Harmison: Gough should replace Cooley

Darren Gough might not have moved his feet much when batting, but he's proved to be a slick mover on the dance floor © Getty Images Enlarge

Steve Harmison believes Darren Gough would make the perfect replacement bowling coach for Troy Cooley. Gough, 35, who last night won the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing show, is uncertain whether he will be picked for England's tour of India in March.

"I still believe he could do a job for us as a bowler and I think he would be a great addition to the squad for India," Harmison told the Mail on Sunday. "Whether or not he is picked again as a player, I would love to have him as coach."

England are actively seeking a replacement bowling coach after Troy Cooley's decision to return home to Australia. Yesterday, Cooley suggested it was the ECB's hesitancy in offering him a renewal which forced him to leave; he had requested a two-year deal in May which was turned down by the board.

Gough retired from Test cricket in 2003, but has remained available for selection in one-day internationals, where he has been an exceptional exponent of bowling at the end of the innings.

"He is a master of the art of bowling with the new ball and 'at the death' and some of that knowledge would be invaluable, particularly in the one-day game," Harmison added. "He would have the instant respect of all the bowlers because he's been there and done it, the kind of man you would always go the extra yard for."