Cricket: Flintoff relishes skittling Aussies

BIRMINGHAM, England - Andrew Flintoff said his performance on the third day of the second Ashes test was probably the highlight of his career and included the best over he had ever bowled.

The 27-year-old England all rounder, who hammered 73 vital runs in the second innings before capturing three wickets to take England to the brink of victory, told a news conference: "In terms of enjoyment and performance-wise, it's probably been my best day in cricket to date, especially in internationals.

"It's my second Ashes test and hopefully my first Ashes win so it's probably the highest point so far."

Australia, set 282 to win to go 2-0 up in the five-match series, ended on 175 for eight and facing defeat.

"The mood is buoyant in the dressing room. After last week (England's first test defeat at Lord's) we wanted to put on a good show and we have come to Edgbaston and played hard cricket," Flintoff added.

"We must not get ahead of ourselves, there are still two wickets to take, but we are back in it."

Flintoff said his 51-run partnership for the last wicket in the second innings on Saturday with Simon Jones had been the key in setting Australia a demanding target.

He then produced a memorable over to dismiss Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting just as the world champions were building on a bright start.

He set Ponting up with a couple of inswingers, both provoking big lbw shouts, before having him caught behind off an outswinger.

"It's probably the best over I have bowled. I was slightly fortunate to get Langer out, I think the ball hit him on the arm or leg and hit the stumps.

"I thought it was a decent first few balls against Ponting. I thought I would just swap it around to see if it went away and it did -- and it was great."

Australia leg spinner Shane Warne, whose six wickets in the second innings and 10 in the match took him to 599 test victims in his career, was full of praise for Flintoff while downplaying Australia's chance of a miracle escape on Sunday.

"To take a 10-for doesn't mean anything when you lose the game," he said.

"I hate losing, I'll be trying to fight as much as I can tomorrow. The players are disappointed, we didn't come here to lose the match. I don't think we are going to be sitting around smiling.

"Freddie is a guy anyone would want in their side. He's the go-to man for England and he's one of the good guys in international cricket."

- REUTERS