Collingwood looking for formula

Andrew Flintoff has missed out on all of England's winter tour commitments © Getty Images

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Paul Collingwood wants England to maintain their promising one-day form and allow Andrew Flintoff to return to a winning team after the tour of New Zealand.

Collingwood has captained England to consecutive series victories, over India and Sri Lanka, and beating the Kiwis will make it a hat-trick - but they travel without their talisman once again.

Flintoff will continue his comeback from ankle surgery with Lancashire and Collingwood hopes England will still be in the habit of winning by the time the all-rounder is fit.

"What you have to do is build a side that is going to win no matter who is in the side - build a formula to win," said one-day skipper Collingwood.

"If Freddie (Flintoff) comes back he plays to that type of approach we want in one-day cricket. He does that naturally because he is aggressive.

"We've been without Fred for some time and we've got to bring the players in, and it gives them an opportunity to find that formula."

With Matt Prior staying at home, Phil Mustard will be the one-day wicketkeeper while Tim Ambrose is likely to take the gloves for the Test series.

"We'll have to decide 100 per cent when we get there," said Collingwood.

"Phil Mustard came in and did very well in the Sri Lanka series. He didn't get a big score but he showed potential and did well with the gloves.

"I would have thought he would be starting out there and if he sets the world alight he might get the chance for the Test side. The opportunity is there for him."

Mustard has been compared to Adam Gilchrist - who announced on Saturday he will be retiring - for his aggressive approach.

"What was mentioned was that he had a similar grip," said Collingwood. "He has got a similar approach and it would be great if he got anywhere near to what Gilchrist did.

"He backs himself and if he sees it in his area he will go for it and throw the kitchen sink at it. Hopefully that works for him."