Flintoff was the pick of England's bowlers with 4-99

After just a single warm-up game, fast bowler Steve Harmison struggled especially as Australia scored 602-9.

Flintoff said: "We got overs against New South Wales and in Adelaide. I was happy, as were the rest of the bowlers.

"The Tests come thick and fast and, maybe at the back end of the series, Steve will benefit from that."

After playing in the one-day ICC Champions Trophy in India, England played a one-day game and two three-day games in Australia before the Test series.

We'll play positively and hopefully put some runs on the board Andrew Flintoff

Harmison missed the last of those games because of pain in his side.

Flintoff, who was the pick of England's bowlers with figures of 4-99, added: "I got the chance to bowl in India and got overs under my belt in the warm-ups, so coming into this game I was confident.

"It was just unfortunate that "Harmy" was injured for the Adelaide game.

"Steve will be the first to admit he's not bowled as well as he can do but it's not through the lack of trying.

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"He's as frustrated as anyone. Hopefully by bowling more overs he's going to get his rhythm and more consistency.

"There were a few nerves jangling on Thursday but we got better. Matthew Hoggard took a couple of quick wickets and Jimmy Anderson bowled well."

Flintoff said England would look to bat positively on Saturday in an unlikely bid to reach the follow-on target of 403.

"Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen steered us home well and we now need a couple of big partnerships to get us up past 400," said Flintoff.

"And myself and Geraint have got to come to the party as well. We'll play positively and hopefully put some runs on the board."