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Dancing Gough's future in doubt

26/09/2005

Darren Gough, erstwhile England bowling hero, has been told by England's chairman of selectors David Graveney that he may find it hard to regain his place in the one-day squad.

Gough informed the selectors that he did not wish to be considered for England's tour of Pakistan next month, but that he had not retired from international cricket and still hoped to play in the 2007 World Cup.

"He has to realise if he gives up his place it might not be easy to get it back," Graveney told the BBC.

And now "Dazzler" is living up to his nickname as it emerged over the weekend that he has signed on for the BBC's celebrity talent show Strictly Come Dancing.

The programme starts on October 15th and will feature the swing bowler, other sports stars and TV celebrities attempting to survive the public vote by showing off their dancing skills.

It is not known whether Gough decided to opt out of the tour to Pakistan in order to take part in the show, nor whether this new direction in his career will affect his chances of being involved in the England set-up in the future.

"It's his choice," said Graveney when he found out about Gough's dancing ambitions.

"Darren decided he didn't want to be considered for the tour and we respected that.

"We will now see how other people do in his place and it is a great opportunity for them.

"As for his dancing, I've no idea what he's like."

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