Darren Gough looks set to be appointed to a short-term role as bowling consultant during England’s tour of New Zealand.
Gough, the former England fast bowler, is ECB Level 3 qualified but does not hold much of a track record as coach – he has pursued a career as a radio presenter since his playing career ended – but has vast experience as a player and is an old friend and team-mate of England’s new head coach, Chris Silverwood.
England are currently without a bowling coach after Silverwood was promoted out of the role. While he is currently combining the roles on England’s tour of New Zealand, it appears England will look to make a series of interim appointments before deciding on a long-term replacement. Gough is expected to join the tour within days.
Kevin Shine, previously the ECB’s lead bowling coach, might have been expected to fill the vacuum but has recently left the ECB. A full-time replacement may not be appointed until the start of the next English season.
While the news is a surprise – Gough certainly represents a departure from recent coaching appointments – there is some logic behind it. With the tour lasting little more than three weeks, there is unlikely to be scope for much technical intervention. Instead, Gough will be able to share his experience and advice safe in the knowledge that his record – he remains England’s 12th highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with a bowling average lower than Sir Ian Botham or Stuart Broad – demands the respect of the players.
Gough played 58 Tests, 159 ODIs (only James Anderson has more ODI wickets for England) and two T20Is combining an indefatigable attitude with an ability to swing the ball – including the kookaburra ball – both by conventional and reverse means. He is not thought likely to be a candidate for the role on a long-term basis as it would force him to abandon his successful career in the media.
He has had some previous experience of working with England squads, having donned an England tracksuit to work with the Test team ahead of the Headingley Test against West Indies in 2017. He also advised the Under-19 squad during their series against India earlier that summer.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo