Flintoff to miss NatWest Series

Andrew Flintoff is set to miss the NatWest Series because of a foot injury he sustained during the final Test against New Zealand a fortnight ago. The Daily Telegraph reported that a specialist has advised two weeks' rest in order for the injury to heal completely.

"Andrew has been diagnosed as suffering from a posterior impingement," said Dr Peter Gregory, the ECB's chief medical officer, after scans had revealed a small bony growth on the back of his left ankle. It was not, however, described as a serious injury, although it remains England's priority to have Flintoff fit in time for the Test series.

Flintoff had played a large part in England's successes this season, contributing with both bat and ball, and Michael Vaughan, the English captain, said that he would prefer to not risk Flintoff by rushing him back into the side. "We have to look at the long term and the summer we've got ahead," said Vaughan. "We definitely don't want to risk him in a game and put him back a few weeks. We have to make sure that when he plays he's fit.

"It's a big blow. Over the last year he's proved to be a fantastic player for the team. He's a huge loss, but every loss means an opportunity for someone else."

The selectors had been prepared for this eventuality, with Rikki Clarke having been called up to replace Flintoff. Clarke, an allrounder, averages under 10 with the bat and has taken 10 wickets in 16 one-dayers for England.