PRESTON cricketer Andy Flintoff has been given the seal of approval by his international captain Alec Stewart.

The England skipper has declared Flintoff as the "biggest hitter in the game."

Stewart showered the former Ribbleton Hall High School pupil with praise, adding that he can't wait to see the Prestonian in action during this summer's World Cup, which, it is hoped, will give the game a much-needed image boost.

Stewart said: "I am sure he hits the longest ball in the game today. He is a match-winner and an entertainer.

"I can only think of three people who might hit the ball as far as Freddie (his dressing room nickname) - Ian Botham, Viv Richards and Tiger Woods."

And Andy certainly pleased the Lancashire fans at the weekend with an amazing 143 runs from just 66 balls against Essex on Sunday, something which the whole world, according to Stewart, will have taken notice of.

Stewart added: "That sort of score is great because other World Cup teams will be thinking, 'Who is Andrew Flintoff?'

"They are going to find that no ground is too big for him.

"When he played in Sharjah he was hitting the ball into neighbouring Dubai.

"He has had some back problems in the past but it is now standing up well and he can bowl now.

"He has brilliant hands and a rocket throwing arm."

But for the remainder of the week it is back to county level with Lancashire currently playing Leicester in the county championship.

The opening game of the World Cup takes place at Lords on May 14 when England face Sri Lanka.

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