IT GIVES you some idea of the interest in the Ashes back home that England’s squad was announced live on television in Australia. I don’t think there were too many surprises and I reckon cricket lovers will be pleased to hear that Freddie Flintoff will toss up with Ricky Ponting in Brisbane. After last year, people can’t wait to see him live.

Freddie has become a good mate of mine and I know how much he wanted the job. That is always a good start. He will lead by example and somebody of that ability is bound to have the respect of the team. But although Andrew Strauss was overlooked, I think he will be more and more important to Fred in the months ahead.

The Flintoff/Strauss combination could be pretty effective. They remind me a bit of Laurel and Hardy — although I saw Fred at a charity event on Monday and I probably shouldn’t say that because he is rapidly fasting away into a rake. I suppose what I mean is, they are different characters who complement each other nicely.

I have some sympathy for Strauss as I know what it is like to be in the running for the job and then not get it. In my case, Australia went for Steve Waugh instead. Initially I felt very down and wondered if I just wasn’t good enough. You have to be realistic and move on. Strauss is a composed man and will quickly get over the disappointment.

The decision this time could not have been harder for the selectors. I understand the concern about Fred over-bowling himself. Sometimes as captain you feel extra responsibility and go on for too long. At other times you over-compensate and hang back. Judgment comes with experience, but Strauss will be an important thinking board.

One thing that leaps out of the squad is the number of players who are not fit at the moment, but I can’t see why this is such an issue. By my reckoning the first Test is ten weeks away and with the cricket ahead, the break could be the best thing for the likes of Ashley Giles and Steve Harmison. They will come in fresh and raring to go.

And I don’t agree that England are weaker than a year ago. True, Simon Jones will be a big loss — although there was no guarantee with his fitness record that he would survive the full series. Michael Vaughan as captain is another who would have featured, but even there Alastair Cook has come in and scored runs.

In a couple of areas I feel that England are actually stronger. Chris Read is the best wicketkeeper in the country and Monty Panesar is a more dangerous and aggressive spin bowler than Giles. Ashley is a lovely guy and a great team player, but I think he will be there as back-up and support to Monty.

With Marcus Trescothick, I’m not in a position to make much of a comment. I am a big believer in personal issues being exactly that. His situation is nobody’s business except his own and it is just unfair to speculate. Having said that, I am sure that his own life would be easier if people had been upfront when he came back from India.

I don’t think he will get a hard time in Australia. But if the crowds do start to get on his back then he must try to ride it instead of letting it get under his skin. I thought a few of the chants towards me last year were pretty ordinary, but I thought the best answer was to have some fun and use them as motivation.

From a Hampshire point of view, I am disappointed not to see more of our players get the recognition they deserve. If you asked the county bowlers to name the best No 3 this season I’m sure the majority would go with John Crawley. Chris Tremlett is another who has all the attributes of an international player.

As for Dimitri Mascarenhas, I think he has been unfairly treated. It amazes me that England have never given him a chance in the one-day side. He is the best finisher with the bat in all situations in the country and his bowling is clever and accurate. Dimmy is not the sort of bloke to kick up a fuss, but he must wonder what is wrong.