Flintoff hoping for another heroic Ashes display at Edgbaston

WARWICKSHIRE - England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff hopes to repeat another burst of final-day heroics on Monday in the third Ashes test against Australia, similar to his performance at Lords that allowed the hosts to take a one nil lead in the series.

He blasted 74 on the fourth day to take the game away from the Aussies, who resume 25 runs behind today on 88-2.

Freddie said: “Going into the final day at Lords, we needed five wickets and we knew that, if we got the breakthrough, we would be pretty strong favourites. They still have some class players to come in and it won’t be easy. Patience will be tested and it will be attritional cricket. But if we stick to our guns and start well we will be sitting pretty by the evening.”

“We have worked so hard in this Test and the morning session will be massive for both sides. We can put some pressure on them and we can win. But they will be thinking if they can get through to lunch unscathed, they will be doing all right. Of course we believe we can win. We have the attack that is capable of doing it,” The Daily Express quoted him, as saying.

Flintoff also praised off-spinner Graeme Swann for his performance in the series so far.

“He has been fantastic since he has come into the side. He is an important member of the side, especially when he chipped in with the runs too,” he said.

Australia seamer Ben Hilfenhaus, who bagged four wickets as England were bowled out for 376 to post a lead of 113, said: “Our plan in the morning was to knock them over but it didn’t quite happen like that. So it is back to Plan B. We are going to have to bat the day out but we always want to try and win any game.” (ANI)