CRICKET: Flintoff feels the pressure; FLINTOFF FLAYS THE WEST INDIES AND WARWICKSHIRE HOPES ARE GIVEN A BOOST.

Byline: MYLES HODGSON

ANDREW Flintoff today pleaded with cricket fans not to place unrealistic expectations on his huge shoulders.

The Lancashire all-rounder hit a brilliant 167 - his highest first class score - and hammered seven sixes and 17 fours to guide England to a declared total of 566-9 and seize control of the second Test in the four-match series.

His efforts were cheered on by an enthusiastic 19,500 Edgbaston crowd and by the close of the second day West Indies had fought back from 12 for two to reach 184 for two, still 382 runs adrift and 173 runs away from saving the follow-on.

But while Flintoff remains appreciative of the crowd's response to his playing style - he was given an amazing ovation walking out to bat to start his innings on the first evening while the whole ground stood to applaud him when he was out yesterday - he is also concerned fans may expect too much of him.

"You do sense that the crowd are behind you, but sometimes the crowd perhaps expect too much," said Flintoff.

"I was in Steve Harmison's car after the first day and some bloke knocked on the window and asked if the wicket was hard to bat on because I wasn't trying to belt it.

"That is just the way it is. It is nice when it comes off when you play a shot a ball and hit everything, but sometimes you have to get your head down."

Flintoff's latest effort increased his average to 48.52 in the 25 Test innings since returning to England's Test line-up midway through last summer against South Africa and Flintoff conceded: "I feel I have improved since I came back playing Test cricket.

"I believe I have a better awareness of my game. I am still only 26 and hopefully I can get better and better. Maturity is probably part of it as is understanding more about my own game and knowing more what is required to play Test cricket.

"There was a period between 70 and 90 when I was trying to play a shot a ball and I had to rein myself in."

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