Asserting that being an all-rounder, Andrew Flintoff would always have a better understanding of a bowler's needs while leading, former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan said the talismanic player has all the attributes to be a "great captain" for England.
"I've always believed an all-rounder has an extra advantage," Imran told BBC Five Live.
"He (Flintoff) can see things from a batsman's and bowler's point of view. A captain who understands bowlers is important - the main captaincy is done in the field," he added.
Imran said Flintoff was a perfect replacement for regular captain Michael Vaughan if he fails to return from injury.
The former Pakistan great said most batting captains fail to understand the needs of a bowler.
"I used to get frustrated as a bowler when dealing with a batting captain, especially in Pakistan, when they didn't understand the concept of reverse swing," he said citing personal experience.
"We would be reverse swinging the ball and I would tell the captain don't take the new ball and they wouldn't understand that," he added.
Commenting on England's Ashes prospects, Imran said the defending champions have a tough task on hand against Australia, who are hard to beat at home.
{{/usCountry}}Commenting on England's Ashes prospects, Imran said the defending champions have a tough task on hand against Australia, who are hard to beat at home.
{{/usCountry}}"I think Australia will have the advantage in those conditions - they will be very hard to beat," he observed.
"The best chance of beating Australia is on subcontinental wickets or in English seaming conditions but in Australian and South African conditions it is not easy to beat them," he added.