ll know that they don’t know when to give up.

By no means Lee and Kasprowicz are pure batters. They were in the side on the bases of their bowling abilities. But on that fateful day, the duo showed their prowess with the willow.

They kept on churning out runs and suddenly there was a pin drop silence amongst the English crowd. The required runs were coming down and with each passing minute, the Aussie camp was getting ecstatic. Michael Vaughan needed a Messiah, and he got that in the form of Freddie Flintoff.

Action taking place in Ashes

Imagine the scenario - 2 runs required, last wicket pair standing tall and every English supporter has their eyes set on Freddie. What does he do? He bangs it short, cramps Kasprowicz for room as the ball balloons in the air and the keeper takes a dolly to level the series.

Smiles all around as England had done the unthinkable. But what caught everyone’s attention was Flintoff’s gesture. Brett Lee played his heart out, and he wanted to win the contest for his side. He was down, dejected, broken, but Flintoff came upto him and consoled the champion bowler for taking the game to the wire.

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