Gough wins England Player of the Year award

Darren Gough had extra cause for celebration last night when he won the Vodafone England Cricketer of the Year award.

Gough, on the eve of his 50th Test Match, was presented the award at a dinner in London last night. The judges, including David Graveney, David Lloyd and Mark Nicholas noted Gough's 58 wickets in 12 Tests over the last year that have seen him rise to seventh in the bowling ratings.

"It's a great achievement and proves what I can do if I stay fit and strong and keep working at my game and hopefully I'll be able to do it again," said Gough,

"It's great being part of such a successful side and I look forward to taking plenty more wickets in the next 12 months."

It is the third time that Gough has won the award. Last year it went to opening bowling partner, Andrew Caddick. He goes into his 50th Test needing just three more wickets to reach the 200 milestone.