Harmison misses Test series due to injury …

Steve Harmison has been ruled out of the first Test against India after succumbing to a hernia injury.

The Durham paceman will see a specialist on Tuesday to determine the extent of the setback and whether an operation is required.

He has been replaced in England's 13-man squad by Hampshire's Chris Tremlett.

Harmison first experienced hernia problems during the final Test against West Indies earlier in the English summer and further aggravated the injury playing for Durham over the weekend.

Harmison had originally been pencilled in for surgery after the Friends Provident Trophy final against Tremlett's side on August 18 at Lord's.

His injury was not thought to be pressing at the time but if his appointment at Horsham turns up bad news then the 28-year-old could be out for the entire series against India.

Tremlett's call-up means he will do battle with fellow seamer Stuart Broad as both men seek to make a Test debut.

Like Broad, Tremlett has played one-day cricket for England, the last of his six appearances coming in a costly outing against Australia in Perth when he shipped 72 runs in 10 overs.

Broad is favourite to start after shining for the England Lions, formerly England A, against the tourists last week, but Tremlett's 1-40 and handy late-order batting also impressed the selection panel.

"We have taken the precaution of adding Chris Tremlett to the squad following confirmation this morning that Stephen Harmison will not be available," said chairman of selectors David Graveney.

"Chris performed well in the recent England Lions tour match against India and his inclusion will give us additional options when we come to decide on our starting eleven for Thursday."

Ryan Sidebottom, who has made a successful return to the international arena following a shock recall after a six-year absence, James Anderson and Matthew Hoggard are the other fast men in Peter Moores' party.

Spinner Monty Panesar, meanwhile, is almost certain to retain his Test place despite his recent dropping from the one-day side against the Windies.