Statement on behalf of the ECB medical team regarding Andrew Flintoff

Andrew Flintoff experienced some discomfort in his left side whilst bowling for Lancashire yesterday (Friday) at Old Trafford. He was assessed and received treatment by the Lancashire medical team after the LV County Championship match and subsequent scans yesterday evening confirmed the diagnosis of a side strain to the left side of his body.

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

“Obviously I’m bitterly disappointed to be unavailable for Test selection due to this injury," Flintoff said, "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.”