Realist Gough happy to retire one game early

Darren Gough has no regrets over ending his first-class career one game early.

The former England fast bowler was expected to bow out after Yorkshire's final County Championship match of the season but he has withdrawn from the side to face Sussex at Hove tomorrow.

The 38-year-old's decision means last week's match against Somerset at Scarborough was his final match at the top level.

"I wasn't disappointed because I picked the team," said Gough, who has been Yorkshire captain for the past two seasons.

"Some people said I should go for the romantic ending but it's not about me, it's about Yorkshire staying up.

"I really went back to the old times in my first spell against Somerset and anyone who saw it will know what I mean.

"But that really took it out of me and I was struggling."

Gough, who played in 58 Tests and 159 one-day internationals, leaves with 855 first-class wickets in a career spanning two spells at his native Yorkshire and one with Essex.

Gough has not ruled out continuing in Twenty20 cricket but has not yet made any decisions about his future.

"It was very emotional for me coming off the other day thinking it could be my last game for Yorkshire," he said.

"I would like to keep in touch with Yorkshire but I don't think I'll be a coach there, it's not something I want to do."