Flintoff ruled out of first two Tests

Andrew Flintoff will miss England8217;s first two Test matches against New Zealand after suffering a side strain playing for Lancashire.

The 30-year-old all-rounder was expected to return to international action in next week8217;s opening Test at Lord8217;s after impressing for Lancashire following his latest ankle operation. But Flintoff8217;s name will be absent when Michael Vaughan8217;s squad is named tomorrow after the all-rounder complained of soreness to his left side during his county8217;s win over Durham.

It is the latest setback for Flintoff after 16 months battling a series of ankle problems. His rehabilitation from a fourth surgery on his left ankle had been going well, but his comeback will be postponed until the third Test at Trent Bridge on June 5 at the earliest.

8220;Obviously I8217;m bitterly disappointed to be unavailable for Test selection due to this injury as I8217;m really enjoying my cricket with Lancashire and feel my bowling has been improving with each match,8221; Flintoff said.