Former retiree Andrew Flintoff says he has a better chance of getting back into the England team than outcast Kevin Pietersen.
While the champion allrounder could empathise with Pietersen's plight, Flintoff believed England had moved on without the controversial batsmen.
Flintoff, 37, arrived on Saturday to juggle Big Bash League duties with the Brisbane Heat and TV commentary work.
And the former England captain looked forward to catching up with former teammate Pietersen who has arrived as Melbourne Stars' big name recruit.
However, he was brutally honest when asked if Pietersen's quest to break back into the England team would be successful.
"I have probably got more chance," Flintoff said of Pietersen who was jettisoned by England in February, following the disastrous 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia.
He said Pietersen provided the X-factor every team craved but did not believe the South African-born extrovert could ever mend fences with England.
Especially after his recent autobiography, which slammed England cricket's set-up and took aim at former team-mates.
Critics could argue the closest Pietersen has come to creating a vacancy in his former team is calling for his national captain Alastair Cook's one-day sacking ahead of the 2015 World Cup.
Flintoff - who initially retired in 2010 due to injuries - knew first hand how Pietersen felt but offered no consolation.
"As a player he's the type you want in your team," Flintoff said.
"But whatever has happened over the past has happened.
"One of the hardest things is when teams move on without you - I have experienced that, it is hard to deal with.
"But Kevin still believes he can get back into that side...but it seems the England side is moving on without him at the minute."
Still, Flintoff looked forward to offering support to Pietersen during his Australian stay which may include sharing TV commentary duties together.
Especially after admitting he "got off lightly" in Pietersen's recent book.
"Contrary to popular belief we get on alright," Flintoff said.
"Kev's a winner. He's exciting to watch.
"I'd love to play against him."
Flintoff looks set to debut for Brisbane in the latter stages of the BBL in what will be his first cricket campaign Down Under since England's nightmare 5-0 2006-07 Ashes series loss.
"I try to forget the last time I played in Australia," Flintoff laughed.
"We managed to win the one day series at the end of that which still surprises me."
But it seems he hopes to make up for lost time with the Heat.
"I'm not just here to play a bit of cricket and bring my family over," he said.
"I have a few more years left in me and I want some more medals in my house."
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