I was fighting myself not to chase them Andrew Flintoff More photos Flintoff dropped by his dad

Flintoff blasted 167 off 191 balls as England posted 566-9 declared before West Indies replied with 184-2.

"I tried to play the ball up close under my nose and rely on technique rather than just power," said Flintoff, who blazed 17 fours and seven sixes.

"I was fighting myself a bit at times, trying not to play too expansively."

He added: "When I first got in they bowled wide so I was fighting myself not to chase them.

"I was disappointed at Lord's where I played an average shot to get out.

"But once I got in I thought I played alright and I felt pretty good. I enjoyed it out there."

Flintoff shared in a 170-run sixth-wicket stand with Geraint Jones (74), a partner Flintoff has established a good rapport with at the crease.

"Geraint really took it to the opposition and I could just sit back and concentrate on my own game," Flintoff added.

"He blazed it around everywhere and I was playing second fiddle for a while. I think we complement each other really well."

Two early strikes to Matthew Hoggard reduced West Indies to 12-2 in reply, but Ramnaresh Sarwan and skipper Brian Lara fought back strongly.

"Sarwan and Lara came out and took it to us. They played shots and played well," Flintoff said.

"We're going to have to bowl with more discipline and try to frustrate them and be more patient.