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London: England all rounder Andrew Flintoff has advocated the need to cut down the number of Test matches being played to save the charm of the traditional format of the game.
"We have seen in the past few years what it means to people and we have to preserve that for the good of the game and the tradition behind it because it is a great format.
"The one thing we need to do to continue to maintain Test cricket as being special is cutting down the amount and make it a real occasion rather than playing one after another," Flintoff opined.
Flintoff, who will quit Test cricket after the ongoing Ashes series but will continue playing the other two formats, said it will be up to fans whether to see Test cricket or not.
"The public will decide the future of Test cricket. If people turn out to watch Twenty20 and not Test cricket then it could happen. In England we need to maintain the appeal it has," he told the Independent.
Flintoff also said that T20 format need to be handled carefully so that it does not harm Test cricket.
"It was interesting coming here today and asking the kids what form of cricket they like best. They like the glitz and glamour of Twenty20 but maybe Twenty20 could have a knock-on effect so that players start with it and then work out how to play the longer form. So it could have a positive effect but it's going to have to be handled very delicately," he said.
No time for sentiments
He will bid adieu to Test cricket in a few days but Andrew Flintoff is not letting emotions overwhelm him and all that is occupying the all-rounder's mind is the unfinished task in the ongoing Ashes series.
"There is no time for sentiment. I will worry about that when I finish at The Oval. Walking off for the last time at Lord's the other day was special. I sat in the dressing room and had a look around and felt pretty pleased with myself," he said.
"It probably hasn't hit me yet, in a few weeks, maybe when the lads are playing in South Africa this winter, that's when it will hit me. But for now I just want to focus on playing at Edgbaston and performing," he added.
The England all rounder also urged fans to be patient and not start believing that have regained the Ashes after winning at Lord's.
"We have won one Test match and that's all we've won. It's great and we enjoyed it but it's now about getting ready for next week and we have got to perform as we have or even better," he said.
Flintoff also said that Australians are expected to hit back hard after losing the second Test match.
"The two sides are dramatically different in appearance from the last time we played in 2005 and I think they are close. That's what we might see over the next three matches, the series is obviously hotting up nicely," he told the Independent.
