Andrew Flintoff's hopes of returning to action for England have been dealt a blow after the all-rounder learned he would not be fit to play competitive cricket this season.
Flintoff, who retired from Test cricket after the Ashes decider at The Brit Insurance Oval last August and has not played any form of the game since, had hoped to turn out for Lancashire this summer.
He was due to play for the county's 2nd XI in a three-day Roses match against Yorkshire, which began today, but Lancashire director of cricket Mike Watkinson said the 32-year-old was "not quite ready" to return.
He said: "Freddie will continue his rehabilitation into the winter months and we will constantly monitor and review his progress so that he is better equipped for a return to action."
It now appears highly unlikely that Flintoff, who has undergone two knee operations in the past year, will be able to represent Chennai Super Kings in the Twenty20 Champions League next month.
