Yorkshire County Cricket Club have accepted Darren Gough's explanation of his appearance in a charity match at the weekend after he had been rested by the club.

Gough was left out of Yorkshire's game against Leicestershire because he was feeling "tired and jaded" according to coach Wayne Clark.

But when the club discovered that Gough played for the Bunbury Cricket Club at Chobham on Sunday, chairman Keith Moss told the Yorkshire Post: "We had no knowledge of this match and I have asked for an immediate investigation."

"We are disappointed we didn't know," Yorkshire chief executive Chris Hassall said.

"We need to talk to Darren about it because he's required to technically get our permission for any other activity outside Yorkshire and England, so we need to know the reasoning behind it."

However, after an investigation this morning Hassell said: "At Darren's benefit golf day at Finchley on Friday, Bunbury organiser David English suggested to Darren that he might like to bring his family for a day out at Chobham on Sunday, with plenty of entertainment for the kids. There was no intention of playing.

"On arrival with his brother-in-law and their families, Darren was asked if he would like to bat. After the break and some tea, having signed numerous autographs, he bowled three overs off two paces and then left, having signed more autographs."

Gough had played down the issue. "I got a few runs and bowled a few overs off a couple of paces and it was all over by about 5pm," he said.

"I know my body and I knew it would not do any harm. It was a last-minute invitation and I did not want to turn them down. I did not tell either Yorkshire or England because it was my own time. We would have gone out for a drive anyway.

"There seems to be a big fuss every time I don't play for Yorkshire," Gough continued. "The last thing I need a few days before a Test against Australia at Lord's is people trying to stir things up.

"I don't have to keep people informed of every move I make. It was a relaxing day out with my family. I'll be fully recharged for the Test match on Thursday."

The ECB agreed. A spokesman commented, "we are relaxed about the situation. It was a non-competitive social match.

"Darren initially turned down a request to play in the game. When he was contacted on Sunday morning, he then discussed it with his family. And because it was very much a family day out, with play equipment there, he decided to take the family to the game.

"When he arrived at the ground he was persuaded to briefly take part in the game. He faced 20 balls and bowled about three overs and then left. We have no concerns about it."

© CricInfo