Full name Michael Andrew Gough

Born December 18, 1979, Hartlepool, Co Durham

Current age 29 years 203 days

Major teams Durham, England A

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm offbreak

Other Umpire

A right-hand opening batsman, Michael Gough looked to have a promising career ahead of him. He captained the England Under-19 side and in 2002, aged 22, he averaged over 50 for Durham. But one season later and he had quit, for the simple reason he did not enjoy playing the game. "Each year I kept thinking: 'I'll give myself another season and I might enjoy myself more.' But it didn't happen. There would be times when I'd sit there thinking: 'Surely there's more to life than this.' I still enjoyed watching the game, though, so I thought that I might be able to give it a go as an umpire."

He sat his umpiring exams - in between working in his father's shop - and in 2006 he was appointed to the ECB's reserve list at the age of 27.
Martin Williamson March 2007

Apr 15, 2009

Umpires Michael Gough and Trevor Jesty inspect the Tiflex ball that will be used in Division Two

© Getty Images

Jul 6, 2008

Umpires Steve Garratt and Michael Gough inspect the pitch

© Getty Images

Apr 11, 2006

Portrait of Michael Gough

© Getty Images

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