Darren Gough today revealed his excitement at ending a frustrating three-year wait to take his place alongside Angus Fraser and Dominic Cork as England's eagerly-awaited three-pronged seam attack to tackle South Africa in this week's third Test at Old Trafford.

The trio, earmarked as England's first-choice attack for the summer by both coach David Lloyd and chairman of selectors David Graveney, have not bowled together in a Test since facing South Africa in Johannesburg in December, 1995.

England's selectors had high hopes of reuniting them for the opening Test this summer, but Gough was forced out of the contest before he had bowled a ball by breaking his right index finger batting in the first innings.

Gough, back in a 13-man squad, said: "I am looking forward to bowling alongside Dominic Cork and Gus Fraser.

"It was a huge disappointment to have got injured at Edgbaston before I had bowled a ball.

"It will be nice bowling with Gus because you know he is not going to let you down. His record speaks for itself and he will tie up an end for you.

"Dominic and I are both attacking bowlers and if Gus is operating from the other end, it gives you the licence to bowl without worrying about going for too many runs."

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