IAN AUSTIN is hoping Andy Flintoff will go for all-out attack when the Ashes start on July 8.

Lancashire all-rounder Flintoff has declared himself fit for the five Test dates in England with everyone hoping of a repeat of the 2005 series when England clinched the Ashes in such a dramatic fashion.

The following series two years later, Down Under, ended up in a whitewash for England and Flintoff, who was then captaining the side.

But ex-England all-rounder Austin believes that, after being hampered by injuries, ‘Freddie’ will have a big say next month.

"Freddie needs to come out and bat similar to a Twenty20 game," said 43-year-old Austin, a no-nonsense player in his Lancashire career. "He has got to go out and play his shots and be positive as that is Freddie at his best.

"His bowling looks after itself and England are a better side for having him there but he has got to be positive and England have got to attack from the off.

"When we don’t do that it goes pear-shaped as was shown in Australia in 2007.

"I can’t wait for the Ashes. I think it’s one everyone looks forward to. 2005 was superb and we need to play as well as we did then as the Aussies are beatable."

While singling out Flintoff, Austin has high hopes for all the England team.

"We have got to win it collectively. Andrew Strauss is the captain and he will be targeted by the Aussies but it’s important he gets England off to a good start. That’s essential for players like Kevin Pietersen, who love the big stage and like to have a go and can then do their bit.

"Then Freddie can come in and make a difference with the tail.

"The bowling should then be strong with Freddie, Stuart Broad and James Anderson, who I think has been underbowled in the past but now has found his feet and that should be beneficial to him.

"I would also like to see spinner Adil Rashid selected. The Aussies have tormented us with a leg spinner so why can’t we do the same to them?

"It’s an ‘open’ series. If you let the Aussies get on top then they are the best in the world and they will nail you. We have got to stop this."