Flintoff: England will emerge stronger

12 April 2012

Andrew Flintoff believes England's downtrodden squad will emerge stronger for their experience in Australia despite facing the prospect of an Ashes whitewash.

Defeats in the opening four Tests have left this winter's tourists on course to suffer the first Ashes whitewash since 1920-21. But as England prepare for the final Test at the SCG, captain Flintoff claims the younger players in the squad will have had their development accelerated by their exposure to facing Australia.

"I'm sure from the experience everyone has learnt something about themselves that they can take on into their careers, into next summer and into 2009 when we next play Australia," said Flintoff.

"Most of the lads in this side will be involved in that - they are still young enough - provided they are performing. They'll have learnt a hell of a lot on this trip and will take that into future Ashes series and future series."

England are considering whether to name an unchanged team or field two spinners.

Off-spinner Jamie Dalrymple has come into consideration as a possible replacement for seamer Sajid Mahmood on a pitch which traditionally offers turn.

If Dalrymple does make his Test debut it will be the first time England have fielded two spinners in a Test in Australia since Eddie Hemmings and Phil Tufnell claimed 12 wickets between them in the drawn 1991 Test in Sydney.

Flintoff added: "Historically this wicket has turned and two spinners have played on occasions, so he (Dalrymple) is someone who will come into the equation when we come to pick a side for the Test match.

"Jamie is a good all-round package and he's shown that in the one-dayers. He's performed well with the ball and got important runs. He's obviously a fine bowler and a capable batsman too."

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