ANDY Flintoff took out a month of frustration and disappointment on luckless Essex at Chelmsford yesterday.

And now he's ready to lead England's bid for the World Cup.

The big-hitting all-rounder smashed 143 from only 66 balls, Lancashire's highest-ever innings in one-day cricket, including nine sixes to set the Lightning on course for a three-run victory over Essex Eagles in the CGU National League. "I enjoyed that," big Freddie agreed afterwards.

"It's been frustrating just waiting around and it was vital that we got a win after having so much cricket rained off.

"I am hitting the ball as cleanly as ever. I hope I can carry on when the World Cup starts - if I'm selected."

Yesterday's innings was further evidence of what regular Lancashire watchers have known for a year - not only should England build their World Cup team around Freddie, but the Preston powerhouse has the potential to be the most popular English cricketer since Ian Botham - and how the game needs a hero now.

After a promising season went pear-shaped last summer immediately after his Test debut against South Africa at Trent Bridge, he was snubbed by the selectors for the one-day series and the winter tour of Australia.

Fortunately, in coach David Lloyd, there is one man in the England set-up who knows all about Freddie's explosive talent - and he got the nod for the Coca Cola Cup in Sharjah. Now Graham Gooch, who watched his beloved Essex put to the sword yesterday, should have seen the light.

Flintoff's innings, which also included 17 fours meaning that 122 of his runs came in boundaries, allowed Lancashire to post 301-6 in their 45 overs, with skipper John Crawley playing the perfect supporting role with 84 from 108 balls.

Freddie also claimed three wickets, but conceded 60 in his nine overs as Essex keeper Robert Rollins led a brave Eagles run chase. They started the last over needing 18 and Ashley Cowan caused a few flutters by whacking Glen Chapple's first ball for six, but a couple of run outs and Lancashire were home.

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