November 05 Tuesday 2002
England call up Tudor for injured Gough

BRISBANE: England have called up Surrey pace bowler Alex Tudor as cover for their leading strike bowler Darren Gough who has suffered another injury setback. 

England coach Duncan Fletcher said on Monday Tudor, who has been training with the England national academy squad in Adelaide at the Australia cricket academy, would join the touring team. 

Tudor, 25, has taken 26 wickets at 31.50 in nine Tests. 

Fletcher said Gough, who had already been ruled out of the first Test starting in Brisbane on Thursday, would be sent to Adelaide for further treatment on his injured knee. 

"At this stage, we can't put a time frame on Darren's recovery and we will have to wait for further guidance from the specialist as to the extent of his involvement in the rest of the winter tour programme," Fletcher said in a statement released by the England team on Monday. 

Gough, 32, has not played Test cricket since Australia's Ashes tour last year and must now be in doubt for the five-Test series. 

The Yorkshire paceman reported swelling and discomfort in his knee on Sunday after bowling in the nets with the England team on Saturday. 

"We were hoping that he could play grade cricket this weekend. But our priority now is to ensure he gets intensive one-on-one treatment for his injury and expert medical advice," Fletcher said. 

Gough said: "It's very disappointing as I felt that I was nearly there with my recovery and ready to start playing again." 

Gough will fly to Adelaide on Monday night for treatment at the academy and also see a specialist later this week for a further assessment of the injury which has kept him out of competitive cricket since mid-July. 

England spokesman Andrew Walpole said Durham fast bowler Steve Harmison was suffering from shin splints. 

"It is not a major concern for us. He is only expected to be unavailable for two to three days but clearly we need extra cover in the bowling department," Walpole said.