Hussain, Whatmore praise Flintoff knock

The England and Sri Lanka camps alike were awestruck with Andrew Flintoff's contribution to England's victory over Sri Lanka in last night's NatWest Series opener at Trent Bridge.

Flintoff took three wickets after an explosive 50 off just 28 balls.

Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore said: "Physically he's very strong and has a bit of skill to go with it. Any team that can have a performer capable of that is lucky. The conditions helped with the ball coming onto the bat, but he can be a really good contributor to any side.

"It is very difficult towards the last 10 overs or so. In other countries dusk time is generally at the change of innings. Here it becomes a little bit difficult towards the end of the innings. If you are a tailender coming in it is a very tough job."

The England captain Nasser Hussain was eager to praise the contributions which helped set up Flintoff's knock.

"Flintoff will obviously get a lot of the plaudits, but remember other people like Stewart and Irani performed," said Hussain. "I think Flintoff's innings was important, but not as important as those at the top of the order - they gave him the platform to go and play like that.

"Having lost two wickets so quickly through some good bowling, for Irani and Stewart to bat like that and give Flintoff that platform was the key.

"I don't know anyone who hits the ball harder than Freddie. We know what he's capable of because we have to bowl at him in the nets and it's hugely exciting to see him do it in the middle."

Man-of-the-match Flintoff added: "It was nice to get a few runs after Ronnie Irani and Alec Stewart set the innings up. Everything just came off the middle of the bat which was pleasing. I managed to take a couple of catches in an over which maybe sealed the match."

Defeated captain Sanath Jayasuriya said: "I think it was the last five overs that made the difference. It was a little unfortunate we couldn't do it. The pitch was really good. They made two brilliant catches and they fielded well. It (the series) is still open but we have to play a bit more positive and get a few more runs in the last few overs."