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OTD In 2005: Flintoff’s Consoling Gesture To Brett Lee Became An Eternal Ashes Memory

Jatin

Andrew Flintoff consoles Brett Lee [Source: AFP Photos]Andrew Flintoff consoles Brett Lee [Source: AFP Photos]

It has been twenty whole years but that image still hits home. Andrew Flintoff, crouched beside a gutted Brett Lee, hand on shoulder, sharing a word or two after one of the greatest Tests ever played.

Flintoff Knelt Beside Lee And Gave Cricket One Of Its Most Iconic Moments

If ever there was a photo that said “cricket is more than just a game,” it was this. On this day in 2005, England edged past Australia by the skin of their teeth, just 2 runs the margin but what truly stood the test of time was what happened after the final ball was bowled.

Flintoff walked up to Lee, down on his haunches and offered a hand and a few words that would echo for generations.

The second Ashes Test of 2005 at Birmingham was war disguised as sport. It swung like a pendulum, every session tossing momentum back and forth. England piled on 407 in the first innings, led by Marcus Trescothick, Kevin Pietersen and Flintoff. Australia replied with 308.

But it was Day 4 that entered cricketing legend. England set the Aussies 282 to win. Nobody gave them a sniff after they were reduced to 175/8. But Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz threw the kitchen sink at it. Boundaries came. Edgbaston held its breath. Every run was pure theatre.

Then, with just 3 to win, Kasprowicz gloved a short ball. Geraint Jones pouched it. Billy Bowden’s finger went up. England had pulled off a two-run miracle. The crowd erupted. Players lost their minds. But amid the chaos, Andrew Flintoff’s calm gesture of respect to Lee cut through all the noise.

Not Just A Win But A Memory Etched In Time

It wasn’t just about a Test match. It was about what cricket is at its core. Respect. Rivalry. Redemption.

Lee was devastated. He had fought tooth and nail, took body blows and nearly pulled off the unthinkable. Flintoff didn’t need to say anything. That touch on the shoulder did the talking. It just one warrior acknowledging another.

That one moment was replayed a million times across news channels, social media and cricket documentaries. Even people who didn’t follow the Ashes remembered that picture. Kids who hadn’t even picked up a bat saw what true sportsmanship looked like.

The 2005 Ashes is often called the greatest series of all time. But this Test, this finish, this handshake is its heart. And now, a decade later, fans still remember it like it was yesterday.