England omit Stewart and Gough

Alec Stewart and Darren Gough have been overlooked by England for both winter Test tours of India and New Zealand after saying they were unavailable for the first trip to the sub-continent.

The squads named on Tuesday included two uncapped players, Essex wicketkeeper James Foster and Yorkshire off-spinner Richard Dawson, and there was also a recall for Lancashire wicketkeeper Warren Hegg.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "The retirement of Michael Atherton, and Alec Stewart's and Darren Gough's decision to make themselves unavailable for selection for part of the winter programme will create opportunities for other players to establish themselves within the Test side this winter.

"James Foster performed well on the 'A' side's tour of the Caribbean last winter and is an outstanding prospect who is also being fast-tracked by Essex to be a viable wicketkeeper-batsman at the highest level.

"Ashley Giles has been included in the Test squad subject to him satisfying the selectors of his fitness ahead of the tour departure and he will be one of three spinners together with Robert Croft and Richard Dawson.

"Richard Dawson has played a key role in Yorkshire's championship-winning side this summer and we are excited by his potential.

"As in the previous winter, the selectors have named a test squad to cover both tours, but we will review the selection at the end of the India test series and may make alterations to the squad to account for the different conditions we will face in New Zealand."

England make their three-Test tour of India from November 18 to December 23. They return home for Christmas and then go back to India for five one-day internationals in January.

The squad then go to New Zealand for a Test tour starting in February.

Mail Cricket Editor