Freddie: Strauss reputation on line

Andrew Flintoff has warned England captain Andrew Strauss that his reputation as a leader will be defined by his side's performances in this winter's Ashes series.

Strauss has impressed as skipper in the 18 months since he took the reins from Kevin Pietersen, during which time he led England to a 2-1 Ashes victory over Australia last summer, but Flintoff is aware of the difficulty of captaining a side Down Under after he was left humiliated four years ago when his England side were whitewashed 5-0.

England have not won a series on Australian soil in 24 years, and Flintoff warned: "If you look at Straussy's record, there's no doubt he's taken England on and the side has done well. But ultimately he'll be judged on what happens this winter, especially after what happened in 2006 when the side didn't perform."

He added: "So far, you cannot fault him. He has a very good relationship with (coach) Andy Flower, they seem to be talking all the time. That's crucial."

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting claimed last week that his side were capable of repeating their whitewash success over Strauss' side when the five-match series begins in Brisbane on November 25.

Flintoff laughed off Ponting's prediction and believes England's hopes of a long-awaited series win rest on how well spinner Graeme Swann and right-armer James Anderson bowl in Australian conditions.

"I think Ponting is mistaken," he said in an interview on Sky Sports News. "Look how the two sides are shaping up and England are doing well.

"At the moment, they're reliant on Graeme Swann, who has done phenomenally well, and Jimmy Anderson.

"In Australia, you have to work harder for your wickets."