Australian paceman Brett Lee reckons Andrew Flintoff brings the "X Factor" to the England side.
The all-rounder is currently recovering from a third operation on his troublesome ankle, which forced him to miss the entire 3-0 Test series victory over West Indies.
England coach Peter Moores is confident Flintoff will be back in action before the end of the summer. Lee, himself recovering from his own ankle problems, feels the Lancashire ace can return better than before.
"There is now a new one-day captain, and Kevin Pietersen is firing too, but Andrew Flintoff brings an 'X' factor to the team - the way that he plays, his mannerisms, that never-say-die attitude," Lee said.
"It is important they keep their characters in the sport.
"He gets people to go and watch cricket games, which is the most important thing.
"Andy Flintoff is also a leader, he can hold his own with the bat and ball, so it is crucial he is back playing."
Lee added: "Once you get the ankle right, I can see him coming back and being better than he was.
"I am sure he has been working really hard on his fitness and it is going to be scary watching him bowling rockets again at us, but I wish him all the best of luck to come back."
Lee, 30, was at the Roehampton Club in west London yesterday to help launch the Travelex Sport Exchange initiative, which is aimed at giving talented British athletes the chance of first-class training at top venues around the globe.
Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist is also an ambassador for the project.
Gilchrist, 35, has been Australia's vice-captain in both forms of the game since 2000.
Having experienced life under two skippers himself before Ricky Ponting took sole charge of each format, the left-hander sees no reason why it should not work for England following the appointment of Paul Collingwood.
"I do not think there is anything to be fearful of in dual captaincy," he said.
"We experienced it in Australia under Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting.
"As long as those lines of communication are open from the leadership groups of both teams, there is a common coach and support staff to oversee preparations and planning for both formats.
"I do not see there is any reason why that should compromise what both teams are trying to achieve."
- JIM van WIJK