Flintoff shows off new delivery

England cricketer Andrew Flintoff has become a father for the first time - and proudly shows off his new delivery.

The all-rounder's fiancèe Rachael Wools gave birth to daughter Holly in the early hours of yesterday at the Royal London Hospital.

Holly, who weighed in at 6lb 2oz, was born four weeks prematurely, and both mother and baby are said to be doing well.

Flintoff, 26, who missed the NatWest Challenge defeat to India at Lord's to be at the birth, was soon on the phone to close friend and England team-mate Stephen Harmison.

"He rang me at 4.53am," said world number one Test bowler Harmison. "I am really happy for him - although I wasn't at the time! I thought it was my alarm. I answered, and he said 'I'm a dad!'"

But the beaming father will not have too much time on nappy duty - he is expected to play on Friday when England begin their ICC Champions Trophy campaign against Zimbabwe at Edgbaston.