‘He said: ‘Forgive me Shoaib…’’ - Shoaib Akhtar recalls his duel with Andrew Flintoff in 2005 England Test series

Pakistan will begin the three-match home Test series against England on 1 December 2022. After a long gap of 17 years, England have arrived in Pakistan to play a Tests series. The last time, they played a Test series in Pakistan was in 2005. Now, ahead of that series, the former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar opened up about an incident with Andrew Flintoff.

He recalled his heated exchange with the former star all-rounder of England, Flintoff. During that series in 2005, Flintoff said that Akhtar “looked like Tarzan but bowled like Jane.” While recalling that statement, Akhtar said that Freddie Flintoff was the main motivation for him to do well in that series.   

“Once I was, then my main motivation was Freddie Flintoff.” - Shoaib Akhtar

While talking to The Guardian, Shoaib Akhtar said: “I was on the edge of my sofa wondering whether I was going to be selected for the series or not. Once I was, then my main motivation was Freddie Flintoff.”

“I got Freddie on my radar and I just started bowling bouncers. He was uncomfortable, I got him out and said to him: ‘How do I look Mr. Flintoff, like Tarzan or Jane?’" Akhtar added. “He said: ‘Forgive me Shoaib. You are two different people in a span of three weeks. You were unfit and down in the mouth and now you are totally different. What happened?’ I said: ‘A lot of painkillers and even more heart.’” Shoaib Akhtar recalled.  

Meanwhile, before this series, England’s Test skipper, Ben Stokes came up with a huge announcement. He said that he will donate all of his match fees from this upcoming series to the flood victims in Pakistan. On Twitter, he wrote: "It is great to be in Pakistan for the first time for this historic series. To be back here after 17 years as a Test side is very exciting. There is a sense of responsibility amongst the playing and support group and to be there is special. The floods that devastated Pakistan earlier this year were very sad to see and have had a significant impact on the country and the people. The game has given me a lot in my life and I feel it's only right to give something back that goes far beyond cricket. I will be donating my match fees from this Test series to the Pakistan flood appeal. Hopefully, this donation can go towards the rebuilding of areas of Pakistan most affected by the flooding."