Darren Gough
Encyclopedia
Darren Gough is a retired English
cricket
er and former captain of Yorkshire County Cricket Club
. The spearhead of England's bowling attack through much of the 1990s, he is England's highest wicket-taker in one-day internationals with 234, and took 229 wickets in his 58 Test matches, making him England's ninth most successful wicket-taker.
Gough was a right arm fast medium bowler and right-handed batsman. 1.80 m (5' 11") and broad in beam, he achieved his pace from a good approach to the wicket and a leaping sideways-on action, achieving what was often described as "skiddy" fast bowling. Capable of swinging the ball late, a large number of his wickets were gained through lbw or bowled, often with the inswinging yorker
delivery.
Gough retired at the end of the 2008 cricket season with Justin Langer
as his final first-class wicket. Justin commented in his BBC column that "Darren Gough will retire as one of the most respected and admired cricketers of our generation."
also noting that Gough had commented to Langer after his final match "I am happy to finish with an Aussie in my pocket.". Gough retired on a high being regarded as a model professional in the game and a Yorkshire legend.
The initial steps of Gough's first-class cricketing life, according to his autobiography, were marked by a lack of discipline, thrust and ambition. In May 1993
, however, during a match for Yorkshire against Hampshire
at Southampton
, he shifted his mindset completely. With the hosts well into their second innings, and Gough beginning to jade, he found himself with four wickets and a choice: he must either disregard his bodily protests and go for the five-for, or he must lower his speed and safeguard his analysis. The latter had characterised his approach in most such scenarios thitherto, and he duly went with it until Richie Richardson
, Yorkshire's foreign signing, told him to engage the former.
Having played through one of the greatest epochs of West Indian cricket, characterised by a pace attack regarded by many as the finest ever, Richardson was well placed to convey such wisdom. Gough took it, claimed his five-for and quickly realised that bowling fast and taking wickets was far more suited to his talents and personality. The new philosophy typified the remainder of his career.
and One Day International cricket. Four first-innings wickets and an innings of 65 on Test debut showed his potential, and the media, as is usual with practically any aggressive England all-rounder, quickly dubbed him the "new Botham
". Like most such pretenders to that throne, he did not fully ascend to such lofty heights: his batting fell away, and he eventually averaged only 12 with the bat in Tests. Nonetheless, his continued presence in the England team became a vital one in both personality and play. Memorable highlights of his Test career included taking the 23rd
hat-trick
in Test cricket against Australia
at Sydney
in 1999. His only first-class century came against Warwickshire in 1996 at Headingley.
He retired from Test cricket in 2003 after a knee injury threatened to end his career, having taken 229 wickets with a bowling average
of 28.39. He has continued playing one-day international cricket, and became the first Englishman to take 200 wickets in one-day cricket in September 2004. In January 2005, he played for the World XI in the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal
one-day international versus the Asian XI.
Gough asked not to be considered for selection for England's tour of Pakistan in October–December 2005 so that he could spend more time with his family. Selectors were content with his decision until it was discovered that he had signed up to take part in the BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing
.
He was subsequently omitted from the ODI party to tour India in February and March 2006, prompting renewed speculation that his career was at an end. However, he was named as a member of the ODI squad to play Pakistan in August 2006, playing two ODIs and one Twenty20 International, before a shin injury forced him to withdraw from the team. Cricket writer Tim de Lisle claimed in a column for Cricinfo that after this, "[Gough's] international career [was] all but over".
He played county cricket
for Yorkshire
for 15 years before moving to Essex
in 2004 due mainly to family reasons. He returned to Yorkshire for the 2007 season
as their captain
stating "They know I'll run through brick walls for Yorkshire. I've come home". He joined Matthew Hoggard
in a seemingly formidable Yorkshire attack.
His reign as captain of Yorkshire got off to a flier. His opening five games saw three convincing Championship
wins (versus Surrey
, Durham
and Worcestershire
) and two one-day victories (versus Notts
and Scotland).
Gough suffered a broken hand in June 2007 whilst achieving his best Yorkshire figures in 11 years. He took 6-47 before taking a blow from Kent's
Ryan McLaren
, attempting to stop a straight drive off his own bowling. Despite suffering the injury, Gough bowled on briefly, taking the wicket of culprit McLaren.
, partnered with British National champion Lilia Kopylova
. Gough noted that this would keep him fit whilst allowing him to spend the winter with his family and, visibly at least, had the support of his England colleagues. He went on to win both the main series and the 2005 Christmas Special. Two years later he returned to win the 2007 Christmas Special. Following this he took part in the Strictly Come Dancing live tour during January and February 2008.
