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‘You look like Tarzan but you bowl like Jane’ – Shoaib Akhtar recalls Andrew Flintoff’s insult that backfired instantly

Shoaib Akhtar has recalled how Andrew Flintoff's sledging remark during England's 2005 tour of Pakistan led to an immediate dismissal.

By CricTracker Staff · Cric Tracker

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 9:39 AM

Key Things to Know

Andrew Flintoff's famous sledging remark toward Shoaib Akhtar backfired immediately when the fast bowler quickly dismissed him.
Flintoff made the comment after Akhtar repeatedly targeted him with insults regarding his weight.
Akhtar knocked over Flintoff's off stump within the first two balls after the confrontation.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar recalled a famous sledging encounter from England's 2005 tour of Pakistan. Flintoff responded to Akhtar repeatedly mocking his weight by telling him he looked like Tarzan but bowled like Jane. The insult quickly backfired when Akhtar promptly dismissed Flintoff, knocking over his off stump within the first couple of deliveries.

Speaking on the Kathmandu Podcast, Akhtar discussed the exchange alongside the broader context of his career at the time. He admitted to struggling with a knee injury during that era and playing primarily for financial compensation before eventually being dropped by Pakistan.

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