As a schoolboy I remember a Kent v Leics match at Mote Park, Maidstone in which, during the lunch interval, David Gower and a number of his Leics colleagues (Nick Cook, Brian Davison, Chris Balderstone) joined in our schoolboy cricket game on the outfield. His teammates challenged David Gower to bat using a cricket stump whilst we all took turns bowling at him (using a soft tennis ball), his teammates included. He middled everything. That's how good his eye was!
Gower at the crease in full flow, was so elegant and masterful, and played with such freedom and finesse that simply oozed pure class . As he stroked and pulled the ball arround the ground with uncomplicated ease and artistry......on his day ,there was no finer batsmen on the eye,...terrific player
Loved watching him bat, my favourite 10 batsmen, Vivian Richards, David Gower, Zaheer Abas, Sanath Jayasuriya, Greg Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar , Martin Crowe , Sachin Tendulker , Brian Lara , Alan Lamb. Favourite Allrounders that bat, Ian Bothom, Imran Khan, Richard Hadlee, Kapil Dev greaet to watch.
As much as I enjoyed Australia beating England 4-0 in '89, the only drawback is that Gower had to suffer the ignominy of this defeat as captain. Not only one of my favourite players, but he seemed like a thoroughly decent bloke. My favourite batsmen all happened to be elegant players - Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn, VVS Laxman, Majid Khan. And of course, David Gower.
Boris A painful, painful summer for England fans. And Gower was badly let down by half his team (including Gatting) signing up for the South African rebel tour halfway through it.
God, I remember 1989 watching Steve Waugh murdering our bowling. I was in the Lower Sixth and our Geography teacher was a cricket nut who let us watch it during "free" periods. We'd all thought Waugh was a bit of a joke after 86/7. This was a whole other bloke! When Gus Fraser finally popped up and got Waugh out about a month later, I think the average it gave him was about 400. I dawned on us at that point that we were in real trouble! I've got Mike Selvey's book from the time, "Ashes Surrendered". When I'm feeling down about an England performance, I just go to that book and soon realise it could have been a lot worse. It could have been like '89! The other thing you realise reading that book is: poor old David. It certainly wasn't his fault. He was surrounded by idiots in management, mediocre newcomers, and rivals on his own team. Not to mention, of course, a new version of AB, who'd become a sort of cricketing Terminator - only more ruthless. A far cry from glorious '85.
One of the Nice Guys. Played against him in Perth Grade cricket in 77/78. He nicked one before he had scored...I heard it out in the covers. Was given not out and then proceeded to peel off a 120 odd. Had the uncanny ability and timing to hit past me in the covers. I would change position only slightly but bang stroked past me again. Later in the innings he flicked a couple over square leg for 4 and a six as I remember. A beautiful innings a sign of things to come at a higher level. Always like listening to him talk in his laconic way. Bit of pretty boy tho HaHA
@@grimupnorth I know this sounds crazy but I think there was an unwritten rule that imports were given the benefit of the doubt very early in an innings. Why should he walk. How does that make you a good guy. So if you don't nick it by your logic you should refuse to leave the crease until they change their decision but we all know that does not happen.
My favourite English cricketer. Others being the stodgy Atherton and the sublime Graeme Swann and the rugged Robin Smith and the very attitudinaly similar Darren Gough. The greatest English side though which took apart Australia recently with Cook, Petersen, James Anderson, etc. were a much better side. But Gower was sublime. Thank you so much for posting this video. 🙂 A pleasure to watch. A pleasure to still listen commentate. An inspiring cricketer.
There’s something so debonair about a batsman batting in a wide-brimmed hat. Richie Richardson did it and so did Gower. He had a very elegant technique, bring left-handed myself it’s great to watch these videos!
There was an ethereal quality about Gower's batting and his demeanor. He would be in the heat of battle with opponents hurling down thunderbolts but he would be as relaxed as taking a post-dinner stroll in the park. I doubt anyone can score as much as he did with that nonchalant elegance. Gower's commentary is as elegant as his batting! Only he can pull off an understatedly eloquent style of commentary. His attitude and demeanor whether as a player or as a commentator conveys a message to play the game for the joy of the sport,, and enjoy life as it is meant to be.
I could be wrong by a distance because I am no expert, but it was seemed to me that Gower was the last of the graceful batsman in the tradition of Cowdrey, Graveney, Sobers and others who scored their runs primarily through timing and exquisite technique.
A rarity - a truly elegant left-handed batsman. David Hookes might have displayed more power, Adam Gilchrist more imagination. But neither of them had Gower's seemingly-lazy elegance.
In his callow youth, I note, that if he hit it well he didn't attempt to run. If it went to a fielder, then he had a chance again next ball and if it went to the fence... then he had the chance to do it again next ball. Grace had a son who played cricket, and his name was David Gower.
Kevin Munday those clips of Patrick Patterson bowling....he was frighteningly quick....even Geoff dujon said in that series it was the fastest he’s ever kept to.
