Flintoff says he is a better cricketer having seen the light now

London, Sep 6 : English al rounder Andrew Flintoff reckons that he is a better cricketer now he has seen the light after the dark days of his career.

The Lancashire all-rounder bounced back from a fourth ankle operation and a side strain to be Man of the Series in England's 4-0 NatWest Series romp against South Africa.

Freddie finished as the leading wicket-taker and run-scorer and has also become new skipper Kevin Pietersen's right-hand man, The Sun reported.

Flintoff, regarded as a disruptive influence towards the end of ex-coach Duncan Fletcher's reign, said: "I think I'm a better cricketer and better person for those dark times."

"When you experience tough times, better times are that much sweeter. It's a complete reversal from six months ago and I'm absolutely loving it at the moment," he added.

ANI