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"Worried" Gough looking forward to Ashes

LONDON, Wednesday (AFP) -.England fast bowler Darren Gough admitted he had been a worrried man ahead of Tuesday's announcement of the Ashes tour party to Australia

Gough, 32 next week, has been out of Test cricket since appearing for England in last year's fifth Test against Australia at The Oval.

Knee trouble has been the cause of Yorkshire star Gough's absence from virtually all cricket in England this season and he has undergone three operations in the past five months.

"Of course I was worried," Gough replied when asked on Sky Sports News Tuesday if he feared not being included in England's 16-man squad for the five Test series."

And Gough, who must prove his fitness to the selectors before Nasser Hussain's side fly out to Australia next month, added: "This is the Ashes. You've got to be worried.

"I've got five weeks to get fit," added Gough. "I have to be pain free. I won't even think about bowling until I get out there," explained Gough, currently recuperating at the National Sports Centre, Lilleshall, central England.

Gough, a popular figure in Australia for his aggressive, up and at 'em approach, said he could not wait to return down under.

"There's only one tour to go on: Australia.

"They (Australians) absolutely adore cricket. If you do well out there they idolise you," added Gough who took a Test hat-trick against Australia at Sydney on the 1998-99 Ashes tour.

"To play at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) in front of 100,000 people is great. It's unbelieveable."

Gough said that even if he failed to make the team he would be on hand with tips for novice quicks Simon Jones and Steve Harmison.

Gough said of the duo: "They are two good young players.

"I'm there to get my place back, but I will be there to give advice.

"I will be helping Simon Jones and Steve Harmison as much as I can.

"They are good lads and I think they will be there (in the England team) for a long time."

But at the other end of the experience scale, Gough said it was also good to see middle-order batsman Graham Thorpe recalled to the squad after his self-imposed exile from all cricket because of marriage problems.

Gough has also backed the way the England management have shown sympathy towards Surrey batsman Graham Thorpe after his marriage problems.

"I'm in a similar situation to Graham myself," said Gough.

"What can make it easier for him is it's in Australia, it's just like home.

"Team spirit and a caring management can also make life easier on tour.

"The good thing is it's a great set of lads. The squad and the management look after you.

"It shows they are taking the personal lives of the players into consideration."

England have not won the Ashes for 15 years since 1986-87.