The batting and bowling achievements of Kent’s Darren Stevens at the ripe old age (for a professional cricketer) of 45 are admirable and heartwarming (Darren Stevens has cult following but 45-year-old is still underappreciated, 24 May). Let’s hope his youthful enthusiasm doesn’t wane before he eventually qualifies for Kent’s over-70s seniors XI, a form of competitive county-level league cricket that is flourishing as growing numbers of seasoned club players don’t want to give up the game they love. Now in my 80s, I still manage to turn out for Surrey every week. So don’t give up yet, Darren – there are plenty more runs where that 190 came from.
Clyde Jeavons
Surrey Seniors Cricket Association
• The tribute to Darren Stevens makes a reference to “armchair Arlott”. While John Arlott was peerless as both a cricket broadcaster and journalist, Jonathan Liew in his lyrical piece has, in my view, come as close as any of Arlott’s successors to encapsulating the essence of county cricket. Compared to the glamour of Tests, ODIs and T20 matches, county cricket has long been regarded at best as a niche interest, and at worst as the last refuge of the cricketing “geek”. As a paid up member of the latter, I would assure Liew that however long it may take for this cricketing summer to burst into life, his piece will stay long in the mind and raise a smile among county cricket enthusiasts everywhere.
Phil Murray
Linlithgow, West Lothian
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