Gough back for England

Gough proved his fitness for Yorkshire this week

Darren Gough has returned to the England squad but Graham Thorpe will not face South Africa in next week's first Test at Edgbaston.

Gough, who has not played in a five-day game in almost two years because of a knee injury, proved his fitness in a county match for Yorkshire this week.

Batsman Robert Key has been dropped and seam bowler Richard Johnson told to test his groin injury in county cricket.

England profiles: Darren Gough

James Kirtley, named in the squad but surplus to requirements for the first two Tests of the summer, is again in the 12-man squad.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney explained that Thorpe had been passed over in favour of Anthony McGrath, who scored two half-centuries against Zimbabwe.

"We are pleased that his personal situation has improved and he is now able to commit himself to England home and away," Graveney said.

"But we felt that Anthony McGrath had done well in his first two Test matches earlier this summer and deserved to keep his place."

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As expected, 40-year-old Alec Stewart is retained as wicket-keeper despite the claims of Chris Read, who impressed in the recent one-day series.

Graveney admitted the position was discussed at length.

"Alec Stewart will fight off the challenges - he is a quality international all-rounder," he added.

"If he responds the way we think he will that will be good for the team."

Stewart, who was at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone along with James Anderson and Michael Vaughan, said: "Over the last 128 Test matches I have proved myself and fortunately the selectors have agreed to pick me.

"Chris Read did exceptionally well, I believe. I didn't see a lot of the one-day series but all the reports were good and I'm sure he will have a very bright future."

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England squad: N Hussain (capt), ME Trescothick, MP Vaughan, MA Butcher, A McGrath, AJ Stewart (wkt), A Flintoff, AF Giles, D Gough, RJ Kirtley, JM Anderson, SJ Harmison.