Flintoff out for two Tests

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff

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England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff experienced some discomfort in his left side whilst bowling for Lancashire on Friday at Old Trafford.

He was assessed and received treatment by the Lancashire medical team after the LV County Championship match against Durham and subsequent scans on Friday evening confirmed the diagnosis of a side strain to the left side of his body.

Flintoff has been ruled unavailable for selection for the opening two npower Test matches against New Zealand and will be reassessed during the course of the Test series whilst receiving ongoing treatment.

This is a relatively common injury for fast bowlers but is in no way related to the left ankle injury Flintoff has suffered from in recent times.

Since returning to cricket with Lancashire this year Flintoff has not experienced any discomfort in his left ankle and continues to make excellent progress in his rehabilitation from surgery last October.

Flintoff said: “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.

“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.”