In 2010, Gough became the face of UK supermarket giant 'Costcutter'. Regularly featuring in their promotional trails on television. As an outspoken fan, Gough became the brand ambassador for Collier's Powerful Welsh cheddar in 2010 making a number of appearances notably at the International Cheese Awards
in Nantwich.
on the first series of the program and as a captain of one of the teams in the third episode and the final of Sing If You Can
. He has recently been signed by talkSPORT
to present the weekday afternoon drivetime show with Adrian Durham
. His first show was on the 20th March 2009. He was Kevin Pietersen
's best man at his wedding. He supports Barnsley FC, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Real Madrid (wherever Jose goes) among many others.
to be the Conservative Party candidate in the Barnsley Central by-election
in February 2011, but declined due to other commitments. Initially Gough thought the invitation was a hoax and put the phone down. Cameron had to call again to confirm the invitation was genuine. Gough turned down the invitation, but made himself available to support the Tories during the by-election campaign.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
cricket
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...
er and former captain of Yorkshire County Cricket Club
Yorkshire County Cricket Club
Yorkshire County Cricket Club represents the historic county of Yorkshire as one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure....
. The spearhead of England's bowling attack through much of the 1990s, he is England's highest wicket-taker in one-day internationals with 234, and took 229 wickets in his 58 Test matches, making him England's ninth most successful wicket-taker.
Gough was a right arm fast medium bowler and right-handed batsman. 1.80 m (5' 11") and broad in beam, he achieved his pace from a good approach to the wicket and a leaping sideways-on action, achieving what was often described as "skiddy" fast bowling. Capable of swinging the ball late, a large number of his wickets were gained through lbw or bowled, often with the inswinging yorker
Yorker
Yorker is a term used in cricket that describes a ball bowled which hits the cricket pitch around the batsman's feet. When a batsman assumes a normal stance this generally means that the cricket ball bounces on the cricket pitch on or near the batsman's popping crease...
delivery.
Gough retired at the end of the 2008 cricket season with Justin Langer
Justin Langer
Justin Lee Langer AM is a former international cricketer who represented Australia in 105 Test matches and the current Assistant Coach and Batting Coach of the Australian cricket team. A left-handed batsman, his opening partnership with Matthew Hayden was one of the most successful of all time...
as his final first-class wicket. Justin commented in his BBC column that "Darren Gough will retire as one of the most respected and admired cricketers of our generation."
also noting that Gough had commented to Langer after his final match "I am happy to finish with an Aussie in my pocket.". Gough retired on a high being regarded as a model professional in the game and a Yorkshire legend.
Early days
1993 English cricket season
The 1993 English cricket season saw the dramatic arrival on the scene of Shane Warne and his incredible "Gatting Ball". Australia, led by Steve Waugh, now had one of the strongest teams ever known and won the Ashes with plenty to spare....
, however, during a match for Yorkshire against Hampshire
Hampshire County Cricket Club
Hampshire County Cricket Club represents the historic county of Hampshire in cricket's County Championship. The club was founded in 1863 as a successor to the Hampshire county cricket teams and has played at the Antelope Ground from then until 1885, before moving to the County Ground where it...
at Southampton
Southampton
Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
, he shifted his mindset completely. With the hosts well into their second innings, and Gough beginning to jade, he found himself with four wickets and a choice: he must either disregard his bodily protests and go for the five-for, or he must lower his speed and safeguard his analysis. The latter had characterised his approach in most such scenarios thitherto, and he duly went with it until Richie Richardson
Richie Richardson
Richard Benjamin Richardson is a retired West Indies cricketer and a former captain of the West Indian cricket team.Richardson was born in Five Islands Village, Antigua. He began his career with the Leewards Islands in 1982 as an opener and after his second season he was called up by the West...
, Yorkshire's foreign signing, told him to engage the former.
Having played through one of the greatest epochs of West Indian cricket, characterised by a pace attack regarded by many as the finest ever, Richardson was well placed to convey such wisdom. Gough took it, claimed his five-for and quickly realised that bowling fast and taking wickets was far more suited to his talents and personality. The new philosophy typified the remainder of his career.
International cricket
He was first selected for the England cricket team in 1994, playing both TestTest cricket
Test cricket is the longest form of the sport of cricket. Test matches are played between national representative teams with "Test status", as determined by the International Cricket Council , with four innings played between two teams of 11 players over a period of up to a maximum five days...
and One Day International cricket. Four first-innings wickets and an innings of 65 on Test debut showed his potential, and the media, as is usual with practically any aggressive England all-rounder, quickly dubbed him the "new Botham
Ian Botham
Sir Ian Terence Botham OBE is a former England Test cricketer and Test team captain, and current cricket commentator. He was a genuine all-rounder with 14 centuries and 383 wickets in Test cricket, and remains well-known by his nickname "Beefy"...
