Flintoff out of first two New Zealand Tests

Flintoff had been hoping for a recall after a 14-month Test absence despite playing only a few county games.

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been ruled out of England’s first two Tests against New Zealand after picking up a side strain playing for Lancashire, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Saturday.

Flintoff had been hoping for a recall after a 14-month Test absence despite playing only a few county games after surgery for a persistent ankle problem.

However, his latest injury makes the decision easy for the selectors, who will name their team on Sunday for the first Test, starting on May 15.

Story continues below this ad

“Andrew has been ruled unavailable for selection for the opening two Test matches against New Zealand and will be reassessed during the course of the Test series whilst receiving ongoing treatment,” the ECB said in a statement.

“This is a relatively common injury for fast bowlers but is in no way related to the left ankle injury Andrew has suffered from in recent times. Since returning to cricket with Lancashire this year Andrew has not experienced any discomfort in his left ankle and continues to make excellent progress in his rehabilitation from surgery last October.”

us india trade talks, us india trade negotiations, us india tariffs, us india trade relations, trump modi trade talks, india us commerce ministry, us tariffs on india, india exporters relief package, us india economic relations, india us trade barriers, us india trade deal, india us trade meeting, rajesh agarwal commerce ministry, india us trade dispute, india us bilateral trade

Trade talks ‘positive’, govt says will intensify efforts to close US deal early

Business5 hr ago

India and the US have resumed trade negotiations after the US imposed tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. The sixth round of talks will focus on recognising India's red lines and possibly increasing energy purchases from the US. Other topics include easing patent rules, data flows, and giving US firms procurement access.

View all shorts

Live Blog