Andrew Flintoff’s new life as a freelance cricketer could begin with a maiden stint in the commentary box during the Champions League Twenty20 tournament that gets underway in India on October 8, when Somerset and Sussex will be representing England’s interests.

Flintoff’s flat Preston vowels are arguably the least exciting aspect of an otherwise charismatic cricketer, but that is of no consequence to ESS, who own the global rights to the tournament and have made an approach, dependant on how it will impact upon his rehabilitation from knee surgery.

Should his knee stand up to the cramped confines of the gantry, Flintoff’s presence would be a coup for British Eurosport, who have won the right to broadcast the competition, in what will be the first free-to-air cricket on British television for four years. “We are delighted to bring world class cricket to British Eurosport with this brand new and eagerly awaited event,” David Kerr, the company’s director, told the Daily Telegraph.