Darren Gough has been ruled out of the first two Tests between England and India with a recurrence of his knee injury. Gough suffered pain and stiffness in his troublesome right knee during Yorkshire's County Championship match against Lancashire - his first four-day match of the season. A specialist in Sheffield advised him to rest his knee for two weeks – making him a potential doubt for the third Test, which begins at Headingley on August 22.

"This latest setback is very disappointing news for Darren and for the team," said David Graveney, England's chairman of selectors. "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 reconsider our options ahead of Thursday."

Gough's injury means that Glamorgan's Simon Jones will make his Test debut, as part of an attack that will include Matthew Hoggard, Ashley Giles, Andy Flintoff and either Craig White or Dominic Cork.

Gough joins Andy Caddick, Alex Tudor and Marcus Trescothick on England's lengthening injury list. If the pitch is as flat as expected, England could be in for a long five days.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd