Darren Gough has been ruled out of the first Test against New Zealand in a fortnight after aggravating a calf injury.

The 28-year-old Yorkshire fast bowler suffered the injury during England's disappointing World Cup campaign and had a spell on the sidelines recovering, but suffered a recurrence of the problem during Yorkshire's recent championship match with Sussex.

Headingley officials have consulted with England about Gough's problem and have agreed he needs rest and rehabilitation, which could rule him out for anything up to a month and possibly sideline him for the second Test at Lord's starting on July 22.

Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire's Director of Coaching, said: ``Darren has been withdrawn from today's National League game with Essex due to a niggling calf strain which has failed to heal satisfactory.

``After a full examination by the Yorkshire physiotherapist, it has been decided that he requires rest, treatment and rehabiliation.''