215

This is Fantasy Bob's 215th post.  215 was the top Test score of David Gower - FB's all time favourite English batsman.

117 Tests, 8231 runs at 44.25, Gower lights up FB's memories of the 1980s with his will o' the wisp cutting and driving.  The word languid was invented for him.  None can compare.

His 215 was at Edgbaston against Australia in 1985, a match England won by an innings and 118 runs.  Gower's effort did not even get him the man of the match award which was given to Richard Ellison who took 10 for 104 in the match.  But Gower was on fire that series with 3 scores over 150 in the 6 Tests.   He scored 732 runs at 81.33.  England took the series 3-1 under Gower's captaincy.

Shamefully YouTube is not awash with Gower innings - this is the best that FB can find - his innings in the Trent Bridge Test in the 1985 Ashes series.  Gower scored 166.  Watch for the unlucky dismissal of Mike Gatting - run out backing up at the bowler's end.  Listen also for how many times the commentators say 'All the time in the world........'  Says it all really.

Incomparable

PS - FB recognises that this is the second posting in 2 days in which FB eulogises about particular cricketers.  This was not planned and he apologises to all those who have turned to these pages looking for insights into biscuits.   Too much hagiography is bad for a man and FB will return to his usual inconsequential nonsense as soon as possible.