Flintoff pleased with progress

Paul Collingwood is set to bat at No.4 in the first Test © Getty Images

It has been a week of fluctuating fortunes for England as they build up to next week's first Test, but Andrew Flintoff is pleased with the progress of his team after another solid day against South Australia which was led by Ian Bell's 132.

"There's a real nice feel within the dressing room and everybody realises what it means to each and every one of us, what it means to people watching back home," Flintoff said after England closed on 6 for 303. "The excitement's just starting to build up now. People are realising how close this Test match is.

"I think we've progressed well since we've arrived in the country. Since the Canberra game and New South Wales, we got better through that game and in this one we started well with the ball and the batters have played well today. The bowlers are getting miles in their legs, the batters are scoring runs a week out from the first Test - I'm pleased with how we're taking shape."

The departure of Marcus Trescothick and injury doubts over Steve Harmison have given the England camp plenty to ponder as the countdown continues to the first day at the Gabba. However, so far the squad have managed to put any difficulties behind them with encouraging performances on the field and Flintoff says it just goes to emphasise how the team respond under pressure.

"A few things have happened over the past 12 to 18 months, with injuries and playing under different people, and the team have always responded well," he said. "That is the strength of this side - we've got a lot of character and whoever's asked to do the job has just performed and just got on with it. I think you've seen in this game so far, that's happened and we're looking for that next week as well."

Flintoff was especially enthused about the effort of Bell, who added 178 for the third wicket with Paul Collingwood, after England slumped to 3 for 34. "I was pleased with that. Belly's been in nice touch. He's looked good in the nets. I know he didn't score any runs in Sydney but in the nets he's been hitting the ball nicely. He played a great knock today, along with Paul.

"Paul's been shoved up to number four a little bit earlier than maybe what he's done in the past, but he's responded well to it. He adapts quickly."

Flintoff also strongly hinted that Collingwood's promotion to No. 5 (effectively No. 4 because Matthew Hoggard was nightwatchman) would be the order England use at Brisbane.

"Alastair Cook has opened the batting before, that's no problem. Belly's batted three and Kevin's been a prolific scorer at five. He's scored a lot of runs in both forms of the game, and Colly's a more-than-able number four. We've got the utmost confidence in Colly batting there."