Andrew Flintoff has backed James Anderson and Stuart Broad to continue to deliver in Test cricket, calling them “the best we have had, so we have got to stick with them for a while longer”.

The veteran seamers came under pressure after England’s poor winter, which saw them lose the Ashes series 4-0 and succumb to a 1-0 Test defeat to New Zealand.

“It was an important win and they played quite well, but I think they will be kicking themselves.

“They should have won at Lord’s as well. After the first Test match, everyone was talking up Pakistan and they were alright. I think we just under-performed.

“The signs are good for England, but let’s not get carried away.”