Victory is still in our hands, says Flintoff
ALL-ROUNDER Andrew Flintoff believes England are still in the box seat ahead of a potentially thrilling final day of the third Ashes Test with Australia at Edgbaston today.
Flintoff top scored with a fine 74 – his highest innings on home soil since the 2005 series – to hand the hosts a healthy 113-run first innings lead in this rain-affected contest.
Australia then closed the day on 88-2 – still 25 runs behind – and now realistically must bat out two full sessions in order to prevent England facing an achievable run chase.
“We need to take quick wickets in the morning, but this is a game we can win,” Flintoff said confidently. “We’ve got to believe we can do it. The first session is massive and we will have to be patient – who knows?”
Flintoff’s innings tipped the balance back in England’s favour after Australia had reduced the hosts to 168-5, chasing 263. He put on a quickfire 89 with Matt Prior (41) and then added 52 with Stuart Broad, who contributed a stylish half-century. But Flintoff’s efforts finally came to an end when he was unfortunately caught off his glove off the bowling of Nathan Hauritz.
Graham Onions then removed Simon Katich for 26 before spinner Graeme Swann brilliantly clean bowled Australia captain Ricky Ponting for just five to turn the screw.
The Australians still have plenty of batting to come but Flintoff insists they will be tested to the limit in a crucial first session this morning, which he believes could determine the outcome of the match.
“Onions and Swann bowled great spells and we’re in this game,” he said. “We know Australia fight all the way down and they will be thinking if they can survive the first session, they’ll be able to save the game.
“But if we start well in the morning and get some momentum we believe we can win the match.”