Super Fred set to bag Big Bash break with Brisbane Heat

Former England all-round sensation Andrew Flintoff, now 36, looks set to complete a move to Australian side Brisbane Heat for their Twenty20 campaign (6/1 chances to win), with the club’s coach Stuart Law confirming the two parties are in talks.

Flintoff and ex-Aussie international Law were once Lancashire teammates over a six-year spell, with the latter stating: “We’ve had discussions with Freddie. If things go well, hopefully we will be able to confirm next week that he will play some part in the Big Bash for us.”

While Flintoff was once one of the most exciting cricketers for England over a successful era that saw him play a huge part in the famous 2005 Ashes series, he did take five years out of the sport following injury.

However, after trying his hand out in boxing, he decided to make a return to the sport for Lancashire’s T20 Blast campaign, and helped them get to the final against Birmingham Bears.

The northwest side were unable to win their first trophy in the shortest form of the game, but Flintoff showed glimpses of his former self with a first-ball dismissal of Ian Bell, followed by a smashing 20 not out from 11 balls.

“I am really excited by the idea,” Law continued. “We get on really well and have had plenty of good times down the years during my time with Lancashire. He will be the biggest signing Brisbane Heat has made.

“I have spoken to Fred and made it clear that this is not a holiday, but he told me cricket is number one for him, and that it is not about collecting cash, it’s about winning trophies.

“I am sure Fred will do the right thing for this team. He is a proud man. He is not after the cash, he wants to contribute to the team.

“We know we will not be getting Freddie at his best from 2005, but if he is anywhere close then he will be great for us.

“The Australian fans will love him. They won’t get on his back. He will create a following here and will love it in Brisbane.”

If Flintoff does make the move down under with 2012/13 Big Bash champions Brisbane, he will find himself being on the same team as former Australian foes Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson, as well as ex-New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori.