Gough glad to be back for England

Darren Gough said "just to be playing" for England again felt great after being out of international action for nearly a year.

The 32-year-old Yorkshire fast bowler, speaking ahead of England's rain-delayed one-day international against Zimbabwe here Tuesday at his home ground of Headingley, has recovered from three knee operations to play in all five one-day internationals this season.

"I have made it back, and it has been worth it," he said. "Just to be playing in these one-dayers - whatever happens - has been great.

"I have enjoyed playing with these young guys," added Gough, recalled to act as mentor to the likes of James Anderson as well as for his own wicket-taking ability.

England beat South Africa by six wickets in their last triangular match, at The Oval on Saturday. But they went down to a four wicket defeat against Zimbabwe in Thursday's series opener at Trent Bridge.

And Gough insisted that he would not be taking Zimbabwe lightly.

"I shan't approach this match any different to if it was Australia we were playing," he said.

"I have been impressed with Zimbabwe - they are a good side. They have some good all-rounders, and now Andy Flower has gone Grant Flower (who made 96 not out against England at Trent Bridge) is stepping up and showing he is as good as his brother."