Cowdrey, Knott, Greig, Snow and Underwood: An 11-year-old's dream in black and white

This article reminded me of the thrill and excitement of chasing after a county pro who you had never heard of let alone recognised for his autograph that would soon become lost and forgotten about-good stuff

really enjoyed this piece graem; evocative and nicely observed.

Your piece brought to mind one particular Lancashire bowler -- "flat" Jack Simmons who started out in the northern leagues and then made it to county level. Week in week out he would ply his spin craft in a quiet assured manner. While he did not have the glamour of other Lancs player that saw international duty at the time such as Peter Lever, Clive Wood, and Faroukh Engineer, I always felt Simmons embodied the true spirit of the professional game. Not surprised to see that he become Lancs president after he retired. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Simmons

such memories Graem. I am close to a contemporary of yours turning 10 in the autumn of 1971 and keenly followed Kent, my native county, albeit mainly on tv and through the newspapers. I did however get taken every now and then to Canterbury and Maidstone and saw the same goliaths as you mentioned. It was on its day, a brilliant side and was rarely dull. Knott and Underwood were remote gods and I agree, some of the lesser lights did seem more approachable. But the likes of Asif and Alan Ealham did seem to play with a smile on their faces. Oddly also, since Kent did not have pace bowling worthy of mention, possibly the teams only weakness, the bowler I would have liked to be was John Snow who had a long fluent run up and a way of lengthening his stride as he got closer to the crease. I now bowl right arm off spin considerably slower than Deadly Dereks stock deliveries! By the way I think Hastings was where Underwood skittled Sussex once. '71 wasn't then was it. The sad thing today, is the word you used, recognition. With helmets you have to take the announcers word as to who has come out to bat. The real stars also miss an awful lot of the Championship season and I am not wholly convinced they get enough cricket between the tests. Cricket crowds have also changed . enormously. polite applause is out. Roaring the team on a la football , my other love is in. Whether my late father was terribly old fashioned I don't know but bellowing out at the cricket was to invite at best, a reproving look and even a slap on the leg. It wasnt done! except i 1 dayers perhaps. Oh well I could go on...