England go into the First Test against Pakistan at Lord's on Thursday with their longest established opening bowling partnership in history.

Darren Gough Photo © CricInfo

Gough and Caddick have shared the new ball in England's last 18 Tests and have been the corner stone of the team's re-emergence as a powerful Test nation. In the process the pair have forged a burgeoning friendship built on mutual respect.

"We've got a great friendship," acknowledged Gough. "We respect each other and realise now the partnership is something that can only benefit England, and we've worked together on that."

Commentating on the key to their success Gough, who only needs three more wickets for 200 in Tests, pointed out the different attributes that each posses.

"Caddy's tall and swings it out and creates some bounce," he explained. "I'm short, and it's harder work for me. I try to pitch it up, skid it on the batsmen and surprise them with pace.

"Andy Caddick without Darren Gough would not be the same bowler, and Darren Gough would not be the same bowler without Andy Caddick," Gough continued. "That's why we work so hard together. We are different bowlers but we compliment each other well."

Gough accepted that the pair were different characters, however, and admitted that they had not always had the best of relationships.

"The rivalry's not there now, but it was when we first started. I was a regular in the side and he was out for a couple of years. He was thinking 'Darren Gough's getting all the attention. I want some of that.'

"We are also two totally different characters. As Mike Atherton says I'm the Compton and he's the Trueman, although I don't quite know what he means by that. I'm probably louder, outgoing, have a laugh.

"Caddy's more of a type not to say anything and then come out with a stupid comment, that's the way we are. I say stupid comments, but I say them all day. But he will say only one now and again.

Gough, who has been awarded a benefit season by Yorkshire this year, was quick to credit the whole England team and the support staff for the resurgence in fortunes. He noted, in particular, the consistency of selection that has helped bond the England team as a unit.

"Our success has been a combination of things; the partnership of coach Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain has been excellent.

"Communication is a big thing in sport, and it has been first class. It's set and example for county cricket as well. The team as a whole are playing more and more matches, and don't feel that if they have one, two bad games they are not going to be dropped. We've all played together for so long.

The game on Thursday will be Gough's 50th Test, and he is keen to mark the occasion by earning a place on the honours board in the Lord's home dressing room that a five-wicket innings would warrant. Certainly he deserves to. Four times in the past Gough has taken four-wickets in an innings at Lord's, and such an achievement would be a fitting way to mark the enormous contribution he has made to English cricket.

"It's part of history and it would be nice to be up there," he admitted. "But it's not something that drives me on. I've probably got more four-fors here than anybody else.

"Back in 1991-92 I never thought I would get one Test. I was stuck in county cricket and couldn't get in the Yorkshire side. I've worked hard at my game and now I'm reaping the rewards. The 50th appearance is a big achievement for me when you consider the injuries I've suffered."

© CricInfo