Flintoff considering offers in Australia's Big Bash

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IANS London
Last Updated : Aug 25 2014 | 9:05 PM IST

Former England captain Andrew Flintoff, who made a stunning return to competitive cricket with Lancashire, has confirmed that he is considering offers to play in Australia's Big Bash Twenty20 competition this winter.

The 36-year-old former England all-rounder made a fantastic return to the game for Lancashire in the win against Warwickshire at Edgbaston in Saturday's NatWest T20 Blast final.

"I have had offers to play in the Big Bash. I am going to sit down with my wife and see what we decide to do. But I would love to do that. If there is an opportunity there, then why not? It is one of the things I have always wanted to do," Flintoff told the Manchester Evening News.

"I was about to sign for Queensland in 2009 but was forced to retire. I have never been over there and played in domestic cricket so would love to do it. And I would love to play for Lancashire again next year," he said.

Flintoff wanted to become a Twenty20 freelance but his plans were hampered by a knee injury that forced him into early retirement in 2010.

Flintoff has done well in his first three team games for Lancashire since he returned to county cricket in May.

"It was so unexpected to be able to play again. I always dreamt I would play again but, realistically, never thought it would be possible. When the knee surgeon said I couldn't run again, it was like a red rag to a bull to me. I love proving people wrong. I can get better than this, I can bowl better and I can get faster," he said.

Flintoff said he has worked hard to get fit.

"It has been a real effort on my part to get fit, and I am getting fitter all the time and I think if I can have a pre-season next year and be around the team a bit more...I want to win something with Lancashire. It is a burning ambition of mine. I joke about it, but I am 37 in December and I feel alright. If there are better players, then I will accept that, and if I have to fight for my place like I did at finals day, and not be a first choice, that's fine too. I am just enjoying it. If I still feel like I have something to offer, I am going to have a go. I have no qualms in trying and failing. The one thing I will never do is sit at home thinking 'I should have done that'," he said.

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First Published: Aug 25 2014 | 9:02 PM IST

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