Freddie Is Counted Out Of Kiwi Clashes

May 11 2008 By David Rodgers

EX-ENGLAND captain Andrew Flintoff has been ruled out of this week's opening Test with New Zealand after straining his side while playing for Lancashire.

The 30-year-old all-rounder was expected to be named in the squad for Thursday's match at Lords after an impressive return to form for his county side in recent weeks.

But having helped Lancashire complete a comprehensive 232-run Championship victory over Durham at Old Trafford on Friday, Flintoff was found to have strained his side.

It is the latest injury setback for Flintoff, who has already undergone four operations on his troublesome left ankle, and he now hasn't featured for England since the final Ashes match in Sydney in January last year.

The Lancashire medical team believe his latest injury will rule him out of contention for the first two npower Tests against New Zealand at Lord's and Old Trafford and delay his comeback date to the third Test at Trent Bridge on June 5 at the earliest.

Flintoff said: "I'm bitterly disappointed to be unavailable for Test selection due to this injury.

"I've really been 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 know I can overcome what isn't a significant injury.

"It's so 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."