Flintoff is easing his way back into action after his well-documented ankle problems with Lancashire via the Twenty20 Cup and the current LV County Championship clash with Sussex at Hove.

"We all know about Fred's (Flintoff) performances with the ball when he is fit. You only have to look at the Ashes series here a few years ago and the role he played in that," he said. "I think he is a character who really gets people motivated and his own performance is always up and the crowds love him."

He added: "He really gets them going over here in the United Kingdom. That is the challenge that we have to face."

Smith believes England will face a selection poser if they decide to pick Flintoff, who has not played a Test match since the 2006-2007 tour of Australia, but in contrast he can see a settled look about the South African squad.

Smith said: "England have got interesting tactical challenges. If Freddy comes in, do they leave out a batter, do they play him as a bowler?

"We are sitting here waiting to see where they will go. Are they going to bring back a few of the old brigade or leave the youngsters in there?

"These are the questions we are waiting to see when they select their team."