Vaughan is in England squad

Updated 13.05 Thu Jul 03 2008

Keywords: south africa, south africa cricket, michael vaughan, england cricket, england, cricket, sport

England captain Michael Vaughan is in the squad for the first Test against South Africa but there is no place for Andrew Flintoff.

Vaughan needed treatment for a sore knee earlier this week, but the selectors do not think it will affect his chances of playing at Lord's.

"The selectors are keen to see Andrew get more overs under his belt and spend some more time in the middle" - Geoff Miller

Flintoff recently returned to the Lancashire team after an ankle injury and a side strain, but the selectors have decided he needs more time to find his form with the bat before making a comeback after 18 months out of the Test team.

National selector Geoff Miller said: "Andrew Flintoff has worked extremely hard to be back playing some very good cricket for Lancashire which is a credit to his determination and patience.

"The selectors are keen to see Andrew get more overs under his belt and spend some more time in the middle before recalling him to the Test side. We're all eager to see him back playing for England but there's nothing to be gained from rushing him back until he has proved he's ready to meet the demands of Test cricket.

"There is a lot of cricket on the horizon and we want Andrew to be a part of that without jeopardising his fitness."

England could be unchanged for the sixth Test in a row. All 11 players that have started the last five Tests are in the 12-man squad, along with Hampshire bowler Chris Tremlett.