'I played for England while drunk'

Andrew Flintoff. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Andrew Flintoff. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Published Feb 6, 2016

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London - Andrew Flintoff has revealed that he played Test cricket for England when under the influence of alcohol.

The former all-rounder, who played 79 Tests for England, has been open about his battles with depression and alcohol.

Speaking on tonight's Jonathan Ross Show on ITV, he was asked if he had ever gone on to a pitch drunk. “I think the question is, was I ever sober?” joked 38-year-old Flintoff, who is now teetotal.

“I played a Test match against South Africa and we were getting beat... I was next in to bat the next morning so I had one in the bar... then we had two or three. It was Stella, the strong stuff, and the captain said, 'Get to bed'.

“He started to have a go at me. I said, 'Look mate, I'll get you 100 tomorrow.' I went out to bat, I was stinking but the pressure was on and I ended up getting my second 100 in Test cricket. There were so many times it didn't come off.”

The Independent

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