Darren Gough

[Babzzii]

Darren Gough was delighted to have been called back into the England
fold for the one-day series against the West Indies next month.
The 33-year-old packed in his Test career last summer but has always
said he still has the legs to be effective in the limited overs format.

Gough last figured for England against South Africa at Lord's last
year and his starring role proved he could still cut it at that level.

The new Essex recruit was omitted for the winter tours of Bangladesh
and Sri Lanka but has now been handed the chance to pull on the Three Lions'
shirt again in the Caribbean.

"You never give up hope," Gough told the Essex County Cricket website.

"From a selfish point of view I want to get 12 wickets to reach 200
(in one-day internationals).

"But I just want to play international cricket again, because I
think I still have a lot to offer.

"As long as I'm fit then I still believe I am good enough.

"They looked at other players in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, but I guess
it's flattering that they have come back to me for the West Indies series."

The former Yorkshire paceman is convinced he can still play a part in the
2007 World Cup for England, which would mean a return to the West Indies
for the tournament.

After fighting back from a career-threatening knee injury, 'Dazzler'
now believes his experience will be of great benefit and he is now eager
to get out to the Caribbean.

"I'm happy to be back now and believe I can offer invaluable experience
even if I'm not in the side," Gough added.

"I'm just looking forward to being back among the lads again. If some
of the youngsters can follow my lead in practice then I believe that will
help them in the long run - that's one of the reasons why they want me around the team.

"It's going to be very special for me.

"I missed the last tour out there because of injury and obviously missed
the current Test series, having retired.

"But I've always done well against the West Indies - especially the
last time they were over here in 2000.

"I love playing against them and I love the atmosphere in the grounds over
there."

Not bad for a guy who retired last year

I do hope he reaches his target of 200 wickets though !!

[Shevchenko]

I've only just noticed this thread; it is very sad Darren Gough didn't become a great all-rounder - too many injuries, I suppose.
I remember him as a youngster scoring over sixty in one of his first tests but, sadly, it was his highest ever score.