David Graveney Photo CricInfo

England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney, has confirmed that Darren Gough will not be selected for the forthcoming Test series in New Zealand.

Gough was omitted from the squad for the three-match series along with Surrey's Alec Stewart after both players decided to miss the first part of the winter programme in India.

Gough's recent good form in India and New Zealand had led to speculation that England might ask him to stay on.

"The players were offered a contract that encompassed two Test series in India and New Zealand," Graveney said.

"Darren decided he wanted a rest and that's up to him. Therefore the squads were chosen without him playing Test match cricket. He is an important guy but we have to stick to decisions that we have made.

"There could be extreme circumstances with injuries or whatever - situations could change. But at the present stage I am happy to let Duncan and Nasser get on with the cricket. Our situation hasn't changed, whatever speculation there has been."

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