The Hindu : Sport : Another joyous moment for Freddie

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 10, 2006

Sport

Sport

Another joyous moment for Freddie

Corey's arrival could not have come at a more opportune time, writes Ted Corbett

With a timing that characterises everything he does, Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff became a father on the eve of the second Test. He could not have wished for the birth — slightly early since his original intention was to miss the third Test in Mumbai to be present — to have come at a more opportune time. More interestingly, his presence in India may result in him being captain full time.

At the moment everything Flintoff touches develops a golden glow; he even got off the mark with four from a half volley today. Two weeks ago, the first choice captain Michael Vaughan was injured and went home. Naturally, Marcus Trescothick, his stand-in, would take charge.

But suddenly a problem too delicate to define caused Trescothick to leave the tour. In the space of four days Flintoff went from the iconic team all rounder without any hope of the captaincy to the only story in town. As a result he declared he would not attend the birth of his son but stay with his team.

Now the baby, a brother for Holly, aged 18 months, and to be called Corey will be a new factor in the succession to what has often been called one of the most difficult jobs in the country. The other jobs not to be envied are Prime Minister and coach to the England football team. Corey was 6lb 14oz at birth, hardly a big baby for a father so large, but his early arrival probably accounts for his size.

Reason behind the name?

Flintoff is, apparently, unwilling to talk about the birth while the Test is on, so we have to guess why this name has been chosen. Britain's favourite soap opera, particularly in northern England where Flintoff lives, is Coronation Street, known to the gossip writers of the tabloid press as Cory.

Is that the reason for this odd name or is it a gesture of solidarity with Martin Corry, captain of the England Rugby Union team? Or is he named for Corey Collymore, the West Indies pace bowler?

Flintoff has turned from a wild boy who loved a few pints to a strict family man who boasts he has never been apart from his wife Rachel and Holly for more than a few days unless he is on tour. He celebrated Thursday by winning the toss for the second Test in a row which may give him the edge if a new full-time captain has to be appointed.

He has battled on with a weakened side, spoken enthusiastically and even emotionally about his pride in their performance and cut a dashing figure on the field. You may remember his consoling hug for Brett Lee, a disconsolate cricketer after England won so narrowly at Edgbaston. Thank heavens these gestures still count for something.

He will, all 6ft 4in and 16 stone of him from a state school background, make an odd addition to Lord Darnley, A.C. MacLaren, F.S.G. Calthorpe, and H.G.D. Leveson-Gower. But he has the right ideas and the luck to make him a very successful England captain.

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