Pakistan will be as tough as the Ashes, says Flintoff

DUBAI—Andrew Flintoff says England will need to show the same intensity and passion that regained the Ashes from Australia during next month’s tour of Pakistan. “The series will be as tough as the Ashes,” said the all rounder, who is in Dubai to raise funds for south Asia earthquake victims.
“Conditions in Pakistan will be totally different from England and playing there will be quite a challenge. “I already have a taste of what to expect in Pakistan,” said Flintoff on Monday referring to an express delivery from Shoaib Akhtar which hit his shoulder during a practice session for the recent ICC (International Cricket Council) World XI games in Australia.
“It was the very first ball I faced from Shoaib”. The England squad fly out on Tuesday and Flintoff said Pakistan was a good place to play cricket.
“This will be my third visit there, the first being with the under-19 team,” said the Lancashire player, named this month alongside South African Jacques Kallis as joint winners of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for international cricketer of the year.
“The environment is superb and there is so much enthusiasm about the game. You can see so many kids playing in the streets”.
Flintoff said England would miss the injured Simon Jones in Pakistan after the Glamorgan paceman excelled in the 2-1 home series victory over Australia.
“Simon did well in the Ashes with his reverse swing but (replacement) Liam Plunkett is a fine prospect I feel will do well in Pakistan.
“Pakistan have some quality spinners but then don’t forget we have been playing really well for the last two years,” said Flintoff.
The 27-year-old all rounder said he did not consider himself a natural bowler.
“I have to put in a lot of effort,” said Flintoff. “Basically, I am a batsman who can bowl a bit.
“In some ways I am still a novice with the ball...it’s a nice feeling that my bowling is improving”.
Asked about Australia’s recent home test and one-day wins over the ICC’s World XI, Flintoff said: “The results proved you can’t build a side overnight, even with the world’s best players.
“We did come close together as a group as the series wore on but then building a World XI is always a hard and tricky thing.
“Don’t forget Australia played well in the Ashes series, the results were too close. They are still a pretty good side, something they proved in the world series”.
Flintoff said he was still finding it hard to come to terms with all the attention he had received since he hit 402 runs and took 24 wickets in the five tests against Australia.
“Our profiles have gone through the roof after the Ashes triumph. But essentially nothing has really changed apart from that I am an Ashes winner.
“I have the same family, the same friends, I still go to the same places, so in that respect not a great deal has changed”.
England are scheduled to play three tests and five one-day internationals in Pakistan.
The first test in Multan starts on November 12.—Agencies