Flintoff says wants to end Test career with an Ashes high

London, July 15 (ANI): England all-rounder Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff formally announced on Wednesday that he would be quitting Test cricket after this year's Ashes series because his body had told him to stop.

"My body has told me it's time to stop. I've been through four ankle operations, I had knee surgery just a couple of months ago and had three jabs in my knee on Monday just to get me right for this Test so I took that as my body telling me that I can't cope with the rigours of Test cricket," The Telegraph quoted Flintoff, as saying at a press conference at Lords, the venue of the second Ashes Test with Australia that gets underway from tomorrow.

"Since 2005 I've done two years when I've done nothing but rehab from one injury or another. Two of the last four years I've spent just in rehabilitation and I just can't keep doing it for myself, my own sanity, my family and also for the team -because they need to move on as well.

"It's been something I've been thinking about for a while and I think this last problem I've had with my knee has confirmed to me that the time is now right.

"For the next four Test matches I'll do everything I need to do to get on a cricket field and I'm desperate to make my mark.

"I want to finish playing for England on a high and if you look at the fixtures going forward, the way my body is suggests I won't be able to get through that," Flintoff said

Although Flintoff's announcement could be seen as a disruption ahead of a crucial Ashes Test match, the news is likely to be an extra incentive for the England players as the Lancastrian's international Test career closes in.

The England players held a brief huddle on the Lord's outfield this morning where Flintoff shook his team-mates' hands before departing for the dressing rooms.

Flintoff was named man of the series after a playing a pivotal role during England's Ashes win in 2005. In December that year he was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year. (ANI)