UPDATE 1-Cricket-England's Flintoff out of first two NZ tests

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By Mitch Phillips

LONDON, May 10 (Reuters) - All-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been ruled out of England's first two tests against New Zealand after picking up a side strain playing for Lancashire, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Saturday.

The former captain had been hoping for a recall after a 14-month test absence despite playing only a few county games after surgery for a persistent ankle problem.

However, his latest injury makes the decision easy for the selectors, who will name their team on Sunday for the first of three tests, starting on May 15 at Lord's.

"Andrew has been ruled unavailable for selection for the opening two Test matches and will be reassessed during the course of the Test series whilst receiving ongoing treatment," the ECB said in a statement.

"This is a relatively common injury for fast bowlers but is in no way related to the left ankle injury Andrew has suffered from in recent times.

"Since returning to cricket with Lancashire this year Andrew has not experienced any discomfort in his left ankle and continues to make excellent progress in his rehabilitation from surgery last October."