Flintoff had hoped to prove his fitness for the third Test against West Indies next week after being forced to miss the opening two games of the series.

However after a practice session in the nets which left him feeling soreness the 29-year-old was advised he needed to have an exploratory arthroscopy on his left ankle.

England Cricket Board medical officer Dr Nick Pierce said: "Andrew Flintoff has undergone rigorous fitness testing over the past two days, most recently 30 minutes of net bowling on Tuesday, but has reacted to the testing with further discomfort in his left ankle.

"Despite intense conservative treatment and rehabilitation with England and Lancashire's medical teams, Andrew's ankle has continued to cause him discomfort when bowling at full capacity.

"As a consequence he will undergo an exploratory arthroscopy on his left ankle over the weekend."

England will learn more about the length of time Flintoff will be sidelined after the operation.

Flintoff has twice had surgery for unrelated problems on the same left ankle in the past three years.

Flintoff said: "Obviously I'm bitterly disappointed to face another operation on my ankle as I really thought I was making progress with the injury over the past few weeks.

"I've been working really hard on my game and the rest and rehabilitation appeared to be helping the ankle but after giving it a strong workout this week, it now seems that an operation is the only option."