Andrew Flintoff, who played through pain to sink the Australia in the second test yesterday, is determined to ensure England regain the Ashes after the final test at the Oval
Andrew Flintoff, who played through pain to sink the Australia in the second test yesterday, is determined to ensure England regain the Ashes after the final test at the Oval
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Andrew Flintoff celebrates after dismissing Peter Siddle. England beat Australia in the second Test at Lord's yesterday. |
Never at Lord's
"You hear what's been said and it's never been my intention to bow out at Lord's," stressed Flintoff, surrounded by speculation it may have been his last Test because of persistent knee problems. "I want to be in an Ashes-winning team come the last Test match at the Oval. To be on that podium at the last Test will be the perfect way for me to go."
Flintoff's stunning performance ensured Australia, chasing a world-record winning total of 522, were dismissed for 406 after resuming the final morning on 313 for five and was only the third five-wicket haul of his 76-Test England career.
Long time coming
It was his first five-for since claiming five for 78 against Australia at the Oval four years ago, which secured England's historic series win, and despite feeling discomfort during the last five days he is determined to finish the series.
"I've three Tests to go and I will do anything to get out onto that field and finish this series," he said. "The encouraging thing from my point of view is that I've bowled all my overs. "I may have had a bit of discomfort, but I've played most of my career in discomfort so that's nothing new. I know where I am with it.
"There were a couple of twinges in the knee, however it's encouraging that I can run in and bowl the amount of overs I have done so that bodes well for three more Test matches I want to play a major part in that, I want to play a major part in the team's success."
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