5 Legends who retired from Test cricket at the Oval

#2 Andrew Flintoff - England (2009)

Andrew Flintoff produced the magic moment of running Ricky Ponting out in his final Test to seal the Ashes

In England’s gigantic cricket history, the name of Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff will always be present amongst the greatest all-rounders to play for the nation. The charismatic cricketer left an ever-lasting mark on the game, despite his injury-plagued career.

Flintoff was the man of the series in the famous 2005 Ashes, in which England emerged victoriously. Four years later, the heavily built all-rounder decided to bid adieu to Test cricket by signing off with another Ashes win at the Oval.

The series was 1-1 leading into the final encounter at the Oval. Flintoff’s contributions in the first three innings - 7, 1/35, 22 were ordinary. The team, however, was on top and Australia had to bat out two days or score 546 runs to stay alive. Aussie captain Ricky Ponting alongside Michael Hussey was fighting back hard and there was a hope in the Australian dressing room.

The moment was perfect for a show-stopper like Andrew Flintoff. With the score at 217/2, Hussey scampered for a single as he struck the ball straight to Flintoff at mid-on. The roaring direct-hit from mid-on found Ricky Ponting well short of his crease and Flintoff finished at the Oval with the win and glory.