Marcus North has insisted Australia want England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff fit for the final two Tests of the Ashes series so they can say they beat the best their oldest foes had to offer.

Flintoff has again been a thorn in Australia's side this season, after starring in the 2005 Ashes, bowling England to victory in the second Test at Lord's and top-scoring wit 74 for the hosts in the drawn third Test that ended at Edgbaston here on Monday.