Fletcher defends 'committed' Gough

Duncan Fletcher has spoken up to defend under-fire fast bowler Darren Gough.

The England coach was reacting to news that Gough could be reported to the Sri Lankan board by Colts coach, Hemantha Devapriya, following yesterday's incident where he clashed with batsman de Saram as he attempted a run out. The umpire, T.N Samarasinghe has already confirmed that he will not be mentioning the incident in his report, but Devapriya has a meeting planned with Anura Tennekoon, the chief executive of the Sri Lankan Board, in which he will discuss the matter.

"This is the second time one of my players has been bad-mouthed by Darren Gough," said Devapriya, referring to an incident in the warm-up game against a BCCSL Colts XI. "I think I should speak to someone at the Board before I decide whether to make a complaint this time."

But Fletcher played down the incident, and praised Gough for his commitment for England. "No-one has spoken to me about Darren being reported and I think they probably should have done," said Fletcher.

"He is committed to England, you've never seen a more committed guy to England; when you ask him to do something he doesn't give it 100%, he gives 110%."

Fletcher reiterated the English statement that Gough had not been sent off the field by captain, Nasser Hussain. He explained that Hussain was merely reminding the Yorkshireman of the arrangement for him to leave the field for treatment.

"He had a back problem and he was instructed to bowl two or three overs in that spell and then he was coming off. He was cross and pretty annoyed and walked away which is why Nasser had to go to him," reasoned Fletcher. "No-one realised that if we were not bringing him off then why was the replacement fielder stood at the side of the pitch ready to come on?"

England are optimistic that Marcus Trescothick, who played so brilliantly yesterday after hurting his knee, and Gough and Hick will be fully fit for the Test starting in Kandy on Wednesday.