By Sam Hathaway
May 10 2006

Andrew Flintoff has told England fans not to get carried away ahead of the first test against Sri Lanka and to forget England's ashes success. The England all rounder will lead his team out for the first time on English soil tomorrow and is adamant not to let it get to his head. "The Ashes are still being talked about, but you have to move on and win cricket matches," said Flintoff.

"If we play to our full potential and ability, then we will win the series."

England are firm favourites to beat an inexperienced Sri Lanka side, but he has ruled out any complacency.

"If we go in there thinking we're going to beat them because the A team turned them over last week, I think we'll get found out"

"We're going to have to show the same commitment, belief and character which we showed in India."

With many key players still out, a few critics would suggest that they might struggle but after the 1-1 draw in India many would hope for a convincing win.

If England chooses to go for a 5 man pace attack, it would mean Flintoff's workload will be reduced but the England captain but he insisted:

"I'll bowl if and when I feel I have to. The situation of the game will dictate that.

"There's been a lot of talk about my workload being cut down but I'm in good nick, the body's fine and I'll just play it by ear."

Sri Lanka held England to a draw at Lord's on their 2002 tour, but ultimately lost the series 2-0. Lets hope England succeed this time around. There will be day by day match reports on the main page at the end of the days play.

Squads
England (from): Andrew Flintoff (Captain), Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss, Alistair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Geraint Jones, Monty Panesar, Liam Plunkett, Matthew Hoggard, Sajid Mahmood, Ian Bell, Jon Lewis.

Sri Lanka (from): Upul Tharanga, Michael Vandort, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedera, Prasanna Jayawardene, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Malinga Bandara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Nuwan Zoysa, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Jehan Mubarak.

Umpires: A Dar (Pkn), R Koertzen (SA)