England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been ruled out of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley because of his persistent knee injury.

The 31-year-old took part in a net session yesterday with heavy strapping on his right knee, but clearly has decided he cannot stand the rigours of this five-day match.

Flintoff’s injury problems prompted him to announce earlier this summer that he will quit Test cricket at the end of the Ashes series.

England were given another huge Ashes injury scare when wicketkeeper Matt Prior was injured in the warm-ups at Headingley this morning.

Prior suffered a back spasm and left the field of play at 10am alongside physio Kirk Russell.

He was receiving treatment before England’s management made a decision on his fitness for the penultimate match of the series.

With all-rounder Andrew Flintoff already ruled out of the fourth npower Test against Australia because of his persistent knee injury, it was another major disruption to the home team’s preparations.

Paul Collingwood took the gloves as the players continued their practice.

Flintoff was ruled out at 9.20am after it was decided that his troublesome right knee was not up to back-to-back Tests.

The 31-year-old took part in a net session yesterday with heavy strapping on the joint, bowling for 35 minutes alongside his colleagues.

Flintoff’s injury problems prompted him to announce earlier this summer that he will quit Test cricket at the end of the Ashes series.