Gough in line for World Cup recall

England have asked the International Cricket Council for permission to make changes to their 30-man preliminary squad for the World Cup.

Veteran paceman Darren Gough was the most notable absentee when the party was named last month and England's lack of potency with the ball in the current Commonwealth Bank Series makes him an obvious candidate to come in.

"We have asked ICC about the regulations of the World Cup 30 and we have been advised that we can nominate a change of player," said an England spokesman.

The 36-year-old was said to have failed a fitness test only for chairman of selectors David Graveney to offer a public apology days later.

His international career nevertheless appeared over before this lifeline.

England, who have until February 13 to reveal their 15-man squad for the Caribbean, must pinpoint someone to drop out of the 30 should they wish to draft in an outsider.

The original roster of 30 is demanded largely for publicity purposes, and the governing body are keen that each nation can field its strongest side for cricket's premier tournament.

Gough, who is yet to commit himself to Essex, is in Australia playing for an England veterans side in a beach cricket tournament.

England's most prolific bowler in one-day history with 235 wickets, he last played in the drawn series with Pakistan five months ago.