Defeats will help us - Flintoff

Andrew Flintoff bats in the nets

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

Defeats in the opening four Tests, including losing in three days in the previous Test at Melbourne, 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 retain the same line-up who slipped to the innings defeat in Melbourne or consider the possibility of fielding two spinners as they attempt to prevent the whitewash.

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

Jamie Dalrymple could play in the fifth Test © Getty Images

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.

But England look likely to end that sequence by including Dalrymple in their thoughts with Flintoff admitting: “Historically this wicket has turned and two spinners have played on occasions, so he 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.

“He’s started his one-day international career well and when people do that they want to get into the Test side and want to develop their games and want to play the longer form of the game and Jamie is no different - I’m sure he’s got the attributes to do that.”