CLAIRE HUGHES charts the rise of cricketer Andrew Flintoff.

Considering 26 is lower than the average age of newly-weds and first-time buyers you would be forgiven for thinking it is seriously low for an autobiography.

But Andrew Flintoff has not had an ordinary life.

Six years ago, he made his full international debut for England to join an elite list of national greats to make their bow around their 21st birthday.

But, while he has failed to match the early genius showed by Ian Botham et al, he has had a turbulent time in those short years.

Anyone who is better known by a cartoon-character nickname - Freddie comes from Fred Flintstone - clearly has a tale to tell. And this is most definitely the case.

Readers can find out how he incurred his back injury at the age of 14 and the impact this has ultimately had on his career with fear of repeating the injury following him throughout his teenage years.

Then there is his two years of hell, where he was constantly dragged over the coals by the fans and the media at his ballooning weight - an issue made worse by having to wear a back support, which made him look even bigger than he was.

Underneath all of that is the painfully shy boy who has thrashed Mike Atherton at chess and once said he would have to ask his dad if he could play for Lancashire Seconds one day after being called up from the Under-15s.

Then there was the loss of dear friend Ben Hollioake that he had to contend with.

Stylishly produced, this book is full of big, glossy pictures and striking tributes from coaches and colleagues, both past and present, making it easy to flick through.

The main text of the book comes from journalist Patrick Murphy and is peppered with quotes from the man himself - a clever way of balancing the content, but carrying with it an unfortunate side-effect of making it sound something like an obituary at times.

It is a shame the release has missed both the Father's Day and Christmas slots because this would make a popular gift. But it will also offer inspiring words for his young fans who want to grow up to be as successful as his potential suggests.

My Life In Pictures makes for a good coffee table addition, however misleading the title, as there is most definitely more to come.

Updated: 11:01 Wednesday, July 14, 2004