". Like most such pretenders to that throne, he did not fully ascend to such lofty heights: his batting fell away, and he eventually averaged only 12 with the bat in Tests. Nonetheless, his continued presence in the England team became a vital one in both personality and play. Memorable highlights of his Test career included taking the 23rd
Test cricket hat-tricks
This is a list of all hat-tricks in Test cricket; that is, the occasions when a bowler has taken three wickets in consecutive deliveries in Test cricket matches. As of 30 July 2011, a hat-trick has been taken 39 times since the first Test match in 1877, most recently by English fast-medium bowler...
hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
in Test cricket against Australia
Australian cricket team
The Australian cricket team is the national cricket team of Australia. It is the joint oldest team in Test cricket, having played in the first Test match in 1877...
at Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
in 1999. His only first-class century came against Warwickshire in 1996 at Headingley.
Bowling average
Bowling average is a statistic measuring the performance of bowlers in the sport of cricket.A bowler's bowling average is defined as the total number of runs conceded by the bowlers divided by the number of wickets taken by the bowler, so the lower the average the better. It is similar to earned...
of 28.39. He has continued playing one-day international cricket, and became the first Englishman to take 200 wickets in one-day cricket in September 2004. In January 2005, he played for the World XI in the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal
World Cricket Tsunami Appeal
The World Cricket Tsunami Appeal was an effort by the International Cricket Council to raise funds to support the humanitarian relief efforts following the Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004. It was scheduled to be held over two games but was reduced to one due to an over-crowded...
one-day international versus the Asian XI.
Gough asked not to be considered for selection for England's tour of Pakistan in October–December 2005 so that he could spend more time with his family. Selectors were content with his decision until it was discovered that he had signed up to take part in the BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing is a British television show, featuring celebrities with professional dance partners competing in Ballroom and Latin dances. The title of the show suggests a continuation of the long-running series Come Dancing, with an allusion to the film Strictly Ballroom...
.
He was subsequently omitted from the ODI party to tour India in February and March 2006, prompting renewed speculation that his career was at an end. However, he was named as a member of the ODI squad to play Pakistan in August 2006, playing two ODIs and one Twenty20 International, before a shin injury forced him to withdraw from the team. Cricket writer Tim de Lisle claimed in a column for Cricinfo that after this, "[Gough's] international career [was] all but over".
County cricket
County cricket
County cricket is the highest level of domestic cricket in England and Wales. For the 2010 season, see 2010 English cricket season.-First-class counties:...
for Yorkshire
Yorkshire County Cricket Club
Yorkshire County Cricket Club represents the historic county of Yorkshire as one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure....
for 15 years before moving to Essex
Essex County Cricket Club
Essex County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh national cricket structure, representing the historic county of Essex. Its limited overs team is called the Essex Eagles, their team colours this season are blue.The club plays most of its home games...
in 2004 due mainly to family reasons. He returned to Yorkshire for the 2007 season
2007 English cricket season
The 2007 English cricket season began on Saturday 14 April 2007 with the match between MCC and the 2006 county champions Sussex at Lord's.-Roll of honour:Test series*England v West Indies: 4 Tests - England won 3–0....
as their captain
Captain (cricket)
The captain of a cricket team often referred to as the skipper is the appointed leader, having several additional roles and responsibilities over and above those of a regular player...
stating "They know I'll run through brick walls for Yorkshire. I've come home". He joined Matthew Hoggard
Matthew Hoggard
Matthew James Hoggard MBE is an English cricketer. The 6' 2" Hoggard is a right arm fast-medium bowler and right-handed batsman. He played international cricket for England cricket team from 2000-2008, playing both Test cricket and One Day International cricket. He is currently the captain of...
in a seemingly formidable Yorkshire attack.
His reign as captain of Yorkshire got off to a flier. His opening five games saw three convincing Championship
County Championship
The County Championship is the domestic first-class cricket competition in England and Wales...
wins (versus Surrey
Surrey County Cricket Club
Surrey County Cricket Club is one of the 18 professional county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Surrey. Its limited overs team is called the Surrey Lions...
, Durham
Durham County Cricket Club
Durham County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh national cricket structure, representing the historic county of Durham. Its limited overs team is called the Durham Dynamos. Their kit colours are blue with yellow trim and the shirt sponsor was...
and Worcestershire
Worcestershire County Cricket Club
Worcestershire County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Worcestershire...
) and two one-day victories (versus Notts
Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club
Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Nottinghamshire, and the current county champions. Its limited overs team is called the Nottinghamshire Outlaws...
and Scotland).
