However, the England and Wales Cricket Board have announced that the Lancashire all-rounder hopes to be fit for the three one-day internationals in Chittagong and Dhaka starting on November 7.

Kent's Martin Saggers has been called up to replace Flintoff in the Test squad.

The 31-year-old pace bowler, who is uncapped at international level, had planned to play club cricket in South Africa this winter, but he will now join up with the Test squad later this week.

The England party arrive in Bangladesh on Wednesday to prepare for the first Test in Dhaka on October 21, with the second Test starting on October 29.

Flintoff explained: "I've had a bit of trouble with my groin and it was decided that this was a good opportunity to work on it with Lancashire physio Dave Roberts for a few weeks to strengthen it.

"It's disappointing but we have a big winter ahead and this looked like a good opportunity to work on it and get it strong for the rest of the winter."

ECB chief medical officer, Dr Peter Gregory, said: "Andrew Flintoff continues to suffer pain in his groin and has not recovered sufficiently since the last Test against South Africa to pass a pre-tour fitness test.

Chairman of selectors, David Graveney, said: "We decided not to opt for a like-for-like replacement for Andrew Flintoff as we already have two batting all-rounders in the squad in Rikki Clarke and Paul Collingwood.

"Martin had been placed on standby for the Test squad this winter and his inclusion will give us extra options in the pace bowling department."

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