The gentlemen of sport

I have a passing interest in sport, from that I mean that if it’s on, I might watch it but I’m not likely to look for the start time in the TV programme planner. But whether you are a sports fan or not, you could not have missed the drama and the English triumph of the Ashes Test.

Over the last few weeks the fortunes of England had reached all the heights and depths that make sport what it is – unpredictable. As England went into the last Test, the press were reporting their likely downfall as their performance in the previous one had been dismally disappointing. So what changed? Suddenly, our boys went into the last Test with hope and determination - and Andrew Flintoff. Barely fit and waiting for an operation for his knee, I believe Flintoff was brought back to give the up-and-coming young cricketers who now form the England team that confidence and experience that is what we all need in challenging situations. Someone we respect, believe in, trust and aspire to, to be there and inspire us.

We’ve seen it in football when David Beckham was in the England team, in Rugby when Johnny Wilkinson was playing. Whether they are getting older, or are suffering from relentless injury, whenever they played the confidence of the team seemed to be lifted to a higher level.

Yesterday, it was Andrew Flintoff’s turn. It was to be his last Test game and whilst he only scored 29 runs and took one wicket, from the field he threw a ball which knocked down the stumps and the vital wicket of Ricky Ponting was taken. It was a turning point for the game and it gave Andrew Flintoff a reason to remember something special from his last Test game. Well done Andrew! You have brought something special to the game of cricket and we wish you well as you go into hospital for your knee operation today, and ‘Well Done’ to England for regaining the Ashes. You did brilliantly.

But perhaps the most touching moment was after the game was over when Australia’s Captain, Ricky Ponting, had the grace and courage to come away from his devastated Australian team, to personally congratulate Andrew Strauss, the England Captain and the rest of the England team. It was a gracious gesture which said a lot about him as a man.