According to me it is Freddie Flintoff who bowled one of the great spells of cricket history in the 2005–06 Ashes series.

BACKGROUND:

It was 1986–87 when England last won the Ashes urn. They had waited a long time to gain back the urn. It was the Australian Cricket team which ruled the decade(2000–10), since they had great names in their team. However it was the year 2005 which witnessed the greatest of all Ashes where England gained back the urn by defeating the mighty Australians (2–1).

After the comprehensive win by 239 runs at Lord’s, Australia 1–0 up in the series were to face England at Edgbaston which witnessed one of the classic nail biting thrillers. It was England who won by mere two runs, thanks to Freddie Flintoff who bowled a wonderful spell, probably the spell of his life.

In their second innings Australia were chasing a target of 282 runs.

Hayden and Langer provided a positive start for Aussies by dispatching bad deliveries to the fence. By the end of 12th over, they piled 47 runs and were looking good.

Then came Flintoff to bowl the 13th over. The whole Edgbaston was about to witness the magical spell by Freddie. What’s even more interesting was that he was on a hat-trick. He had ended the first Aussie innings by taking last two wickets in two balls.

BALL 12.1 (Flintoff to Langer)

Here comes Flintoff with his run up. Bowls a good line 87.6 mph delivery. Well defended by Langer.

BALL 12.2 (Flintoff to Langer)

Second delivery round the wicket.

A perfect line and length deceives Langer. Inside edge of the bat guides the ball towards the elbow and then on the stumps.

Gets rid of Langer on the second ball. Misses the hat-trick but 3 wickets of last 4 deliveries!!! That’s great!!!

Ricky Ponting in his prime form comes to the crease

BALL 12.3 (Flintoff to Ponting)

An inswinging delivery 89.4 mph. Whoa!!! That’s fast, really fast. Ponting tries to defend. Misses the bat. Strikes on the pad. Huge shout by the fielding team. Billy Bowden says “NO”. Height was the matter along with impact outside off stump.

BALL 12.4 (Flintoff to Ponting)

Bowls outside off. Ponting surprised by the slightest outswing, brings the bat down. Ball nicks the bat and just falls short of the gully fielder. Once again Ponting remains lucky.

BALL 12.5 (Flintoff to Ponting)

Once again Flintoff bowls an inswinging delivery which confuses the Australian captain. Hits him on his pads. Once again umpire Billy Bowden says “NO”. No ways that wasn't out. Once again Ponting’s luck over weighed Flintoff’s brilliance. Absolutely magnificent piece of cricket!!!

BALL 12.6(Flintoff to Ponting)

Flintoff tries hard (90 mph). In the process of which he oversteps. No ball called by the umpire. Ponting leaves the delivery. Flintoff had to rebowl the delivery.

BALL 12.6(Flintoff to Ponting)

You beauty!!! OUT

What a ball!!! An outswinging bowl outside off takes nick off Ponting's bat and lands in the safe hands of wicket keeper Jones. This time no one can save Ponting.

What a great end to an over. Flintoff comes into the attack, picks up two very very important wickets.

England eventually went on to win the nail-biter by mere 2 runs. The margin of victory itself explains the importance of these two wickets.

No doubt it was one of the greatest overs in cricket history!!!