Gower out to grass? It’s just not cricket!
SKY had the perfect cricket commentary team with David Gower, Sir Ian Botham, Michael Atherton, David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, Nasser Hussain and Michael Holding. They blended perfectly, commentated with honesty, wit and knowledge and were a pleasure to watch. However, it now appears any Tom, Dick or Harry can become a cricket commentator as soon as they finish their sporting career in county cricket. Sky had a winning formula, so why change it?
IRENE ASHLEY, Newcastle upon Tyne. I AM so sorry Sky Sports is dispensing with the services of David Gower, a real class act. I only hope that he is not going to be replaced by commentators who talk too much, as was the case in the Cricket World Cup. If you were at a match and there were a group of people sitting behind you chatting continuously, how long would it be before you felt compelled to ask them to be quiet? Watching cricket on TV, the only option is the mute button.
PAMELA LOBBAN, Poole, Dorset. SKY no longer wants the services of David Gower, but he would like to stay involved with the game. Perhaps he should get out his old cricket gear as he might be the answer to England’s No. 3 batsman problem.
BOB HERBERT, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. SHAME on Sky for dispensing with Gower, a brilliant and knowledgeable member of a wonderful commentary team. This is not a cricketing decision, but a PC one.
ROY GREGSON, Brighton. WHAT a wonderful year of cricket we are having with the World Cup and the Ashes. However, I believe it is time to ban the deliberate bouncer. Why should batsmen have to face a dangerous missile travelling at 90mph over a distance of 20 yards? If there is not a ban, I am afraid that despite safety gear, a batsman is going to be seriously injured. Surely the object of the game is to hit the wickets, not the batsman’s head.
KEN THORPE, York. JOFRA AFRA is receiving accolades, but I think his bowling is downright dangerous. Bowlers should consider line and length when trying to hit the wicket. M. HOLLINGDALE, Ditchling, E. Sussex.