Lee focused on Flintoff rematch

Lee with his man-of-the-series award from the Malaysia ODI event

Australia paceman Brett Lee is eagerly awaiting the chance to resume his rivalry with Andrew Flintoff in this winter's Ashes campaign.

The showdown between the charismatic duo and the sporting nature in which it took place was a notable aspect of the epic Ashes series in England last year.

Flintoff has been hit by injury since but returns as captain and Lee said: "I'm excited about bowling to him.

"I've always said that you have to put yourself up against the best."

Lee was one of Australia's major contributors in last year's Ashes, widely regarded as the greatest Test series in recent history.

The combative fast bowler took 20 wickets in the five matches and weighed in with 159 runs at an average of 26.

I'm as happy as I've ever been and I'm taking that into my cricket Brett Lee

He will be an integral figure again as Australia attempt to regain the Ashes, and has been in fine form recently, taking 12 wickets in three matches at a cost of only nine runs apiece in a triangular one-day series with India and West Indies.

"I'm not the guy that goes out and tries to nominate a batsman but I'm really excited about playing against Freddie and the English side," the 29-year-old commented.

"It's not like we've got something to prove - but there are a few things personally that I want to achieve."

Following a hectic international schedule, Lee has had a few months to recuperate in Australia and has now married, with his first child expected during the Ashes series.

"It was no secret I was mentally and physically exhausted," he admitted. "I had to make sure I gave my body enough time off but I'm as happy as I've ever been and I'm taking that into my cricket."