Gough - keyhole surgery Photo CricInfo

All the arguments about whether fast bowler Darren Gough should have stayed with the England team for the Test series in New Zealand have been rendered academic by the fact that he is undergoing an operation to repair cartilage damage to his right knee.

When Gough made himself unavailable for the Test tour to India, the England management made it plain that such a decision would also disbar him from the New Zealand series as well. However, with Gough showing such impressive form during the one-day internationals in both India and New Zealand, there was a clamour in the press for Gough to stay on for the duration of the tour.

The selectors were not to be moved and stuck by their original policy, but now news has emerged that the bowler sustained his injury during the final one-dayer in Dunedin where he bowled his full quota of ten overs, taking 2 for 42. He is expected to be out of action for a month, but should be fit for the start of the domestic season.

Commenting on the situation as far as Yorkshire is concerned, Liz Sutcliffe said: "Fingers crossed he will be back in action at the start of April when the players are returning from overseas duty. It's not that serious, it's key-hole surgery on a small tear in his cartilage and we expect him back, if all goes to plan, for the start of the season."

Gough only played in two CricInfo Championship matches for Yorkshire last season as they won the title and he attracted a certain amount of adverse publicity because he was spending so much time on international duty during a lucrative benefit year. There was some talk that he might leave the county, but he decided to stay and will now be keen to get back into action with a view to reclaiming his Test place.

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