Andrew Flintoff insists he is carrying no mental scars from his last Ashes series into this summer's battles with Ricky Ponting's side and is determined to make up for lost time after his injury setbacks.

The Lancashire all-rounder was captain when England were demolished 5-0 during the 2006-2007 series Down Under - a sharp contrast to the euphoria of the 2-1 home triumph in 2005.

"As for any mental scars, I wouldn't say there are a great deal there. I am just looking forward to playing. The one thing for me is when you play, have confidence, but more importantly enjoying it. Going into this series, I am going to enjoy playing." said Flintoff.

"A lot of the lads weren't involved in 2006-2007 but, going into an Ashes series, you don't need any extra incentive. It is the biggest thing for an Englishman to play in. I don't need any extra incentive. I just want to perform."

He added: "The last Ashes was the low point of my career. You experience the euphoria of 2005 and then the disappointments of 2006-2007. Probably the last series emotionally was the stronger of the two.

"But all that is behind us. We have got a very new team and, rather than dining out on 2005 or dwelling on 2006-2007, it is all about what happens over the next six weeks.

"Of course, it was tough for a while after losing 5-0 but it has long gone now and a lot of things have happened in my life since 2006-2007."

Flintoff is keen for an elongated spell of action and insists a belief he could be the force he was in 2005 has driven him on through his spells of rehabilitation.

He said: "From my point of view, through all the injuries I had, if I didn't think I could come back and play the cricket I played in the past or be better, I don't think I would have done it.

"You miss England more as you get older. When you have missed as much cricket as me, of course you do. I've had something like two years rehab since 2005 and it has been tough. The reason you do is to put back on that England shirt to get the chance to play in an Ashes series."