LONDON, Nov 16: Former England fast bowler Darren Gough has blamed favouritism in selection for England’s recent poor form in limited-overs cricket.

Gough said proven performers from the recent Hong Kong Sixes, which the England side won, should have been picked for the seven-match ODI series in India, which began with a massive 158-run defeat for the visitors in Rajkot.

“We kind of have favouritism in selection,” Gough told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek. “England have got potential but we seem to ignore players who, for me, are definite starters in one-day cricket. We won the Hong Kong Sixes with Graham Napier, Dimitri Mascarenhas and Tim Bresnan. They deserve a chance.”

Ravi Bopara scored a fighting unbeaten 54 at No 8 but lacked support and Gough felt he should have been pushed up the order.

“Ravi’s a quality player and should bat higher,” Gough said.—Agencies