England fast bowler Darren Gough is hopeful of resuming his career in 2003 after initial fears that his career might be over.

Gough has not played Test cricket this year because of persistent knee problems, which have necessitated three operations.

I'm going to be fitter and stronger then before Darren Gough

He was forced to return home from the Ashes tour to Australia without playing a game and decided to travel to the USA to seek an opinion from knee specialist Richard Steadman.

"It's depressing, and I have to face the fact that I may never play again," he admitted earlier this month.

Gough's fears have been allayed, however, and he has been old that further surgery is unnecessary.

"It's great news, I'm really pleased. I thought I would have to have surgery, but the doctor said I didn't need it, just rehab."

He added: "It was a long way to go to get told that but it was worth it. I was going to have an operation called a microfracture and he said I don't need it.

"I've still got enough cartilage in there and all I need to do is try and try and get my leg stronger than it's ever been in my career."

Gough's injury means he will miss the Cricket World Cup in South Africa next February and March.

But he hopes to be back to face South Africa when they tour England, along with Zimbabwe, later in the year.

He has taken 228 wickets in 56 Test appearances since making his debut in 1994, at an average of 27.57, and has also claimed 174 victims in one-day internationals.