The rumour that Alec Stewart and Darren Gough are unlikely to tour India this winter is good news and bad news. In both cases it's understandable, because three back-to-back Tests in stifling heat would be too much for most young men, let alone veterans in the twilight of their careers. The ECB really should have come up with a less gruelling itinerary. The Gaffer will be missed less than the Dazzler, as their records on the sub-continent last winter showed. In six Tests against Pakistan and Sri Lanka Stewart scored 219 runs at 19.91, and struggled against bowlers who didn't put pace on the ball in the way he likes. Harbhajan Singh and a fit-again Anil Kumble would love to get him on a dusty turner with fielders round the bat.

Stewart's absence would also signal the start of the search for his successor behind the stumps: England could finally blood Jamie Foster of Essex, or even Toby Bailey of Northamptonshire.

Gough, though, was a vital cog in England's two series wins last winter, taking 10 wickets at 26.80 in Pakistan, the visiting seamers' graveyard, and 14 at 19.57 in Sri Lanka, which offered help only when the ball was new. Unlike Andy Caddick, Gough adapted cleverly to the conditions, mixing offbreaks with yorkers, and keeping the batsmen guessing. His duel with Sachin Tendulkar would have been one of the highlights of the series.

There may be another factor behind Stewart's apparent decision. Nine winters ago, while touring India for the first time, he allegedly received £5000 for providing a bookmaker with information about weather and pitches. These charges have since been put to bed, but Stewart may have decided that he doesn't want to risk even the slightest hint of a repeat.

Gough, though, has no such worries, and England would do well to spend the next few weeks trying to persuade him to change his mind.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd