England captain Andrew Flintoff has revealed he was moved to tears after his team's painful loss to Australia in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide last week.

Flintoff hit back at critics who have accused England of lacking passion in their campaign to retain the Ashes, revealing he was devastated at the shock late loss in Adelaide in a match that had appeared set to end in a draw.

"I was so upset," Flintoff said in an interview with News Limited. "I wasn't boo-hooing or anything like that but the tears were there.

"We've taken huge stick and I can't argue with that but don't

accuse this England team of not caring. That upsets me even more. I give everything when I am on the cricket field and always have done.

"I was in shock for hours after the game. It wasn't until I woke up the next morning that the real horror began to sink in.

"When I woke up, my first thought was that it had all been a bad dream."

Flintoff said the entire England team was hurting in the wake of the defeat, along with their long-suffering supporters.

"Does it hurt more because I am captain? No, it was the same for everyone," Flintoff said. "It was universal suffering.

"Of course England cricket supporters are upset. I don't blame them."

The England captain played

down reports he and coach Duncan Fletcher were at loggerheads over the selection of spinner Ashley Giles ahead of Monty Panesar for the Adelaide Test.

"Selection wasn't an issue for four days at Adelaide and wasn't the reason we lost," Flintoff said. "It seems some people must have somebody or something to blame. Things go wrong on the cricket field, as they do in life.

"Of course, selection meetings are all about discussion and different points of view, but whatever side goes out there has the full support of everyone.

"Duncan Fletcher and I have a good relationship."

The third Test begins in Perth Thursday with Australia already up 2-0 in the five-Test Ashes series.