Worth a gamble

Darren Gough: from beach cricket to Yorkshire captain © Getty Images

It might have been the World Cup, but now Darren Gough's colourful and never-quiet career is set to end where it started as he heads back up the M1 enticed by the one role that had yet to come his way - captaincy. He has become a dancing TV celebrity ahead of leading a cricket team onto the field, but now the final chapter of his career will provide a fascinating story. With Gough you'd expect nothing less.

When England reached their lowest low during the one-dayers in Australia the story emerged that the management had asked ICC about selecting players for the World Cup from outside the original 30-man squad. A few names where thrown around, but the thoughts were that if anyone would come out of the blue it would be Gough. He was, after all, playing cricket and winning matches in Australia. That it was beach cricket only slightly dampened the hysteria.

Gough, as is his wont, quickly puffed out his chest and proclaimed himself ready to lead the attack in West Indies while offering a wise head for the young bowlers. But lo and behold England started winning, the bowlers took wickets and Gough's hopes of a final international swansong disappeared as quickly as Australia's form. His latest challenge, however, could be even greater than what would have confronted him if he'd made the plane bound for the Caribbean.

Yorkshire, the club where Gough was nurtured by Richie Richardson among others from a slightly overweight tearaway to world-class opening bowler, have had the winter of discontent to match any. Two potential captains have turned down offers; Chris Adams because of a sudden case of homesickness and a realisation he might win something with Sussex and Anthony McGrath because of 'irreconcilable differences'. Hollywood eat your heart out, you couldn't write the script. Throw into the mix that the club is also coach-less and the rose isn't exactly blooming at Headingley.

But when a team hits rock bottom, the only way is up (ask England) and any gamble is worth it. Last month Cricinfo learnt that Gough hadn't rushed to put pen to paper on a new deal at Essex despite three largely profitable years (not only in terms of wickets) and a couple of one-day trophies to boot. His departure from Yorkshire had not come easily, but after a tough couple of tough years in his private life and an England career hit by injury he needed to move away from the bickering.

Now, with a life after cricket waiting for him when he finally calls it a day he appears ready to bring a touch of the showbiz and glamour back to Yorkshire. It can't just be a coincidence that David Byas parted company at the end of last season as the pair rarely saw eye to eye. One of the names at the head of the list to take the director of cricket role is Allan Donald and there is a huge mutual respect between him and Gough after numerous battles on the Test field.

But what of Gough the captain? Well, it's a job he could have had years ago. Not necessarily for his club, but his country. In 2001 Nasser Hussain suffered his annual broken finger in the first Test against Australia at Edgbaston, ruling him out of the next two matches at Lord's and Trent Bridge. England had already begun the habit of not naming a vice-captain so the debate started over who it should be. Players were turning the job down left, right and centre, much to the bemusement of the Australians. In the end the armband went back to Michael Atherton for two Tests, both heavy defeats, as the Ashes were decided quick sharp.

Gough wasn't even in the frame yet he'd been the only player to stand up and say "I'll do it." This isn't to say England would have turned the series around, and Gough would have probably bowled himself to any early grave Flintoff-style, but at least there would have been some roar and spirit. Yorkshire know Gough has the heart to bring a pulse back to a club that has nearly flat-lined.

It will be a brave move, but exciting all the same. He's 36 and won't be able to play every game, but even his presence on the sidelines will be a great motivation. He certainly holds himself in high regard, and isn't afraid to say so, which doesn't always make for the most receptive of captains. However, he has shown his value as a teacher and Ravi Bopara, for one, has learnt plenty on death bowling from the man who used to do it for fun.

Gough's first challenge will be turn around the dressing-room. There used to be a saying "a strong Yorkshire, means a strong England," but for now a good start would just be a happy Yorkshire. Gough can be the man to bring the smile back.