Flintoff rues contrasting luck with bat and ball

England's Andrew Flintoff said he wished he could perform as well with the bat as he did with the ball on Thursday, when he took three top order Indian wickets.

"It'll be nice to get the two at the same time. As yet I haven't managed to do that," Flintoff told reporters

His three for 30 left India reeling at 99 for three at close on the second day of the third and final Test, still 237 runs behind.

"I think my bowling is far better than my batting," he joked.

In the current series, the 24-year-old has scored only 26 runs from five innings, and has been out for a duck twice.

But Flintoff said he was just happy to be playing for England.

"It's nice to get back on the side. Hopefully I'll try and keep my place in the team," he said.

Flintoff was flown out to India after England's first tour match to strengthen the side, which is without regular pace-attack bowlers Andy Caddick and Darren Gough.

He said it was good to open the bowling after being restricted by a recurring back problem.

"I've been playing with a back problem since I was 14," Flintoff said, adding that he had never really bowled for more than three or four months at a stretch.

Flintoff said his biggest target was the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar, who was unbeaten on 50 at close.

"He's a great player. We've just got to keep poking and hope he'll miss or nick one," he said.

Mail Cricket Editor