Lee: England miss Flintoff

Australia 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.

"There is now a new one-day captain (Paul Collingwood), 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," said Lee.

"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."