Strauss blames IPL for hurting England's chances

England skipper Andrew Strauss has blamed the Indian Premier League for hurting his country's chances in the forthcoming Test series against the West Indies following Andrew Flintoff's injury while turning out for the Chennai Super Kings.      

Flintoff underwent a key hole surgery on his knee after hurting himself during an IPL match. Though the England cricket board expects the all-rounder to be back for the World Twenty20 tournament, he has been ruled out of the two Test series against the West Indies starting May 6 besides the IPL.     

"I will be trying to catch up with Fred over the next week or two," said Strauss.      

"The IPL is a tricky situation and no one thinks it's ideal. We always play a home Test series at this time of year, so it affects us more than most other sides," the England captain was quoted as saying in the 'Daily Mail'.      

Strauss, however, admitted injuries can happen anywhere.      

"But you can get injured playing anywhere. You can understand why players take the decision to go to the IPL, because it is tough to turn down that sort of money."      

The skipper wished Flintoff a speedy recovery for the sake of England, who would be needing him for the Ashes.     

"It's been a very frustrating few months for Fred. I hope he recovers swiftly from this and feels fit and healthy when the Ashes start in July," said Strauss.