New hope for Darren Gough

Injured paceman Darren Gough gave England a timely boost as they prepared to meet Sri Lanka in Nottingham on Thursday in the opening match of the 10-game triangular one-day series also featuring India.

The Yorkshire bowler, whose comeback following knee surgery was put back when he suffered a reaction during the warm-up for a county second team game on Monday, recovered enough to bowl in the nets on Wednesday.

England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman Andrew Walpole told Reuters on Thursday: "It's encouraging that Darren has been back in the nets but he still has to see a specialist and will be doing that later today."

The specialist's report would determine whether Gough would be able to play a part in the series which has its final at Lord's on July 13.

But England, who have already lost Gough's pace partner Andrew Caddick with an injury to his left side, were also eager to have the Yorkshireman fit for the four-test series with India starting at Lord's on July 25.

England chairman of selectors David Graveney remained optimistic, telling Radio 5 Live: "Darren has been bowling really well in the nets. It's been a desperate time for him but we are back on course."

Gough, 31, tore a cartilage in his right knee during the final one-day international against New Zealand in March and missed the three-Test series against Sri Lanka in May and June, which England won 2-0.

England also have in-form batsman Mark Butcher recovering from knee surgery. He was expected to be fit for the Test series.

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