Gooch urges Gough World Cup recall

Former England captain Graham Gooch believes an international recall for Darren Gough would boost the team's World Cup chances.

Gough was overlooked for the winter tour to Australia and his last appearance in an England shirt came in the seven-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the one-dayer at Lord's on September 7.

"I would have Gough in the squad because you need experience. He could be there as insurance," said Gooch. "He is still the best bowler at the death in England and he has great experience in those conditions."

England name their World Cup squad on Wednesday and Gooch has championed the cause of Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara, who replaced Kevin Pietersen in Australia after the Hampshire batsman broke a rib.

The 21-year-old played in one match, helping England secure a 92-run victory over Australia which began their impressive run in the Commonwealth Bank Series.

"The basis of the squad is there. Personally I would have Ravi Bopara in there - it is not an Essex pick because I am his coach - because he bats and bowls like (Paul) Collingwood and I think we need flexibility," added Gooch.

"I wouldn't have Mal Loye but I would have Stuart Broad in - he is the best of our youngsters and is a better bowler than Sajid Mahmood, in my opinion."