England, August 19: Andrew Flintoff believes that an England victory in the final Test against Australia would surpass their Ashes-winning achievements of 2005.
The Oval will mark his last Test for England and the all-rounder, who missed the three-day drubbing at Headingley, said yesterday that if they win it will be a “greater achievement” than the extraordinary events of four years ago when the Ashes were regained for the first time in 16 years.
Flintoff and his team-mates yesterday arrived at The Oval to prepare for tomorrow’s decisive Test. With the series tied, England have to win to prevent Australia retaining the urn.
“It’s different from 2005 because we’re at 1-1, but if we win this one it will be a far greater achievement,” he said. “2005 was fantastic but the side had performed well over a period of time. We came here against Australia expecting to win.
I’m not saying we’re not doing that this time but the side has been through a lot over the past 12 months, it has changed a hell of a lot. We have got some young players who have never played in the Ashes, and from my point of view I’ve had to get over injuries to be here.”
Flintoff will retire from Tests after the game, but is determined not to let that become a distraction from the job in hand. “The occasion is bigger than that. It’s more the chance to win the Ashes again.”
–Agencies