Aussies shocked by Freddie's retirement plans

London, July 16(ANI): England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff's decision to quit international Test cricket after the ongoing Ashes series has shocked quite a few Australian cricketers, including Nathan Hauritz and Marcus North.

Hauritz and North had faced Flintoff for the first time at Cardiff last week, and were gearing up for Thursday's second Test match at Lord's, when they learnt about Freddie's retirement plans.

"I'm shocked. He has been the cornerstone for English cricket for some time now. You only had to see at Cardiff, when he came on to bowl or out to bat, the lift he gave the whole ground," The Sun quoted Hauritz, as saying.

Meanwhile, middle-order batsman North acclaimed the credibility of Freddie and claimed that he is still a fearsome bowler to bat against.

"Andrew's been outstanding in his career and an icon in his country. He's obviously had problems with fitness and the gruelling nature of the game. But without question he'll be a huge loss to the game," North said.

"He's still bowling really quick and without a doubt he is intimidating.

To keep charging in like he does, with the injuries he's had, just shows what a competitor he is," he added. (ANI)