Headley was favoured to Chris Silverwood, who was 12th man during England's seven-wicket win over the Kiwis in the series opener at Edgbaston last month.Gough was ruled out of the first Test due to calf muscle injury but returned for Yorkshire last week, taking four wickets in his first innings against Warwickshire.

And Atherton, who pulled out of England's World Cup squad due to a recurring back injury and was ordered to get fit and come back through the county circuit, blazed an unbeaten 268 for Lancashire against Glamorgan.

But neither player was considered for the upcoming Test, with England selectors having the unusual luxury of a series lead to allow them both to return to full fitness.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said Gough was more likely to return to the England starting lineup forthe third Test at Old Trafford on August 5. ``Gough's fit enough to play, but we feel he needs at least another four-day game to be match-fit.''

Former skipper Alec Stewart was retained as an opener despite scoring 1 and 0 in the first Test.

New Zealand have injury concerns, with key bowler Simon Doull providing the most concern for selectors.

England has won 34 of their 94 Tests at Lord's but has only won three in the last decade.

TEAM

Nasser Hussain, Mark Butcher, Alec Stewart, Graham Thorpe, Mark Ramprakash, Aftab Habib, Chris Read, Alex Tudor, Andy Caddick, Alan Mullally, Phil Tufnell, Dean Headley.