Gough (centre) with Essex team-mates Ronnie Irani and Alex Tudor

The 35-year-old was not picked for the current series in India after opting out of the tour to Pakistan at the end of last year.

But England have struggled without him, losing all four games so far in India.

"I still believe I can do a job. I know my team-mates in the England side think I'm good enough to be there, but it's not up to them," he told BBC Essex.

Gough retired from Test cricket three years ago following serious knee problems, but remained in the limited overs side and played in last summer's triangular series against Australia and Bangladesh.

Feature: Still in love with cricket

He badly wants to play in next year's World Cup in the West Indies, but accepts it is now up to the selectors to decide whether to stick with younger bowlers or draw on his vast experience once again.

The enthusiasm which has brought him 464 wickets for England is undimmed.

"It's my 18th season and I'm looking forward to it as much as I did my first. I've really got a buzz for this season," he said.

"It's up to me to go onto the field and perform (for Essex). But it's up to the selectors whether they want to ignore me or whether they say 'Yes, he's still fit, he can still play, he deserves a chance'."