Knee injury hits Gough again

Darren Gough has been ruled out of first Test against India after suffering pain and stiffness in his right knee during Yorkshire's Roses match against Lancashire at Headingley.

Gough has twice had surgery on the knee since sustaining the injury at the end of the winter one-day series in New Zealand.

Gough's setback is a further blow to the England selectors, who are already without Andrew Caddick, Alex Tudor and Marcus Trescothick for the Test, which starts at Lord's on Thursday.

Gough was included in the original squad of 13 announced on Saturday, on condition that he came through the Roses match, his first Championship game of the season, unscathed. His absence increases the chances of a Test debut for the Glamorgan fast bowler Simon Jones, who is already in the squad.

Chairman of selectors, David Graveney, said: "This latest setback is very disappointing news for Darren and for the team. Everyone knows what an important member of the side he is and he will be sorely missed at Lord's.

"At this stage, we can't look too far ahead as to what the prognosis might be for the rest of the Series. We will simply have to wait and see what advice the specialist gives Darren and take it from there.

"No decision has been made yet on whether to send for a replacement for Darren. The selectors will discuss the situation later today and we will have to re-consider our options ahead of Thursday."

Gough will make a further visit to a specialist in Sheffield tomorrow.