The England Men’s cricket team has appointed former England seamer Darren Gough as fast bowling consultant for the warm-up period leading into the two Test matches against New Zealand starting next month.
Gough, 49, will join up with the Test squad in Auckland on November 5 and will work with the seam bowling group until November 18 during the support period in Whangarei.
Commenting on the appointment of Gough, England Men’s Head Coach Chris Silverwood, said:
“I’m delighted to have Darren on board. I have known him a long time and his vast knowledge and experience at international level will drive our bowling unit forward leading into the two-match Test series. He will be excellent around the group and will settle in quickly.”
Gough, who is a qualified level three cricket coach, added:
“It is a tremendous honour to be asked by Chris Silverwood and Ashley Giles to be involved in this elite environment. I very much look forward to working with all the bowlers and helping them improve.
“I will gain a lot from the experience and to work at this level will benefit me as a coach for the long-term. I can’t wait to get cracking.”
The moment @OllyStone2 received his first England cap from @DGoughie! 👏 pic.twitter.com/e2aZZLX0Br
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 11, 2018
The former Yorkshire and Essex quick represented England across all three formats with distinction over a 12-year career, which saw him take 229 wickets in 58 Tests at an average of 28.39. In one-day internationals, he is England's second highest wicket-taker in history with 234 at an average of 26.42 from his 159 matches.
Since his retirement from the sport in 2008, the Barnsley-born Gough has become a respected radio broadcaster on the UK sports station TalkSport.