LONDON, July 22: England pace bowler Darren Gough has been ruled out of the first Test against India after a recurrence of a knee injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board said Monday.

Gough felt pain and stiffness in his right knee during Yorkshire’s County Championship Division One match against Lancashire, ruling him out of the Test which starts at Lord’s on Thursday.

Pace bowlers Alex Tudor and Andy Caddick and opening batsman Marcus Trescothick have already been ruled out of the first Test through injury.

Gough, who has been sidelined for most of the season after an operation on the knee, will see a specialist Tuesday.

“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 sorely missed at Lord’s,” Chairman of selectors David Graveney said.

“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 absence of Gough means Glamorgan’s Simon Jones could make his Test debut Thursday.—Reuters