Launching his Benefit season at Costcutter Supermarket's Head Office in York, Yorkshire and England star, Darren Gough believes the visit of the all-conquering Australians this summer is the ideal backdrop to his year.

The 30-year old fast bowler awarded a benefit as a reward for 12 years service at Yorkshire believes an Ashes victory and his native county winning a trophy will crown his year.

Facing up to a hectic schedule of International and domestic cricket as well as an extensive Benefit calendar, Darren's ambitions are very clear: "Cricket is my main priority and being a proud Yorkshire man, there would be nothing better than for us to win our first trophy for 14 years and also for England to re-gain the Ashes. It should be a big year all-round as I approach my fiftieth Test and 200 Test wickets."

Darren's only disappointment to the forthcoming season is having to part with his much sought after collection of sports memorabilia: "I have collected a huge number of items over the last decade, including signed Don Bradman prints, numerous autographed bats and shirts from International fixtures, whilst from other sports I've got shirts and prints signed by Pele, David Beckam, Tim Henman and Anna Kournikova. It will be sad to see them go."

Having taken over 500 first class wickets during the last 12 years, Darren is looking forward to a well-earned Testimonial, which includes a variety of dinners, golf days as well as cricket matches. For further information on his year, please contact his Benefit co-co-ordinator Ian Bishop on 01904 488663.

© CricInfo Ltd.