Flintoff misses out on Test squad for SA

London: National selector Geoff Miller announced an unchanged 12-man England squad here on Thursday for next week's first Test against South Africa at Lord's.

That left open the possibility of England fielding the same XI for six consecutive Tests, which would be a new world record.

England captain Michael Vaughan was included despite concerns over his fitness after he suffered a recurrence of his longstanding knee problem. However, there was no place for all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who has not played Test cricket in over a year and who only recently returned to action following six weeks out with a side injury.

Flintoff, who struck 59 off 62 balls for Lancashire in their victory over county champions Sussex on Wednesday, can now expect more county action against Hampshire in a match that starts 24 hours after the first Test.

Significantly, however, this squad was for the opening Test alone, so potentially paving the way for Flintoff to return in the second of this four-match campaign at Headingley starting on July 18.

"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," said Miller at a Lord's news conference. "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.

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