Andrew Flintoff's success for England during the winter tours has inspired Somerset all rounder Ian Blackwell to want to emulate the Lancashire player.

Blackie told me, "He thoroughly deserves the success that he is having especially after he has taken so much stick about his weight. He has worked very hard and has got a lot to offer England."

He continued, "If he can stay fit he will be a very useful member of the test and one day side. He is a genuine all rounder."

Blackie played with Andrew Flintoff in the England side that took part in the Hong Kong Sixes back in the autumn, and was very impressed with his performances, and enjoyed his company.

The Somerset player told me, "He is the same age as I am, and we came through the age groups together, and played against each other when I was at Derbyshire. Certain players you almost dread playing against and he was one. He was always the one who'd make it big time, and now he has."

"Hong Kong was a taster for me, and I got to know him well over there. I hope that one day we will get to play in the same England one day side together," Blackie told me,and concluded, "Seeing his success makes me more determined than ever in my fitness campaign."

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