Andrew Flintoff was once run out for England because he couldn't move due to Viagra

The former England all-rounder did not specify which game the run-out occurred

Flintoff retired from full-time cricket in 2009 (Getty Images)

Andrew Flintoff has revealed that he was once run out while batting for England because he could only 'hop' due to the effects of Viagra.

The 37-year-old all-rounder, who retired from full-time cricket in 2009, is currently promoting his second autobiography Second Innings with a nationwide stage tour during which he recounts the experience with the erectile dysfunction drug.

"It started with an article my ex sold to the News of the World," Flintoff told the Daily Mail. "It wasn’t very complimentary about my 'performance', if you get my meaning.

"So I decided I had to put that myth to bed even though I was in the middle of a Test match.

"I took three Viagra one night and didn’t realise how long they lasted. Trying to bat the next day in that state was not easy. I was run out, simply because I couldn’t move. I could only hop. It wasn’t worth it, either. Complete waste of time."

Flintoff, who was often a bullish presence at the crease during his international career, has also spoken about the depression which he unknowingly suffered from while at the top of the world game.

"Cricket gave me sleepless nights," he admitted. "David Lloyd (the former England and Lancashire coach) once told me never to put my helmet on until I got to the batting square."

I took wickets and everybody was celebrating around me and I just felt nothing, absolutely nothing.

&#13; <p>Flintoff on his depression</p>&#13;

"Let them see your eyes. Walk out as if you own the place. And that’s what I always did. The truth is that I never felt like I owned anything. It was all an act. I was just scared."

It was, however, only in retirement that Flintoff realised he may suffer from the condition. After presenting a BBC documentary on depression in sports stars in 2012, Flintoff approached his own doctor.

"During that filming what I already knew deep down became very clear," he said. "With me it was most apparent at the 2007 World Cup."

"I took wickets and everybody was celebrating around me and I just felt nothing, absolutely nothing.

"I thought I was ill. I went to the team doctor. I had no idea what was wrong. I know now. I have seen experts about it and it was a relief to be told what it was."

Flintoff still takes anti-depressants on occasion to combat the illness but is happy to have a better understanding of his illness.

"I have at times [taken medication], yeah," he said. "That’s fine. I haven’t for a while but I get checks. Everything is great at the moment, life’s good.

"Sometimes you feel something and you know it’s there again. But I know what it is and that’s reassuring. Usually it passes.

"I reckon when I started out, if someone had said something in the dressing room about depression it would have been used against them. Hopefully it wouldn’t be now."