Andrew Flintoff has been ruled out of England's triangular one-day series with New Zealand and West Indies.
The influential Lancashire all-rounder has been struggling with an ankle problem, and has now been told that he must rest - meaning he misses the entire NatWest series.
Flintoff apparently damaged his left ankle in the recent Test series against the Kiwis, and has a small growth around the Achilles tendon area.
England had already insisted that they would not rush the 25-year-old back for the series, and he will now concentrate on getting totally fit for the Test series with the West Indies next month.
Marcus Trescothick is also a doubt for the opening match against New Zealand at Old Trafford tomorrow with a twisted ankle.
Because of the injuries, the England selectors have called up Glamorgan and Wales batsman Michael Powell and Surrey all-rounder Rikki Clarke, who was left out of the original squad.
Powell has been given the chance of a first England cap after he scored 49 in the warm-up match between Wales and England at Sophia Gardens last weekend.
Clarke has another opportunity to add to the 16 one-day appearances he has already made for England, and will hope to impress the selectors more than he has so far in his career. |
