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News Powered by Flower: Freddie Has Been Warned Andy Flower believes he could have finished Andrew Flintoff's career if he had over-reacted to the all-rounder's errant start to the Ashes summer. Johnson Strikes After North Ton Mitchell Johnson claimed two wickets but proved expensive as the final Ashes warm-up match with England Lions headed towards a draw. Vaas To Quit Test Cricket Veteran Sri Lankan seamer Chaminda Vaas has decided to retire from Test cricket, the country's chief selector Asantha de Mel told AFP on Saturday. North Defends Rattled Hughes Marcus North has urged detractors of Phillip Hughes not to make too much of the Australia opener's failures against England's back-up bowlers. Harmy Not Holding His Breath Steve Harmison is pessimistic about his chances of earning a recall for the first Ashes Test despite a good performance against Australia. Sri Lanka Hit Back In Galle Sri Lanka were bowled out for 292 on the opening day of the first Test but hit back with two late wickets as Pakistan closed on 15-2. Pace Quartet Seam In Frame SkySports pundit Mike Atherton expects Australia to play a fourth seamer ahead of Nathan Hauritz in the opening Ashes Test in Cardiff. Referee Bennett Handed ECB Role Premier League referee Steve Bennett has been appointed by the England and Wales Cricket Board as an independent director of their new association of cricket officials. Musing The Week's Media Freddie Flintoff's misdemeanor, how to beat those pesky Aussies and some bloke by the name of Michael Jackson all feature in this week's media column... Colly Heralds 'Element Of Revenge' Paul Collingwood heads into next week's Ashes thirsty for revenge against Australia for the 5-0 whitewash Down Under back in 2006-07. Stewart: Prior The Best Bet Matt Prior's catching will be reliable in the Ashes, says Alec Stewart, as his style is less contrived now. ECB-Employed Buchanan Backs Punter Former Australia coach John Buchanan may be working with the ECB right now, but he definitely has no split loyalties for the Ashes. Prior Confident Of Keeping Ability Matt Prior is ready for his wicket-keeping to go under the microscope once again during the Ashes. Patel Injury Not Serious The knee injury suffered by New Zealand spinner Jeetan Patel will not rule him out of the Black Caps' upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Russell Backs Foster Jack Russell told Sky Sports News that James Foster deserves an England Ashes place.