Flintoff staggered at Australian criticism

Andrew Flintoff has spoken of his astonishment at the hostile response by the Australian media, following Australia's Ashes defeat earlier this month. Speaking to reporters before boarding a flight to Melbourne, for next week's Super Series against Australia, he said the Australian media's criticism of their cricket team has been unduly unfair.

"They are the world's No. 1 nation and rightly so, as they've dominated for 10 years or so," Flintoff told the Herald Sun. "We have played good cricket for two years and, while we won the Ashes, it was hardly a whitewash."

Since losing the Ashes, the Australian media, including former players, have taken pot-shots at the Australian team, with Ricky Ponting's leadership again being questioned. Flintoff remained bullish, however, reminding reporters that England were a side very much in the ascendancy, and considered his team's chances of retaining the Ashes in 14 months excellent.

"We have to continue to prove ourselves, and let me tell you we have great belief that the England squad is on the verge of greatness in coming years," he added.

"We back our ability and most of us are 27 or 28 and just approaching our prime, so anything is possible. We're certainly getting closer to Australia."

Before this summer's Ashes series, many questioned whether Flintoff had the skill and tenacity to compete against Australia. His only previous encounters had been in a clutch of one-day matches, which were largely forgettable performances. However, after his series-winning and country-binding performances in 2005, he is excited at the opportunity to face Australia so soon after the dust has settled on this summer's Ashes.

"It is a great honour for me to be involved in this series and I'll be going hard at it. It will be good, hard-fought cricket."

Flintoff and the World XI face Victoria in a practice match on Sunday, before the first one-day match against Australia gets underway at Melbourne, on October 5.