England crashed to a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia on Friday, undoubtedly their worst display of the entire tour down under.

Flintoff, however, spoke up for Zimbabwean Fletcher, insisting the blame lay elsewhere.

Asked whether the coach still had the confidence of the players, Flintoff said: "Yes, of course he does. Duncan has been fantastic. He has taken this side forward in the past few years.

"If you speak to every lad in the dressing room they have got something from him and have improved by working with him. Now it is up us to repay him and put some performances in."