ESSEX have offered trials to Bryan Pietersen who plays his club cricket with Chingford.

The younger brother of England batsman Kevin turned out against Middlesex second XI and scored 41 although the innings lacked the sparkle of his more illustrious sibling.

Bryan has previously tried his luck with Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire.

He earned his chance to make it third time lucky after he impressed at recent Essex net sessions and that innings of 41 represented his highest score in second XI cricket so far.

Paul Grayson, coach of the Essex seconds, said: "Bryan was recommended to the club by a couple of people, including Darren Gough, who saw him play in a few charity matches and it obviously made sense to see how he performed."

Meanwhile Gough has hit out at the England selectors who continue to ignore the fast bowler's claims to regain his place in the England one-day side.

A number of people believed that the former Yorkshire player, who moved south to Essex in 2004, should have been brought back into the international set-up during the recent series with Sri Lanka.

The home side's pace attack struggled to make any impression with the ball leaving runs flowing like water from a tap.

"I never give up and I'm determined to get back in but the only reason I was not selected was the fact I did Strictly Come Dancing on television instead of making myself available to tour last winter," said Gough.

"But the reason I took the time off was to spend some time with my children and it was the best winter I've had." Gough, who is now 36, believes that he merits a place in the limited-overs side.

He added: "I still think that I can do a great job for England. I don't think that anyone can match me for the role I do at both the start and end of the innings.

"I'd love to play in the World Cup in 2007, but unless I get a recall for the series this summer against Pakistan, then it's doubtful I'll be considered.

"In the meantime I'll keep putting in the performances on the field for my county and hope that the selectors give me the chance I want." Essex are currently in action at Wantage Road where they meet Northamp-tonshire, hoping to gain a victory that would improve their promotion prospects in the County Championship following last week's draw with Glamorgan at Chelmsford.

On Monday, the county travel to Cardiff to continue their Pro40 League campaign against Glamorgan before they commence the first of the two festival weeks that take place at Garon Park, Southend where Somerset provide the opposition.