Andrew Flintoff has been left out of the MCC side to face county champions Sussex at Lord's next week in the traditional curtain-raiser to the English cricket season.
The 30-year-old all-rounder is making a comeback from a fourth operation on his left ankle.
England selectors had considered playing the all-rounder against the county champions but have decided to take a more cautious approach.
He is expected to step up his rehabilitation in Lancashire's friendlies against Yorkshire ahead of the new season which begins with a match against Surrey at the Oval on April 16.
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