Former England skipper Michael Atherton believes Andrew Flintoff should not be called up for the first Test against New Zealand.

The all-rounder returned to action for Lancashire in March following an ankle injury and subsequent surgery and he is now aiming for a recall to the national side.

The 30-year-old has not played international cricket since the World Twenty20 in South Africa and last appeared in a Test match in the disastrous Ashes tour which ended at the start of 2007.

Flintoff finished with four for 21 against Durham yesterday but was out for a golden duck and Atherton believes it would be wrong to rush the player back.

Atherton said in his Times column: "For his own sake, and for the good of the team he should not be picked - at least not yet.

"What is the rush? England should beat New Zealand with the most frequently invoked relative in broadcasting - Geoffrey Boycott's mum - at the helm.

"Why not let Flintoff continue to bowl for Lancashire so he can take time to build confidence in his body and try to find some batting form before the tougher questions that South Africa will ask in the second half of the summer?"

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