Gough move angers Close

Gough: Celebrates after England's victory at The Oval

Brian Close has branded the central contracts system as "crackers" following news that England fast bowler Darren Gough is heading south to live in Buckinghamshire.

Gough will continue to play for Yorkshire, but his appearances will continue to be limited as the England and Wales Cricket Board has the final say over which county matches he takes part in.

Former Yorkshire and England captain Close believes, however, that the system is bad news for county cricket.

Close: Thinks central contracts are unnecessary

"The central contract system means we lose our best players, and it will be the ruination of the county system. It's crackers," he said.

"They might as well build flats at Lord's and let all the players stay there - with the amount of time they're down there - so they can keep an eye on them."

Supporters of central contracts claim the system was a factor in England's 3-1 victory against the West Indies, their first win over the men from the Caribbean for 31 years.

But Close said: "The West Indies were a very poor side with just two bowlers and one batsman.

"A couple of years ago our County Championship was producing some of the finest cricket in the world - now it's second division stuff."

He added: "In the old days it worked perfectly well. Counties like Yorkshire put England first and had no problem about letting them have the players when they needed them.

"The counties ought to kick up more of a stink before it's too late."