Flintoff to finish Test career as a loser: Clarke

Birmingham:

Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke is looking forward to squaring up against Andrew Flintoff and predicted the England all-rounder would have to end his last Test series on a losing note.

The burly Lancastrian, who will retire at the end of the ongoing Ashes, is struggling to be fit for the third Test at Edgbaston after playing a crucial role in England taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Clarke said England would do the right thing in pursuing with Flintoff following his brilliant performance in the second Test at Lord's.

"He's an amazing player and has been for a long time, I'm not disappointed that I won't have to face him after this series again in Test cricket," said Clarke.

"It's always a contest. I hope Andrew is fit and ready to go and can finish the series, he certainly deserves that. "Unfortunately, I think he's going to be finishing as a loser when we win the series," he was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.

"I hope he's ready to go. No doubt hell be ready tomorrow to give us some stick."