By Sarah Holt BBC Sport in Melbourne

Former LA Lakers star Bucknall is England's all-time top scorer

England basketball star Steve Bucknall plans to end his career by leading his team to the inaugural Commonwealth gold medal in Melbourne.

The former NBA star begins his brief return from international retirement against Barbados on Thursday - the eve of his 40th birthday.

"I want to finish on a high note and winning a gold medal would be perfect," Bucknall told BBC Sport.

"All the guys are playing well together and we expect to do well."

The former LA Lakers guard added: "Celebrating too much on my birthday won't help the team but hopefully I'll have a lot more to celebrate when the tournament is over."

England coach Pete Scantlebury has tempted Bucknall, who retired in 2001 for family reasons, back into the fold to bring some experience to his squad.

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Bucknall, England's all-time leading scorer, will be reunited with fellow former NBA star John Amaechi and Newcastle Eagles player-coach Fabulous 'Fab' Flournoy.

"I came back to be part of the Commonwealth Games," said Bucknall.

"I was never able to compete in the Olympics because we did not qualify so I see this as the second-best event.

"Being the oldest player on the team I will be useful to the younger guys who have never experienced a competition like this.

"The truth is we only have three guys who have played at this level but Peter has put together a nice blend of players and we should do well.

ENGLAND MEN'S GROUP MATCHES Thu 16 - Barbados Sat 18 - New Zealand Mon 20 - South Africa

"New Zealand are favourites to win our group with us in second but we would like to change that, beat them and finish top."

It is the first time that basketball has been included at the Games, at the request of the Melbourne organisers.

Hosts Australia, who are ranked eighth in the world, are favourites to win the tournament and Bucknall is urging basketball fans to tune in to the competition.

"We do not have the world beaters here like America or Serbia and Montenegro but it will be a decent competition," said the former LA Lakers player.