Andrew Flintoff says England fans will probably not see the best of him as a batsman for another three years. Flintoff, 27, still on crutches after undergoing surgery on his ankle, is regarded as vital to England's hopes of regaining the Ashes.
He said: "Some of the best batters in the world peaked at 30 or 31.
"So I have got a bit in me yet. As a batter I am hoping to get better and better, and when I get to 33 I hope I will be firing on all cylinders."
The all-rounder has played a key role in England's resurgence as a Test team in the last 12 months.
He has averaged almost 43 in Tests during the past year, while he has also forced breakthroughs when wickets have been hard to come by.
Critics say captain Michael Vaughan has become too dependant on him, but the big-hitting Lancastrian insists he is comfortable with the spotlight on him.
"There are times when I have felt the pressure, but at the moment I play cricket the only way I can," he added.
"I enjoy hitting the ball and trying to bowl fast, and that is what I do."
Flintoff was speaking at a race meeting in Carlisle, where a racehorse named after him, which he part-owns, came second.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Best of the Tests