Gough agrees new Yorkshire contract

Fast bowler Darren Gough has managed to secure a new contract with Yorkshire despite being virtually out of the game for a year with a recurring knee injury. It appeared likely that he might have to give the game up, but he has always maintained that he believed he could return, not only for Yorkshire but also for England.

In a statement, the club said: "Yorkshire CCC and Darren Gough are pleased to announce they have reached agreement on awarding Darren Gough a playing contract with the club.

"Since returning from Australia injured Darren has worked extremely hard with the medical and coaching staff at Yorkshire to ensure that he can continue his playing career both at county and international level.

"Darren is already engaged in the Yorkshire pre-season preparation schedule and if his fitness progress continues will be playing in Yorkshire's matches at the start of the season.

"Everyone at Yorkshire and I am sure England wish to see Darren Gough fully fit again and it is Darren's intention to continue playing cricket and to regain his international place in the England team.

"The details of the contract between Darren and Yorkshire will remain private. However, it can be clarified that it centres around Darren playing and coming through the first three months of the season fully fit and thereafter returning to normal contractual terms between the two parties."

After three operations, Gough thought he would be fit to take part in the Ashes tour, but having arrived in Australia he broke down again and flew to the United States for specialist opinion. There he was told that he just needed further rehabilitation and that more surgery would not be required.

He has been working hard to get fit, but realises that this represents his last chance of getting back into the game. However, the contract does indicate that Yorkshire are prepared to back him in his quest for a return.

"It does not mean that in three months if I am not fit that will be it. It is more a case of me taking a look at it then. To be honest it has all been settled since October. All it has centred around is me being fit or showing signs of getting back to full fitness. Yorkshire have been loyal in that respect.

"I'm not charging in bowling at 100mph but I am getting there."

It has been his enthusiasm that has cost him dear in the past - rushing back into action before he was really ready. If he can get back to full fitness, he will prove to be a boost to a team trying to get back into the first division of the county championship after the disappointment of relegation last year. Whether, at the age of 32, he still attracts the attention of the England selectors remains to be seen.