Flintoff expects Eng to win Ashes 'convincingly'

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has predicted that Andrew Strauss's men will have no trouble in winning the Ashes in Australia without him.

Flintoff was the central figure in England's 2005 and 2009 Ashes triumphs.

"I expect England to go to Australia this winter and beat them quite convincingly. They've beaten Pakistan comprehensively. There's a big winter coming up," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Flintoff, as saying.

"They've played for a long time without me. I think you'll find professional sport moves on very, very quickly. That's what England have done," he added.

The 32-year-old announced his retirement from all formats of cricket after being told that his body would not be able to cope with his planned comeback.

"The decision to end my career came on Wednesday after consultation with medical advisers," Flintoff said.

"Having been told that my body would no longer stand up to the rigours of cricket, I had no alternative, but to retire," he added.

Post retirement, Flintoff will reportedly launch a TV career. The former England all-rounder has a big money deal to appear in an ITV adventure series, where he will be competing with sport stars like Mike Tyson and Joe Calzaghe.

"Freddie is keen to move into TV, but without feeling like he has retired," The Sun quoted a source, as saying.

"He will learn to box, be sent into extreme climates and learn snow survival. His most dangerous challenge will be walking on the wings of an aircraft," he added.

From his debut in 1998, Flintoff became an integral player for England, and has both captained and vice-captained the team.

However, he suffered regular injuries throughout his international career, often due to his heavy frame and bowling action.

During the period 2007-9, he played in only 13 of England's 36 Test matches, but nevertheless remained a core member of the England squad, being selected whenever available.

The 32-year-old had announced his retirement from Test cricket at the conclusion of the 2009 Ashes series in August, but had kept himself available in ODI and Twenty20 matches.