Flintoff out for England

Andrew Flintoff was today ruled out of England's plans for the NatWest Series after sustaining a foot injury in the final Test against New Zealand 10 days ago.

The Lancashire all-rounder had hoped to recover from the injury he picked up while bowling a fast spell on the third evening at Trent Bridge.

But despite scans and intensive treatment he has been told to rest for at least a fortnight and England are now hopeful he can recover in time for the first Test against West Indies at Lord's which begins on July 22.

"Andrew has been diagnosed as suffering from a posterior impingement on his left foot and our priority is to get him fit for the start of the Test series against West Indies," confirmed Peter Gregory, the England and Wales Cricket Board medical officer.

Surrey's Rikki Clarke was called up as cover for Flintoff yesterday and will battle with Yorkshire's Anthony McGrath for a place in England's starting line-up for tomorrow's opening match of the series against New Zealand at Old Trafford.

Opener Marcus Trescothick, who twisted his left ankle during training on Monday, is rated as no more than 50-50, with Robert Key and Andrew Strauss competing for his position at the top of the order.