Flintoff hopes cricket will dispel gloom

Andrew Flintoff believes England will play a humanitarian role on their tour to grief-stricken Pakistan, yet acknowledges that a series win will be foremost on the team's mind.

"If we can bring some pleasure to people over there who are suffering, by playing cricket, then we feel we're making a contribution," Flintoff told Sky Sports News. "As for the cricket, it's going to be tough. In some ways I think it's going to be as hard as the Ashes series." Flintoff's statement comes after a tragic earthquake struck the Kashmir region which borders India and Pakistan, killing more than 20,000 people.

England travel to Pakistan full of confidence after their overwhelming Ashes victory, followed by a visit to India in early 2006. Flintoff remains upbeat about the subcontinent tour. "Playing on the subcontinent all winter, with India as well, is going to test us," he told Sky Sports News. "And we'll have to play well and be up for it as much as we were in the summer".

The situation in Pakistan is being closely monitored by the England and Wales Cricket Board, who have hired the services of a security unit to inspect the grounds and conditions that is expected to submit its review by the end of the week. No significant changes have been made in the itinerary as yet, but there is speculation that England's first match may be shifted to Lahore.

England are due to arrive in Pakistan on October 26 for three Tests and five one-day internationals.