Confident Gough has faith in Thorpe

Patience is the key to Gough's recovery. The 31-year-old has been guilty of rushing back in the past, playing five one-day internationals this summer but missing both Test series, and is determined to take his time. "This has been my third operation, and after the first two I probably came back too early," said Gough. "This time we're going to do it properly.

"I'm not even going to start running for another three weeks. Last time, I was bowling after five-and-a-half weeks. This time I want to do it in the right environment. I'm going to Lilleshall tonight and will be living there for two weeks, training and getting fit."

It is more than a year since Gough last played in a Test match, but he is determined to see the positive side. He said: "It's been a nightmare year, but at least when I come back I'll be fresh. I've had a year off, basically, which at my age is perfect."

Gough's positive attitude extends to the Ashes. The Yorkshireman is one of few England players to have earned the respect of the Aussies, no doubt helped by that memorable hat-trick at Melbourne in 1999, and he is determined to compete in what is likely to be his last Ashes series.

"The last two occasions we went to Australia we've not competed," said Gough at the launch of the Marks & Spencer's new sportswear range view from. "We've done well in the last two Test matches, but we've been out of the Ashes after the first three. This time, it's up to us to dig deep in that first month and really fight.

"If we're in with a shout of winning the Ashes come Melbourne then I fancy us, as the last two grounds ( Melbourne and Sydney) suit us more.

We've just got to hang in there for the first month.

" There has been a massive improvement since I came into the England team, particularly in training. The players have always been good enough, but management and training has not been the best. It's become more professional, we're fitter and more of a team. "

In addition to the leadership of Fletcher and captain Nasser Hussain, the new-ball pairing of Gough and Andy Caddick has been crucial to England's improved fortunes. Both are nearing the end of illustrious careers, but Gough has plenty of faith in their successors such as Simon Jones, Steve Harmison, Alex Tudor and Matthew Hoggard.

England's bowling let them down in the Third Test against India at Headingley, but Gough believes they can recover to clinch the series at The Oval.

He said: "I'm surprised we haven't won the series already. If we can get a few early wickets then there's no reason we can't bowl them out. I don't think it'll be a spinning track and I think the pitch will suit England. The boys will do well."