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Flintoff had made a superb start to the season with Lancashire, having made a fine recovery from a fourth ankle operation.

However, he now faces another spell out of action with an unrelated problem.

He told his county's official website: "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."

England national selector, Geoff Miller, added: "I know he will be back, he's a really strong man and he's passionate to play for England.

"We will keep watching him and monitoring him and when he's ready I am sure there will be a place for him."