The news was announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The 32-year-old had just returned to the Test side after a year out with a long-term knee injury requiring three operations but struggled in the first and second Tests against South Africa.

Gough said: "I've come to a decision to retire from Test match cricket due to the injury sustained playing for England in New Zealand.

"Every day is a hard one and my career is based on being a strike bowler and being the one the captain always turned to in time of need, but I've found the last two matches hard going both mentally and physically -- not just on playing days but also against the backdrop of the effort I've put in over the last eight months to get back to this stage.

"It has become apparent to me, no matter what my heart, head or public want me to do, that my knee will not allow me to play Test match cricket.

"Obviously I'm sad, but I think every player knows when it's time to step down and I feel in order for me to concentrate on my dream of one-day cricket and possibly another World Cup for England and trying to help Yorkshire move forward, I feel I have to retire."

Gough played 58 Tests, taking 229 wickets at 28.39 apiece, putting him eighth on the all-time England list. He has also played in 121 one-dayers, taking 188 wickets at 24.96.