Ultimately, for England to win, star all-rounder and skipper Andrew Flintoff needs to shine.

The burly 28-year-old says he will not get involved in the hype surrounding the series, and is determined not to be burdened by the weight of expectation.

"We're not going to go out there putting pressure on ourselves. We're going to enjoy what's going to be a huge series and a special occasion," Flintoff asserted.

"All the outside attention is something we can't worry about. We've just got to go out on the pitch, win our own race and play our own way."