Pietersen's move permanent

Although the experiment was an initial failure, England captain Andrew Flintoff says Kevin Pietersen's move to number four in the batting order is permanent.

Pietersen was promoted from number five on what turned out to be the final day of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at the MCG, but was bowled for just 1 in a rare failure for the series.

The tall and powerful batsman received an almost unplayable delivery from Australian seamer Stuart Clark, the ball jagging back off the pitch and spearing straight through his defences.

Paul Collingwood has batted at number four and made a double century in that position in the second Test, but Flintoff said Pietersen would again be given the role in the fifth Test in Sydney, starting on January 2.

Flintoff said the supremely confident Pietersen himself had instigated the change.

"Kevin asked if he could bat at number four and he's been in good touch," Flintoff said.

"The way's he's been playing, you wouldn't say no. He's been fantastic all trip, so why not give him that opprtunity he wants?"

England are unlikely to make many changes for the Sydney Test, with few selection avenues left after a disastrous series.

Opener Andrew Strauss battled the flu in Melbourne but is certain to play.

Swing bowler Matthew Hoggard looked troubled by a side strain when he bowled on the second day and could be a doubt, which could open the door for James Anderson to return.

Wicket-keeper Chris Read was sharp in taking six catches in the Australian innings and showed impressive resilience with the bat in England's second innings.