Mumbai: Andrew Flintoff says being an all-rounder in modern cricket is not easy, and that it would be even tougher to perform with both bat and ball in sub-continent conditions.

Nevertheless, he loves the challenge of excelling in whatever he does and hopes to replicate his Ashes heroics on the Indian soil in the next few weeks.

``Sometimes it is tough, you bowl a lot and then you pad up at No. 6 but I think I enjoy doing that, to be honest. If I don't do that I would be bored on the field,'' says the 28-year-old.

``It does have an impact but it is something I have done for three years, quite successfully. It is difficult to find the balance and get both going at the same time. It happened for six weeks last year, I hope I have a window to do that here but we have to wait and see.''

The Lancashire player was the star performer for England that regained the Ashes from Australia last summer.

Flintoff smashed 402 runs at 40.20 and grabbed 24 wickets at 27.29 in the five Tests against the arch-rival to lead his team to a 2-1 series win, England's first against the Aussies in 18 years.

Show character

Flintoff says the visitor, slated to play three Tests and seven ODIs from March 1 to April 15, would have to show character to consolidate its status as challenger to the Test crown, particularly after the loss to Pakistan late last year.

``Yes, we have had a good run with the exception of Pakistan. It (India) is a tough place. It is a massive challenge, not just for myself but for the group of individuals. We have got to prove ourselves here. It is going to be a tricky series in these conditions.''

Flintoff believes he has come of age since his last visit to India in 2002.

``I have got a better knowledge of my game. I have got a basic technique and method of playing which I trust. I am slightly more patient, and my shot selection is better than it used to be, I feel I approach an innings or even practice a lot better.''

Slack attitude

Before that tour, he was criticised for his slack attitude to the game. Touted as successor to Ian Botham when he made his debut, Flintoff was labelled as over-weight and ridiculed for his eating habits.

But the wheel has come full circle and he is now considered among the leading all-rounders of the game.

Flintoff attributes the transformation to his marriage.

``Your focus changes. I am still enjoying my cricket but you play for your family and play to provide as well. — PTI

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