‘Ashes banter will not sour cricketing relations’, says Flintoff

EDGBASTON - England cricketer Andrew Flintoff has expressed confidence that the cricketing relations between England and Australia would not turn sour following the verbal exchanges between both sides during the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

The 31 year-old all rounder reckoned that the exchange is a part of the competitive nature of the prestigious Ashes cricket, and said, that neither side had over-stepped boundaries of acceptable behaviour.

“It’s competitive out there in the middle. It means a lot to each side and the game has been played tough, but with a good spirit. It was very competitive but nothing to worry about,” The Independent quoted Flintoff, as saying.

“I’m sure when people see it they wonder what’s going on, but all the way through the Test series it’s been played in a good spirit - we’re trying to get wickets and the lads are going hard and the Australians play it tough as well,” he added.

Flintoff, Stuart Broad and James Anderson were involved in several verbal exchanges with Australian players during the fourth day of the Test match.

Flintoff’s 74 off 79 balls on Sunday led to a major comeback for England which had slipped to 168 for five in reply to Australia’s 263.

Flintoff, who would retire after the ongoing series, said he would give his absolute best on the final day to press for a 2-0 series lead.

“I’ll bowl my overs, I’ll bowl whatever Straussy asks me to, and in between Tests, I’ll rest up, do all my icing and do everything possible,” Flintoff said.

“I want to play in every Test in the series and it would have to be something very serious for me not to. I’ve scored a few runs today and bowled a few overs and I will bowl a few more on the final day and then rest up,” he added. (ANI)