London, July 28: Andrew Flintoff has revealed the intensive fitness regime that he hopes will allow him to lead England to Ashes victory over Australia.

Flintoff has been struggling with a persistent knee problem which has already forced him to announce his retirement from Test cricket at the end of the Ashes series.

It had been reported that the Lancashire star may not even be able to finish the series but, with England leading 1-0 with three Tests remaining, Flintoff has no intention of quitting now.

In an attempt to be ready to take part when the third Test starts at Edgbaston on Thursday, he has been sleeping with a special compression machine on his troublesome joint.

"After the Test match at Lord’s last week my knee was a bit sore but I’ve been icing it and getting treatment from Lancashire physio Dave Roberts," he said.

"I’ve been in the gym and have to prove my fitness at training on Tuesday.

"I managed to bowl at a decent pace so I’ll hopefully prove that I’m fine and hopefully the weather will keep away on Thursday at Edgbaston." — AFP