Reuters

Flintoff ruled out of Tests

Updated 12.48 Sat May 10 2008

Keywords: new zealand, england cricket, england, cricket, andrew flintoff, sport

Andrew Flintoff will miss England's first two Tests against New Zealand with a side strain.

The Lancashire all-rounder has been recovering from an operation on his left ankle but he has been in good form with the ball in the County Championship and he was expected to join the England squad at Lord's this week.

"I know I can overcome what isn't a significant injury" - Andrew Flintoff

But he complained of soreness in his left side at the end of Lancashire's Championship match against Durham and he will not be available for selection until the third Test at Trent Bridge on June 5.

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."