Gough makes comeback

Darren Gough's impressive performances in the recent one-day internationals against Pakistan, Zimbabwe and South Africa have been rewarded with a recall to the England Test squad for the forthcoming five match series against the Proteas. Gough took nine wickets in the triangular series with the two African sides, including two in a miserly spell of bowling in the final, resulting in him being voted man of the match. Although at times he was overshadowed by the superb James Anderson, he was constantly energetic, effective and now experienced. The recurring knee injury that he has suffered from in recent years is still a worry, with many fearing that Gough will struggle in the longer format of the international game. However his attitude and character are beneficial to any side on and off the field.

Gough's place in the squad was secured because of an injury to Richard Johnson, however the other player who was surely considered for a recall, Graham Thorpe, was left out. Chairman of selectors, David Graveney said that he was pleased to hear that Thorpe was ready for international cricket, but stated that it would be unfair to leave out Anthony McGrath who has so far done little wrong.

Despite tidy work with both gloves and bat in the one-day internationals, Nottinghamshire's Chris Read was not selected, as Alec Stewart continues to make himself available. Although Read has recently insisted that he is ready for Test cricket, the selectors obviously feel that Stewart is the better option, perhaps because of his batting, and suitability to the five-day game.

The uncapped Sussex bowler James Kirtley is also included, however his chance of making his debut looks unlikely once again.

Posted by Kelvin