No Test return for Freddie

Flintoff misses first two matches with side strain

Last updated: 11th May 2008

andrew flintoff

Flintoff: Frustrating

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.

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Andrew Flintoff has made the England selectors' decision for them by being ruled out of the first Test against New Zealand with a side strain.

The question of whether to play the injury-prone all-rounder in the opener against the Black Caps next week has been the cause of much debate - but Flintoff will now be sidelined for the first two Tests with his latest setback.

Flintoff has been in good form with the ball for Lancashire since making his latest comeback from ankle surgery before Christmas, but a series of low scores with the bat meant his selection to face the Kiwis was not automatic.

"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."

Very frustrating

Flintoff added: "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."

It now seems certain the selectors will play six batsmen and four bowlers at Lord's, with wicket-keeper Tim Ambrose batting at number seven.

A 12-man squad is expected to be named on Sunday.

Comments

Geoff Brown says...

I would love to see Mark Ramprakash get the call for the batting line-up. Whatever his past record, he is a class player, playing at his peak. Exactly the player resquired to win a match. Whether he has a future for England is irrelevant, pick your best eleven. As an added icing, for him to score his hundredth 100 on the test stage would be a deserved reward for an intensely proud and completely professional individual, who has carried himself with the very highest dignity throughout his distinguished career. Please, please allow him a swansong for his career and provide an example to the up and coming future of English cricket of what commitment is all about

Posted 16:57 10th May 2008

Scott Hunter says...

What a great temptation to throw in Luke Wright now, as this will give Flintoff more of a challenge, but I'm sure it will be Broad and Hoggard who will play now. Saying that we can't right off Anderson either.

Posted 13:46 10th May 2008

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