Gough retires from Test cricket

England fast bowler Darren Gough has announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket.

Gough, who made his Test match debut in 1994 and finished with 229 wickets, returned to the England Test side this summer after almost two years out but has decided to cut short his comeback after only two matches.

Gough, who is in eighth place on the all-time England wicket-takers’ list, will still be available to represent the England one-day team.

The Yorkshireman said: “I’ve come to a decision to retire from Test match cricket due to the injury sustained playing for England in New Zealand and - three operations later – to the subsequent rehab to get back to Test match cricket to prove myself and to other people that I could give Test cricket a go one more time.

“Every day is a hard one, and my career is based on being a strike bowler and being the one the captain always turned to in time of need.

“But I’ve found the last two matches hard going both mentally and physically - not just on playing days but also against the backdrop of the effort I’ve put in over the last eight months to get back to this stage.

“It has become apparent to me, no matter what my heart, head or public want me to do, that my knee will not allow me to play Test Match cricket.

“Obviously I’m sad, but I think every player knows when it’s time to step down,” the 32-year-old added.

“I feel in order for me to concentrate on my dream of one-day cricket and possibly another World Cup for England and trying to help Yorkshire move forward, I feel I have to retire from Test cricket.

“Thanks to England for giving me the chance to play Test Match cricket again; thanks to Wayne Morton, Steve Oldham and Scott McCallister for their phenomenal support. Thanks to Colin Graves and Yorkshire CCC and finally the public.

“I hope they don’t feel that, after 229 Test wickets and a body in bits, I’ve let them down.

“I hope I’ve served England well. But as you look around there are some very good bowlers all waiting for a chance, and good luck to them. I’m a cricket supporter and I will be supporting them.”