ANDREW Flintoff has been ruled out of a proposed recall to Englands Test squad this weekend after suffering a side strain playing for Lancashire yesterday.
The 30-year-old all-rounder was widely expected to be named in the squad for the opening Test against New Zealand, which is due to be named by National Selector Geoff Miller tomorrow morning, after impressing as a bowler for Lancashire in recent weeks.
But having helped Lancashire complete a comprehensive 232-run Championship victory over Durham at Old Trafford yesterday, Flintoff complained of soreness to his left side.
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It was the first setback in his rehabilitation from a fourth operation on his troublesome left ankle during the winter and after being assessed and receiving treatment from the Lancashire medical team, it was diagnosed as a side strain.
The problem will rule him out of contention for the first two npower Tests against New Zealand at Lords and Old Trafford and delays his comeback date to the third Test at Trent Bridge on June 5 at the earliest.
"Obviously, I'm bitterly disappointed to be unavailable for Test selection due to this injury as I'm really enjoying my cricket with Lancashire and feel my bowling has been improving with each match," said Flintoff, who played the last of his 66 Tests for England 16 months ago.
"I've put in a lot of hard work to get to this point after ankle surgery last year and I know I can overcome what isn't a significant injury.
"It's very frustrating to have picked up an injury at this time, but I want nothing more than to return to the England side and will continue to do everything required to make myself available for selection."
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