Flintoff cut a disconsolate figure after being bowled for only 13

They have to win their last two matches and hope Australia, unbeaten so far in the series, beat New Zealand.

Flintoff said: "We're still in it. We have got to play out of our skins on Friday - we have got to beat Australia.

"It has eluded us all winter. A few of us are due runs and wickets, and it would be nice if it came together."

Flintoff, who had a disappointing match after conceding 0-66 with the ball and being bowled missing a sweep for 13, insisted there were positive aspects to emerge from the latest defeat.

"We managed to save a bonus point, which was one of the targets," he said.

"They started well, we managed to peg them back a bit in the middle with Monty [Panesar]; then [Jacob] Oram took the game out of reach.

We are led very well, and the players just have to do it really Ed Joyce

"We have got an inexperienced side, and I hope we will get better the more we play.

"We scored more runs than in our last two games, so that has got to be a plus point."

Opener Ed Joyce made 66. It was England's best score and the Irish-born player's first half-century for his adopted country.

He said it had been difficult to come into a side lacking such confidence: "I've never experienced it before - I suppose it is a bit difficult.

"You have just got to keep showing your character and hoping that things will turn around.

"Eventually it will. There are a lot of good players there. We are led very well, and the players just have to do it really."