Andrew Flintoff will not be joining the England Lions squad for the tour of India later this month.

The England management were hoping he could feature as a batsman with the Lions, who will take part in the first-class Duleep Trophy in India.

Instead he will continue his rehabilitation programme with Lancashire following the fourth operation on his left ankle and it is anticipated that he will be available for their pre-season tours of India and Dubai with the county in March.

He is currently making good progress with his recovery from ankle surgery according to the England and Wales Cricket Board.

An ECB spokesman insisted the latest development was not a cause for concern.

He said: "It was never definitely decided that Andrew was going to join up with the Lions squad, it was only ever a possibility.

"The medical team have decided that it would be in his best interests to continue his progress, which is going very well, with Lancashire."