|
|
|
| August 24, 2006 | Thursday | Rajab 28, 1427 |
Gough recalled as England pick two new faces
LONDON, Aug 23: Veteran pace bowler Darren Gough was handed an England recall when he was announced in the 16-man squad on Wednesday for the upcoming one-day series against Pakistan.
At the other end of the spectrum, uncapped Leicestershire quick Stuart Broad was handed his first call-up into a senior England squad along with Sussex batsman Michael Yardy and could yet use this series as a chance to press his claims for a place in the Ashes tour party.
Alex Loudon, Kabir Ali, Geraint Jones and Vikram Solanki were all dropped after featuring in the 5-0 one-day series whitewash by Sri Lanka earlier this season with seamers Glen Chapple and Tim Bresnan overlooked because of injury.
Essex's Gough, now 35, is recalled for his first England appearance in over a year and should he overcome a recent shin-splint problem will add to his national record number of 157 One-day International appearances.
“Darren Gough has bowled with great confidence for Essex this year,” said England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney.
“We're aware that in recent weeks Darren has been suffering from injury to his shins, but we're in constant consultation with the Essex and England medical staff and therefore confident he will be fully recovered by the first match next Monday based on ongoing assessment.
“Of the young bowlers currently making a strong impression in first-class cricket, Stuart Broad has performed exceptionally well for Leicestershire this year,” Graveney added.
Gough, who has constantly slammed the selectors for his continued omission during the past 12 months, admitted: “I'm delighted to get another opportunity with England –I've worked hard all year and this call-up is my reward.”
The one-day series now looked to be going ahead as planned after the threat of a Pakistan boycott receded on Wednesday.
Squad: Andrew Strauss (captain), Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Rikki Clarke, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, James Dalrymple, Darren Gough, Stephen Harmison, Ed Joyce, Jon Lewis, Sajid Mahmood, Kevin Pietersen, Chris Read (wicket-keeper), Marcus Trescothick, Michael Yardy.
Fixtures:
Aug 28: Twenty20 (Bristol).
Aug 30: 1st ODI (Cardiff, D/N).
Sept 2: 2nd ODI (Lord's).
Sept 5: 3rd ODI (Rose Bowl, D/N).
Sept 8: 4th ODI (Trent Bridge, D/N).
Sept 10: 5th ODI (Edgbaston). —AFP
|
|
|
|
