Sports Letters: Tardy recognition

Sir: With all great artists it appears to be a common trait that their real greatness in not appreciated until their careers are well over. So it may well be with David Gower. There are very few players in the world who could illuminate an innings as he could and the game is definitely poorer for his retirement.

Arguments will rage for many months as to the rights and wrongs of his decision, and also over who is to blame, but at this dark time for world cricket we should pause and remember the joy that D I Gower gave us all when we watched him play.

Some of the innings were the stuff that legends are born from, and in years to come I suspect that he will still engender much public debate including many 'I was there' comments.

Happy retirement, David, and thank you for the gift that you brought to cricket.

Yours faithfully,

BEN WATSON

Woking

Surrey

16 November