Flintoff ruled out of first two Tests

New Delhi: England's preparations for their Test series against New Zealand suffered a major blow on Saturday when all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was ruled out of the first two Tests.

Flintoff, coming back from a fourth ankle operation, has been in fine form with the ball for Lancashire, hasn't experienced any discomfort in his ankle but picked up a side strain on Friday.

A media release by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also clarified that his latest injury had nothing to do with his much talked about ankle.

The former England captain, too, expressed his disappointment in missing out.

“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," the all-rounder said.

“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,” he added.

Flintoff last played in a Test match during England's 5-0 Ashes defeat in Australia last year, a team which he also led in the absence of regular captain Michael Vaughan.

With the 12-member Test squad to be announced on Sunday, England are also waiting on the availability of Paul Collingwood, the One-day captain, who needed injections on his shoulder while batting on Friday.