Gough, who has been bowling his heart out against Australia for more than a decade, was the pick of England's attack, even though he finished wicketless.
Then the 34-year-old scored an unbeaten 46 at No10 - his best effort in 151 one-day internationals - to give the home reply a little boost at the end.
But, Gough apart, England were far too compliant and their next meeting with Australia, in Birmingham next Tuesday, will be a fresh test of character.
"I really don't believe losing this one will cause longer term damage," said Marcus Trescothick, captain yesterday in the absence of the injured Michael Vaughan.
"The confidence and the spirit goes deeper than that. I don't think it will hurt us too much."
Trescothick, or his advisers, almost certainly erred by choosing to field first because the pitch offered the bowlers nothing and became harder to bat on by the evening.
But, as Gough said, there was a lack of intensity during Australia's innings, followed by a meek attempt to chase a target of 267.
Brett Lee, fit again after a shoulder injury, gave Ponting's attack a cutting edge but it was Glenn McGrath's opening spell of 6-1-9-2 that wrecked England's hopes of a third straight win over Australia this summer.
It brought back memories of so many other matches between the two countries. England simply cannot afford to let McGrath dictate terms in that manner, be it at oneday or Test level, if they want to compete over the next two and a half months.
Whether it is Vaughan or Trescothick in charge on Tuesday, Australia need to be hustled and harried before they settle into their all-conquering rhythm yet again.
First, both countries face matches against Bangladesh this weekend and Yorkshireman Gough, now of Essex, should relish his return to Headingley on Sunday.
To play - Tomorrow: Australia v Bangladesh (Old Trafford). Sunday: England v Bangladesh (Headingley). Tuesday: England v Australia (Edgbaston, day/night). Thursday: Australia v Bangladesh (Canterbury). 2 July: Final (Lord's).
