Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has backed Alastair Cook's side to win the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane, which will get underway on Thursday.

England have won the last three series against Australia, but this time around the hosts have been tipped to put up a stern challenge.

However, while Flintoff has accepted that the first Test could well be a closely-fought encounter, he believes that nerves will get the better of the home side.

"The Aussies are going to be up for it, but I think that will work against them. They've just been beaten 3-0, they're going to be nervous," William Hill quotes him as saying.

"England will win the first test. It is going to be hard fought, but I think in the last session on the last day England will win."

The last match between these nations in Brisbane back in 2010 ended in a draw.