Flintoff: team spirit is high

Andrew Flintoff © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Andrew Flintoff has insisted morale and team spirit within the England camp are high as his side go into the fifth Test looking to salvage something from the Ashes series.

Flintoff will be looking for a repeat performance of the final Ashes Test in Australia in 2002/3 when Nasser Hussain’s team avoided a series whitewash with 225-run victory.

The all-rounder responded to sections of the media who have suggested there are problems within the England squad after several players decided not to attend the traditional Christmas Day lunch while some went their separate ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sydney.

“On Christmas Day there was a lunch put on for the lads who wanted to go, but some people have family out here and others have got friends out here from living here or spending time out in Australia,” Flintoff said.

“It wasn’t compulsory and just because some of the lads didn’t go to the Christmas dinner, I wouldn’t read too much into that.

“We spend a lot of time together over a course of a year and over the course of a tour and everyone gets on and people are reading too much into it.

“As for last night (New Year’s Eve) the lads were left to their own devices to do what they wanted to do. Some went to a restaurant, some went on a boat and some did their own thing.

“On New Year’s Eve with a Test match in two days, I don’t think you can make it compulsory for people to stay up until midnight and party through the evening.”

Kevin Pietersen is England's leading run scorer in this series © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Indeed Flintoff did not spend the evening with the majority of the team, who attended a function laid on by the England and Wales Cricket Board on the harbour to watch the traditional fireworks.

While most of the squad attended that party, Flintoff and a few other members of the team were in the harbour on a boat bringing in the new year.

“I’ve got friends and family out here and people who have helped on my benefit year and worked hard on it,” he said.

“They have all come out for this Test match and there were friends, family and some of the lads on the boat - it was mainly as a thank you to the people who have worked so hard during the year.”

Flintoff also sprang to the defence of Kevin Pietersen who had been singled out by some sections of the media.

“We know Kevin, we know the fantastic things he does on the pitch and he’s a real asset in our dressing room since he came into the side and he’s a popular member," he said.

“I’m not worried about Kevin Pietersen or anyone else in our dressing room. Everyone fits in and everyone has different characters but when we come together it’s a great blend and a great dressing room to be in.”

He added: “I haven’t had to do anything really to raise the morale. They are a really happy bunch, a really good set of lads. We all bounce off each other. I enjoy being around them to keep me up and we work well as a group.”