Darren Gough named England's temporary fast bowling consultant
Former England pacer Darren Gough has been appointed as England's fast bowling consultant in the run-up to the two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting on November 21. The legendary spinner will link up with the squad on November 5 and will be with the team until November 18.
One of the most celebrated bowlers England have ever produced, Gough is ECB Level 3 qualified but does not hold much of a track record as a coach. The former Yorkshire pacer has pursued a career as a radio presenter since his playing career ended, but he is an old friend and team-mate of England's new head coach, Chris Silverwood.
After Silverwood's promotion to the head coach role, England are without any specialist bowling coach and they decided to make a series of interim appointments before deciding on a long-term replacement. Gough is the first man to take over now under Silverwood's reign and will fly out to join the tour this weekend. He will be working with the Test squad in the build-up to the two-match series, which starts at Mount Maunganui on November 21.
"I'm delighted to have Darren on board. I have known him a long time and his vast knowledge and experience at the 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," said Silverwood.
Gough 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 do benefit me as a coach for the long-term. I can't wait to get cracking."