Coach sees Flintoff's six appeal

The 30-year-old Lancashire all-rounder has played his best cricket for England batting in that position, including his man-of-the-series performances during the triumphant 2005 Ashes series.

And after seeing Flintoff return to that position for the match at the Oval last week Moores said: "The nice thing about seeing Fred bat at six is that it gives us balance and lets us put out the attack we put out in the last Test."

He added: "Watching the bowling attack with the four seamers, it gave us lots of options to maintain pressure for longer and that's really promising.

"Fred looks in good nick to me. He's played well at six before so there's no reason at all why he can't play well at six again."

Flintoff's installation at six could also give England greater options for the winter, which would enable them to play two other specialist seamers and still have room for two spinners on the tour to India before Christmas.

The squad for the tour to India, which comprises seven one-day internationals and two Tests, is unlikely to be named until England return from the Champions Trophy at the end of September, but Moores conceded Flintoff's role at six will be vital to balancing the side.

"When we're looking at the side for India, which may have two spinners, we need to get the balance right between getting runs and taking wickets," said Moores.

"On this showing (at the Oval) it allows you to pressure the batters for longer which had quite a big influence on the game."