The famous photo of Andrew Flintoff consoling a distraught Brett Lee following the 2005 Ashes Test at Edgbaston has become one of cricket’s defining images.
Australia was within touching distance of a miracle win in Birmingham when, with three runs needed for victory, England bowler Steve Harmison dismissed Australian tailender Michael Kasprowicz, caught behind by wicketkeeper Geraint Jones for 20.
England won the match by two runs, ultimately sealing the unforgettable series 2-1.
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Amid the English celebrations, Flintoff walked over towards the devastated Lee, who was hunched over on the crease, and offered his Australian rival a handshake and a pat on the shoulder.
Lee had made 43 not out and batted for 99 minutes. It wasn’t enough.
Flintoff’s act of sportsmanship has been celebrated in the 20 years since — but often overlooked is what the former England captain uttered to Lee at the time.
According to several accounts, Flintoff joked in the years since that he told Lee: “That’s one-all, you Aussie b*stard.”
However, this may have been an embellishment. Asked for verification in 2021, Lee admitted his memory of Flintoff’s exact phrasing was hazy.
“I can’t remember, I honestly can’t remember what he said,” Lee told Fox Cricket.
“I’ve spoken to him (Flintoff) about it. He said something along the lines of, ‘You cheeky little bugger. I’ll catch you inside for a cold beer.’ It was quick and bad luck with a slice of cheekiness about it.”
Asked again about the iconic moment by The Daily Mail this week, Lee confessed: “That (bastard comment) might have been thrown in there.”
However, what Flintoff said has never been verified. Quizzed about the moment in 2018, he explained: “We’d just beaten them and he’d done really well and I like Brett Lee and he was crying.
“I said, ‘Mate, this is embarrassing … you’ve lost, it’s cricket, nobody cares, the trophy’s (tiny), f***ing get over it – it really does not matter’.”
Regardless, the photo still is used by the International Cricket Council to promote the spirit of cricket.
“It was a great gesture from him and his character,” Lee continued.
“It sums up Andrew Flintoff. He plays really hard, tough cricket. As soon as the game is done, he wants to enjoy his teammates or his opponents he’s played against. The respect level was there.
“He could have been off celebrating with his teammates – which he did after – but he came over first to console me and make sure I was OK. That sums up Andrew Flintoff and a great fella… That’s a great reason why you play sports, because of those moments.
“I’m proud that it is the Spirit Of Cricket photograph they use. So it should be.”