Flintoff injury worry ahead of Test

Andrew Flintoff was ruled out of Lancashire's County Championship fixture against Essex after suffering a suspected compressed nerve in his shoulder, and is a doubt for England's first Test against Zimbabwe.

Flintoff underwent a scan on Monday after complaining of pain in his bowling arm, and will have further tests later this week. The England & Wales Cricket Board said no decision has yet been made as to whether he will be released for Lancashire's National League match against Hampshire on Sunday, the final chance for match practice ahead of Thursday's Test.

It is the latest in a string of injury setbacks for Flintoff. He was forced home during the Ashes series after failing to recover from hernia surgery, although he came back in time for the World Cup, where he took seven wickets and made 156 runs as England were eliminated at the first round stage. England name their squad for the Lord's Test on Saturday.