England chairman of selectors David Graveney has insisted that Darren Gough will not be selected for the forthcoming Test series in New Zealand barring major injury.
The Yorkshire paceman was left out of the squad for the three-match series after deciding to sit out the first part of the winter programme in India.
But Gough's form in the recent one-day series in India and today's limited overs international in Christchurch led to speculation England could ask him to stay on.
Yesterday the tourists refused to comment on the situation, but Graveney today told BBCRadio 5 LiveEngland will not be going back on their decision.
He said: "The players were offered a contract that encompassed two Test series in India and New Zealand. 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. At the present stage I am happy to let Duncan [Fletcher] and Nasser [Hussain] get on with the cricket.
PA
