Yorkshire fans give Gough the stick

England hero Darren Gough has been the target of poison-pen letters from supporters of his county side Yorkshire, he revealed on Wednesday.

Gough, who took 25 wickets in the recent 3-1 Test series victory over the West Indies, was one of 12 players given central contracts by the England and Wales Cricket Board before the start of the season. That meant he was only available to his county for cup matches, with any other domestic appearances at the discretion of England coach Duncan Fletcher.

The new dispensation, designed to give England's top players the chance of regular breaks, has upset a number of Yorkshire fans.

"I can't believe the amount of stick I've taken this summer from Yorkshire members especially," an irate Gough told SkySports.

"Even on the last morning of the final Test at The Oval, I got a letter saying Yorkshire should terminate my contract to save money.

"Unfortunately he didn't leave an address or phone number so I can't send somebody round to knee-cap him!"

Gough, born in Barnsley, feels the criticism is unjustified after his years of service to his home county.

"I find it hard to take because I've always given everything for Yorkshire and England," added Gough.

"You only have to look at the performances I've put in for England this year to see what central contacts have done for me."

Mail Cricket Editor