Gough suffered a broken hand in June 2007 whilst achieving his best Yorkshire figures in 11 years. He took 6-47 before taking a blow from Kent's
Kent County Cricket Club
Kent County Cricket Club is one of the 18 first class county county cricket clubs which make up the English and Welsh national cricket structure, representing the county of Kent...
Ryan McLaren
Ryan McLaren
Ryan McLaren is a South African cricketer. He is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler....
, attempting to stop a straight drive off his own bowling. Despite suffering the injury, Gough bowled on briefly, taking the wicket of culprit McLaren.
Celebrity appearances
In December 2005, Gough took part in the BBC television show Strictly Come DancingStrictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing is a British television show, featuring celebrities with professional dance partners competing in Ballroom and Latin dances. The title of the show suggests a continuation of the long-running series Come Dancing, with an allusion to the film Strictly Ballroom...
, partnered with British National champion Lilia Kopylova
Lilia Kopylova
Lilia Andreyevna Kopylova , born 18 June 1978 in Moscow, Soviet Union, is a professional dancer.With her husband Darren Bennett she has been competing as an amateur since July 1997 and as a professional since May 2003...
. Gough noted that this would keep him fit whilst allowing him to spend the winter with his family and, visibly at least, had the support of his England colleagues. He went on to win both the main series and the 2005 Christmas Special. Two years later he returned to win the 2007 Christmas Special. Following this he took part in the Strictly Come Dancing live tour during January and February 2008.
In 2010, Gough became the face of UK supermarket giant 'Costcutter'. Regularly featuring in their promotional trails on television. As an outspoken fan, Gough became the brand ambassador for Collier's Powerful Welsh cheddar in 2010 making a number of appearances notably at the International Cheese Awards
International Cheese Awards
The International Cheese Awards is a cheese show and competition held each year at Dorfold Park in Nantwich, England. It represents the most important cheese events in the UK and one of the most important events on the global level...
in Nantwich.
Personal life
Darren and his wife Anna divorced in 2002, after 8 years of marriage but are now reconciled (Daily Telegraph May 21, 2009). They have two sons, Liam and Brennan. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/live/live.html?in_article_id=377784&in_page_id=1889 He served as the captain on one of the teams on the UK version of Hole in the WallHole in the Wall (UK game show)
Hole in the Wall was a game show that airs on BBC One in the United Kingdom. This game is an adaptation of the Japanese game Brain Wall in which players must contort themselves to fit through cutout holes of varying shapes in a large polystyrene wall moving towards them as they stand in front of a...
on the first series of the program and as a captain of one of the teams in the third episode and the final of Sing If You Can
Sing If You Can
Sing If You Can is an ITV1 game show which features celebrities attempting to sing in front of a live studio audience whilst various attempts are made to disrupt their performances. It is presented by Keith Lemon and Stacey Solomon, though originally Vernon Kay was scheduled to host, but he felt...
. He has recently been signed by talkSPORT
TalkSPORT
Talksport , owned by UTV radio, is one of the United Kingdom's three terrestrial analogue Independent National Radio broadcasters, offering a sports and talk radio service broadcast from London to the United Kingdom....
to present the weekday afternoon drivetime show with Adrian Durham
Adrian Durham
Adrian Durham is a football journalist and broadcaster.-Career:Durham currently hosts TalkSPORT's "Drivetime" on weekdays between 4pm–7pm alongside ex-cricketer Darren Gough....
. His first show was on the 20th March 2009. He was Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Peter Pietersen, MBE is a South African-born English cricketer. He is a right-handed batsman and occasional off spin bowler who plays for England and Surrey...
's best man at his wedding. He supports Barnsley FC, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Real Madrid (wherever Jose goes) among many others.
Politics
In July 2009, Gough revealed himself to be a supporter of the Conservative Party and offered his support to Nigel Adams' parliamentary campaign for Selby and Ainsty. He was invited by David CameronDavid Cameron
David William Donald Cameron is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service and Leader of the Conservative Party. Cameron represents Witney as its Member of Parliament ....
to be the Conservative Party candidate in the Barnsley Central by-election
Barnsley Central by-election, 2011
The Barnsley Central by-election was a by-election for the Parliament of the United Kingdom's House of Commons constituency of Barnsley Central which took place on 3 March 2011...
in February 2011, but declined due to other commitments. Initially Gough thought the invitation was a hoax and put the phone down. Cameron had to call again to confirm the invitation was genuine. Gough turned down the invitation, but made himself available to support the Tories during the by-election campaign.
External links
- Internet Movie Database
- Darren Gough's hat-trick video on Veoh
- David Cameron wanted Darren Gough to stand as Tory candidate http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/feb/10/darren-gough-tory-mp-david-cameron