Anderson hails Flintoff threat

The 29-year-old Lancastrian has struggled to stamp himself on the event so far with the bat and has scored only 62 runs in his five innings but his performances with the ball have been one of the highlights of the competition for England.

"He keeps getting better and better," enthused Lancashire team-mate Jimmy Anderson. "It's great to have someone like that in the side."

Flintoff has consistently been taking wickets and averaging just 3.8 runs per over in all, and only 3.4 against the major Test nations.

It is a superb display for a bowler who is often brought on during the early powerplays and again during the final stages, when sides traditionally attempt to hit out.

Anderson added: "He's got the advantage of being a batter and thinking like a batter so he can help you out in that respect.

"He tells you what the batter is likely to be thinking about when you're running up to bowl."

Flintoff's unerring accuracy has provided a good foil for new-ball pair Anderson and Sajid Mahmood - the latter named man of the match during England's laboured four-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Wednesday by grabbing three for 27.

The form of the bowling unit has given England hope they could progress to the last four, which could be achieved if they beat South Africa and West Indies next week, even if the batsmen are yet to perform consistently.

"We've bowled well as a team, although we're probably not batting to our potential," said Anderson. "I think a couple of the guys just need a bit of luck here and there, and there will be a big score around the corner."