London, May 10:Andrew Flintoff will miss England’s first two Test matches against New Zealand after suffering a side strain playing for Lancashire.

The 30-year-old all-rounder was expected to return to international action in next week’s opening Test at Lord’s after impressing for Lancashire following his latest ankle operation. But Flintoff’s name will be absent when Michael Vaughan’s squad is named tomorrow after the all-rounder complained of soreness to his left side during his county’s win over Durham.

It is the latest setback for Flintoff after 16 months battling a series of ankle problems. His rehabilitation from a fourth surgery on his left ankle had been going well, but his comeback will be postponed until the third Test at Trent Bridge on June 5 at the earliest.

“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,” Flintoff said.

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