Goodbye Darren Gough

My Great Uncle Pat informed his cricket team that he wouldn't retire and they would have to drop him when he was no longer worth his place in the team. Aged 80 he lamented that they hadn't called him in 15 years.

These days it seems fashionable for players to retire on top. This approach of jumping instead of being pushed has its merits, as it allows players to end their careers with an ovation from their adoring public. However, I admire those who, like my Great Uncle, have to be dragged kicking and screaming away from the game they love.

Darren Gough undoubtedly belongs to the second category of player. The only person who truly believes that Darren Gough's international career is not over, is the man himself. He will be tearing in for Essex this season, determined to prove the buggers wrong again and force himself into contention for the 2007 World Cup.

Thanks for the memories Darren. Your career coincided with a low point in the fortunes of the England team and team mates, captain and fans would look to you to make things happen and you never disappointed.