Flintoff withdraws from Tests

Karachi, Oct 19: England allrounder Andrew Flintoff has withdrawn from the three-Test series against Pakistan because of back injury, officials said.

The 23-year-old Lancashire player, who averages 17 in one-day cricket and 16 in Tests, will, however, be available for the limited overs series as a batsman.

Alex Tudor, Saqlain Mushtaq's Surrey colleague, will be flying here on Sunday to replace Flintoff for the Test series.

Tudor had also toured Pakistan in 1996-97 with the England Under-19 team which was led by Flintoff. Tudor had finished as the most successful touring team bowler with 14 wickets at 20.

England physiotherapist Dean Conway said the selectors wanted him to bowl 12 to 15 (in a day). "He went through all the (fitness) procedures at the end of the summer. But he hasn't really got to the first stage (of fitness) yet."

He added: "He is as limited as he has been during the summer from the bowling point of view."

Commenting on Tudor as a replacement, Fletcher admitted that Flintoff's absence would definitely leave England short on batting. "But if we don't have Tudor, we will be light on bowling.