Flintoff ruled out of the first Test

Andrew Flintoff has been ruled out of the first npower Test against Zimbabwe at Lord's. He has failed to recover from an injury in his right shoulder, which tests showed to be bruised and swollen.

Flintoff said: "It's very frustrating. I'm doing everything I can to get fit as soon as possible." It's even more frustrating for the England selectors, who have not been able to pick Flintoff for a Test match since last August, and England's medical staff have no idea when he will be fit to return.

However, his absence means another man's gain, and in this instance it's Anthony McGrath, Yorkshire's batting allrounder, who is set to win his first cap in Flintoff's place.