Gooch, 43, has withdrawn because of the illness of his father, Alf, who went into hospital during Essex's final county game of the summer.

Tim Lamb, chief executive elect of the Test and County Cricket Board, said: ``It is unfortunate for Graham but we are lucky to have someone to take his place of similar calibre and international experience.''

The enforced change presents Gatting, 39, with an unexpected opportunity to press his claims for a role with England when he retires from playing.

Gatting played 79 times for England and captained the successful Ashes winning side in Australia 10 years ago. He will be working with team manager David Graveney during the tour.

Gooch retired unbeaten on 170 in order to make a hospital visit when his father was taken ill during the game against Glamorgan at Chelmsford, but he still managed to finish as the leading run-scorer in all first-class cricket last summer, totalling 1,944 runs.