Gough matches Botham's England one-day mark

Strike bowler Darren Gough reached a personal landmark on Thursday as he equalled Ian Botham's England record for one-day international wickets.

Yorkshireman Gough had reason to celebrate for the second time this English summer after his performance against Australia in their triangular series match at Old Trafford.

Gough, who passed 200 test wickets during the just-concluded two-test series against Pakistan, took his 145th one-day victim when he trapped Australian skipper Steve Waugh lbw for 64.

Botham, now a commentator with Sky Television, said: "Darren always bowls his heart out for England. If somebody has to pass me, I'm glad it's him."

Gough, who had earlier removed opening batsman Adam Gilchrist, ended the innings with two for 31 off nine overs.

His 145 victims have come from 93 matches. Before Thursday, his average stood at 24.83. All-rounder Botham, who is also England's top test wicket-taker, took his wickets in 116 matches at 28.54 apiece.

Gough, meanwhile, is now seventh in the test standings but may not catch Botham, who took 383 wickets during an illustrious career.

Mail Cricket Editor