ANDREW FLINTOFF restrained his celebrations, after ending his long wait for a century by guiding England to a comprehensive victory in the opening warm-up match of their India tour.

Having gone 130 innings in all forms of cricket since he last raised his bat in recognition of reaching three figures, Flintoff could have been forgiven a punch of the air – even against modest opposition like the Mumbai Cricket Association.

But the Lancashire all- rounder instead marked the occasion by raising his bat almost apologetically at the Brabourne Stadium, a gesture which spoke of his determination to deliver against an Indian team he believes are the best in the world. Unlike his previous century, a crucial 102 in the 2005 fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, his achievement was not greeted by thousands of cheering England fans yet could be just as significant to the long- term goals of the team.

"We’ll play against better teams on this tour, obviously. But a hundred is a hundred, and I’ve not scored one for ages – so I’ll take it," he said.

"I enjoyed it because I feel comfortable about the way I’m playing. I’ve netted hard since I’ve been out here and I’ve been working hard on my batting, so it’s nice when it comes together and I’ve been able to score some runs.

"I’m not daft, though, and I know it’s a starting point. We’re going to be playing against the likes of Harbhajan (Singh) and (Ishant) Sharma in just over a week’s time – today was fine but it’s not always going to be like that."

Flintoff was not without luck – dropped twice, on seven and 25 – but after initially struggling on a turning wicket, he went on to hit 12 fours and three sixes in his 85-ball innings, which helped England add 112 in the final 10 overs. His growing confidence was the product of several days’ intensive practice attempting to improve his technique against spin, with batting coach Andy Flower – who averaged 117.14 in India, during an illustrious Test career with Zimbabwe.

"The one thing I am trying to do is play to my strengths - I’m not getting that tricky about the way I want to play," explained Flintoff. "I’m trusting the method which has worked for me before and I’m confident in that.

"Andy and I are trying a little bit of fine-tuning and trying to manoeuvre the ball more than I have done in the past. I feel fine – we’ve got another week until the first one-day international, and I’m happy with where I’m at."

His return to the basics follows several years of trying without success to master the ‘forward press’ technique favoured by former coach Duncan Fletcher.

"You give things a try, but you have to figure it out for yourself ultimately – and I think I’m closer to doing that," claimed Flintoff.

"I’m trying to go back to basics and hit down the ground. One of the things I’ve tried to do is get a little bit lighter on my feet and moving my feet quicker both when I go forward and also when I rock back."

His onslaught, which was supported by a run-a-ball 83 from Owais Shah and a determined 58 from Ian Bell, enabled England post a commanding total of 297 for four – which always proved too great for a Mumbai line- up which was effectively their third string.

But with only one warm-up match remaining – tomorrow’s 50-over contest against a stronger Mumbai line-up – before the start of the seven-match one-day international series in Rajkot on Friday, their reply effectively became a trial for bowling places.

After England decided to field two spinners in the big Stanford showdown at the expense of Jimmy Anderson, the Lancashire seamer had everything to prove – and responded with impressive figures of three for 15 from eight overs to boost his claims for a recall.

Stuart Broad and Steve Harmison both finished wicketless as Mumbai reached 175 for eight but displayed impressive control – while Samit Patel perhaps stole a march if England do decide to play just one spinner by claiming two wickets to Graeme Swann’s none.

Flintoff took a smart slip catch and a late wicket to confirm his return to form since his fourth ankle operation.

After his starring role in the 4-0 series victory over South Africa at the end of the summer, it continued Flintoff’s impressive form since his return from a fourth ankle operation .

England will be hoping it is maintained for a good few weeks yet.