John Blain has rejected the chance of a return to the professional ranks.

Scotland's player of the year last season, Blain has attracted the interest of county scouts after a series of sparkling displays in the opening weeks of the season.

He starred in last week's win over Lancashire at Old Trafford and picked up the man-of-the-match award for his three wickets against Durham last Sunday.

The former Heriot's and Penicuik paceman, who spent seven seasons with Northants and three with Yorkshire, was approached by a county side, but he revealed: "They weren't prepared to offer me a contract at this stage, so I've turned them down.

"At 29, I'm not prepared to go out on trial; people know what I can do."

Blain, who recently started his first job outside cricket, as a sales representative for Gilmour Sports, added: "Stewart Gilmour has been very good giving me a new chance, so I'm not just going to walk away.

"At my age, I'd be looking for at least a two-year deal."

Blain refused to reveal the identity of the county who made the approach.

nEngland have confirmed Andrew Flintoff would have made his Test comeback against New Zealand this week had he not suffered an untimely side strain.

The 30-year-old all-rounder was the subject of speculation last week about his prospects of playing his first Test in 16 months after several outstanding bowling performances for Lancashire.

There was concern that after a fourth operation on his left ankle during the winter that he needed more time to prove his fitness before returning to the Test arena at Lord's this week.

But just as the selectors considered their options, Flintoff was ruled out of the opening two Tests against New Zealand after suffering a side strain bowling for Lancashire against Durham.

Asked whether the talismanic Flintoff would have been picked had he been fit, though, coach Peter Moores confirmed he would have been included.

"Yes, he would have been in the squad had he been fit," revealed Moores, who also confirmed that when Flintoff does return it will be as part of a four-man specialist bowling attack and not as one of five bowlers, which could reduce his workload.