Andrew Flintoff, MBE, (born 6 December 1977, Preston, Lancashire) is a cricketer who plays for Lancashire and England. A tall (6' 4") fast bowler, aggressive batsman and fine fielder, he is perceived by some to be one of the few genuine all-rounders in the international game at the present time. His nickname "Freddie" or "Fred" comes from the similarity between his surname and that of Fred Flintstone. Since his debut in 1998, Flintoff has become an integral player, and has both captained and vice-captained the team. He has been plagued with ankle injuries due to his bowling action, and in late 2007 a fourth operation took him out of cricket until summer 2008.