The Fred factor is boost for England, says Colly

Paul Collingwood insisted today that having Andrew Flintoff back among the England squad was all the motivation they need ahead of today's First Test with South Africa.

The Durham man's poor run of form with the bat means he is the player most under pressure from Flintoff 's return to fitness.

Collingwood knows he needs to perform well at Lord's against South Africa if he is to retain his place. England are unchanged today for a record sixth consecutive match yet that could change for the Second Test at Headingley next week.

"We see Fred as motivation," insisted Collingwood. "We all know he is going to come back into the side at some point. But you don't want to be the one to make way, so hopefully you will put in the big performance to help England win a Test and make it as hard as possible for the selectors.

"Everyone is genuinely pleased that Fred's back on the scene. When you've got a quality player like that, and a bloke like that, he just gives you an instant buzz."

Collingwood will have to be at his best against a South African pace attack that boasts Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini, who all bowl in excess of 90mph. But South African skipper Graeme Smith reckons the elder statesman of his pace attack, Ntini, could be the dangerman.