Darren Gough has been given permission to play for a local club side, after being ruled out of the first Test against Australia at Brisbane, which starts on Nov 7.

It had been hoped that Gough would play in this weekend's game against Queensland, but during a 30-minute net session on Friday it quickly became apparent that he was not yet fit enough. Instead, he will turn out for University on the second day of their match against Sandgate-Redcliffe, along with one other member of the squad who will not be playing in the Gabba Test. He will then push for a Test spot in the match against Australia A on November 15.

Understandably, Gough was disappointed to be missing yet another Test - his 14th in a row since playing against Australia at The Oval last summer – but he was philosophical all the same. "I think realistically it's the right decision," he said. "We've got a Test match to play and England are more important than me getting back on the field. I've worked hard since I got out here in the nets and on my fitness, and I'm determined to be fit for as much as this tour as possible.

"That was my target when I came out here, and realistically everybody thought I'd miss the first few Tests - and I think I've surprised people that I'm bowling already."

Duncan Fletcher added that there was no wish to rush Gough's comeback. "He's got his career ahead of him, he's a major player and we don't want to push it too much."

Simon Jones, who took an excellent five-wicket haul in the tour game against Western Australia, is the favourite to replace Gough for the first Test, and both the other major injury doubts are hopeful of being fit as well. Andrew Flintoff, who is recovering from a double hernia operation, picked up two wickets on the first day against Queensland, while Michael Vaughan's knee survived a long day in the field.

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