ANDREW Flintoff couldn't resist a jibe at Cardiff after seeing rain wash out England's hopes of claiming a 5-0 NatWest Series victory over South Africa.

The new Swalec stadium will controversially host the opening Ashes Test next year, at the expense of Old Trafford, despite England having a fantastic record at the Manchester venue.

That decision, made two years ago, means Flintoff will not play an Ashes Test on his home ground again.

Last night's one-day international, the first to be played in Cardiff, was seen as a dress rehearsal for that Ashes opener.

And when asked what he thought of the venue Freddie, who has been with Lancashire since he was 11, said: "It was damp. It was better than last time I came. It's all right but it is not Old Trafford."

Flintoff was named man of the series after leading both the run-scoring and wicket-taking charts for England. But he would have been disappointed not to be able to help England to a possible whitewash of the tourists, which would have lifted them upto an unprecendented second in the one-day world rankings.

And despite the convincing series win, the message from new captain Kevin Pietersen is that they will never be allowed to stand still admiring their achievements.

"Playing against a quality side like South Africa in a one-day series you're obviously an underdog - but the way the guys have come out and played and practised has been absolutely exceptional," said a satisfied Pietersen. "I can't fault anyone for anything. I can't ask for anything more as a captain.

"I also have a philosophy of enjoying the good times - because when the bad times come you long for those good times."