And Graham Thorpe is favoured for a spot in the squad despite not having played cricket for over two months, after he took a complete break from the game because of personal problems.

England's four-man selection panel, including coach Duncan Fletcher and captain Nasser Hussain met at the end of the fourth Test against India.

But chairman of selectors David Graveney has already had a meeting with Thorpe and says his is impressed with what the batsman had to say.

"Personally I was pleased with his attitude," he told BBC Radio Five Live

"But it's the responsibility of all four of us, and more importantly the captain and coach, who have to manage him through what is going to be a hard winter."

Thorpe flew home from England's tour of India last winter on the morning of the second Test following the break-up of his marriage.

Gough missed that tour claiming he needed a break, but has not played Test cricket since, after injuring his knee during the one-day series in New Zealand in March.