England all-rounder Andy Flintoff is in doubt for the NatWest Series against Pakistan and Australia after injuring himself today.

Flintoff, who has been dogged by a troublesome back for some time and who has altered his bowling action in a bid to alleviate the problem, has now suffered a new blow.

He hurt himself when he delivered the ball which dismissed Yorkshire's Australian star Darren Lehmann in the Benson & Hedges match at Liverpool.

Lancashire coach Bob Simpson said: "He has torn a side muscle and will probably be out for at least two weeks."

But there must be a question mark over whether he will regain full fitness in time for the NatWest Series.

The torn muscle was a new injury, not thought to be connected with his back or with his new bowling action.

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