LONDON, April 15: Darren Gough has insisted there is still time for him to bowl himself back into a place in England's squad for next year's World Cup in the Caribbean.

Veteran paceman Gough, opted out of the one-day series in Pakistan and was consequently not selected for the ODIs in India.

England’s run of defeats has led Gough, who gained new-found fame while the team were in the sub-continent by winning a celebrity dancing competition on BBC TV, hope that he can add to his tally of 235 one-day international wickets.

“I am hoping to stay fit and get back into the England one-day set-up,” said the 35-year-old former Yorkshire bowler, who is set to play his 18th season of first-class cricket.

“I think I can do a good job for England and it is important that I start the season well, especially in one-day cricket.

“Bowling in international one-day cricket is a hard job and throughout my career I have got a record which compares with anybody in the world.

“I believe I am good enough and there are lots of players out in India who believe I should be in the squad.

“There is no reason why I cannot be playing well when the World Cup comes around.”

Gough is contracted to

Essex until September but he already has the offer of a new deal and he believes that will give him the incentive and opportunity to clinch a place in England's squad which heads to the West Indies early next year.—AFP