OTD in 1970 | England’s leading strike bowler Darren Gough was born, who was known by the nickname of Dazzle

English cricketer, Darren Gough was born on September 18, 1970, in Monk Bretton, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire. He was the captain of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club until retiring. He was the driving force behind England’s bowling attack for most of the 1990s. He has taken the most wickets in one-day internationals for the country with 234 and ranks ninth in Test matches with 229 wickets.

Gough was a right-handed batter and medium-fast bowler with a right arm. Standing 1.80 m (5′ 11″) tall and with a broad beam, he got his pace from a good approach to the wicket and a sideways-on jump, which resulted in what was commonly called “skiddy” fast bowling. With the ability to swing the ball late, he took a lot of wickets via leg before wicket or by bowling, frequently with an inswinging yorker delivery. 

Gough was named Player of the Series both in Sri Lanka and against the West Indies, and he was a major factor in England’s four consecutive series victories in 2000 and 2001. His achievements there and in Pakistan, the legendary fast bowler’s cemetery, were the apex of his growth, albeit even his self-confidence suffered following England’s elimination from contention against Australia the following summer. 

He suffered a minor injury to his knee during a one-day series in New Zealand, but it led to a year of incorrect diagnoses and failed return attempts. Despite being forced to miss the 2003 World Cup and the Ashes trip, he managed to recover in time for the English season. Additionally, despite playing a key role in England’s NatWest Series triumph, he was exposed in Test cricket and gave up the game following a crushing Lord’s loss to South Africa. 

Darren Gough represented England in 58 Test matches and took 229 wickets. While he played 159 ODIs and took 235 wickets. Before retiring in 2008 from first-class cricket Darren Gough last wicket was Justin Langer. 

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