Darren Gough's career over

(GETTY IMAGES)

Darren Gough's first-class career is officially over after the retiring Yorkshire skipper was left out of the county's crucial clash with Sussex.

Former England star Gough, 38, announced his intention to retire at the end of the current campaign earlier this season and, after being omitted from the side which travels to Hove, he has now played his final match at the top level.

He was on duty against Somerset last week, picking up two for 52 - including former Australia batsman Justin Langer - in what proved to be his last first-class innings.

Gough, a veteran of 58 Tests and 159 one-day internationals, leaves the game with 855 first-class wickets in a career spanning two spells at his native Yorkshire and one stint with Essex.

Yorkshire, who have included an uncapped 19-year-old in Jonathan Bairstow in their squad, go into the match against the reigning county champions with their top-flight status under threat.