3:18 David gives an acidly witty view of the England team that (apart from Lamb, Robin Smith and Jack Russell) let him down so badly v Australia that summer
As a schoolboy I remember a Kent v Leics match at Mote Park, Maidstone in which, during the lunch interval, David Gower and a number of his Leics colleagues (Nick Cook, Brian Davison, Chris Balderstone) joined in our schoolboy cricket game on the outfield. His teammates challenged David Gower to bat using a cricket stump whilst we all took turns bowling at him (using a soft tennis ball), his teammates included. He middled everything. That's how good his eye was!
That's a rare video. Thanks for the upload. Not only a great cricketer but a great commentator. A sophisticated well-read, well-spoken gentleman.
Gower at the crease in full flow, was so elegant and masterful, and played with such freedom and finesse that simply oozed pure class . As he stroked and pulled the ball arround the ground with uncomplicated ease and artistry......on his day ,there was no finer batsmen on the eye,...terrific player
Loved watching him bat, my favourite 10 batsmen, Vivian Richards, David Gower, Zaheer Abas, Sanath Jayasuriya, Greg Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar , Martin Crowe , Sachin Tendulker , Brian Lara , Alan Lamb. Favourite Allrounders that bat, Ian Bothom, Imran Khan, Richard Hadlee, Kapil Dev greaet to watch.
As much as I enjoyed Australia beating England 4-0 in '89, the only drawback is that Gower had to suffer the ignominy of this defeat as captain. Not only one of my favourite players, but he seemed like a thoroughly decent bloke.
My favourite batsmen all happened to be elegant players - Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn, VVS Laxman, Majid Khan. And of course, David Gower.
Boris A painful, painful summer for England fans. And Gower was badly let down by half his team (including Gatting) signing up for the South African rebel tour halfway through it.
DAVID GOWER ASHES 1985 BBC VIDEO MR NEIL FITZGERALD
God, I remember 1989 watching Steve Waugh murdering our bowling. I was in the Lower Sixth and our Geography teacher was a cricket nut who let us watch it during "free" periods. We'd all thought Waugh was a bit of a joke after 86/7. This was a whole other bloke! When Gus Fraser finally popped up and got Waugh out about a month later, I think the average it gave him was about 400. I dawned on us at that point that we were in real trouble! I've got Mike Selvey's book from the time, "Ashes Surrendered". When I'm feeling down about an England performance, I just go to that book and soon realise it could have been a lot worse. It could have been like '89!
The other thing you realise reading that book is: poor old David. It certainly wasn't his fault. He was surrounded by idiots in management, mediocre newcomers, and rivals on his own team. Not to mention, of course, a new version of AB, who'd become a sort of cricketing Terminator - only more ruthless. A far cry from glorious '85.
One of the Nice Guys. Played against him in Perth Grade cricket in 77/78. He nicked one before he had scored...I heard it out in the covers. Was given not out and then proceeded to peel off a 120 odd. Had the uncanny ability and timing to hit past me in the covers. I would change position only slightly but bang stroked past me again. Later in the innings he flicked a couple over square leg for 4 and a six as I remember. A beautiful innings a sign of things to come at a higher level. Always like listening to him talk in his laconic way. Bit of pretty boy tho HaHA
If he'd been 'one of the nice guys', he'd have walked surely? I suppose as he was in Australia that didn't occur to him!
@@grimupnorth I know this sounds crazy but I think there was an unwritten rule that imports were given the benefit of the doubt very early in an innings. Why should he walk. How does that make you a good guy. So if you don't nick it by your logic you should refuse to leave the crease until they change their decision but we all know that does not happen.
My favourite English cricketer. Others being the stodgy Atherton and the sublime Graeme Swann and the rugged Robin Smith and the very attitudinaly similar Darren Gough.
The greatest English side though which took apart Australia recently with Cook, Petersen, James Anderson, etc. were a much better side.
But Gower was sublime. Thank you so much for posting this video. 🙂
A pleasure to watch. A pleasure to still listen commentate. An inspiring cricketer.
Catching up with a lot of old cricket and football lately, this was a good watch.
Epitome of elegance
There’s something so debonair about a batsman batting in a wide-brimmed hat. Richie Richardson did it and so did Gower. He had a very elegant technique, bring left-handed myself it’s great to watch these videos!
Proud to say I've played at Oporto Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club, and enjoyed its fine hospitality. Beyond that, my story and David's diverge somewhat.
A really intelligent and nice guy. A great batsman and captain as well. Probably the best cricket commentator although I do love Bumble !
There was an ethereal quality about Gower's batting and his demeanor. He would be in the heat of battle with opponents hurling down thunderbolts but he would be as relaxed as taking a post-dinner stroll in the park. I doubt anyone can score as much as he did with that nonchalant elegance.
Gower's commentary is as elegant as his batting! Only he can pull off an understatedly eloquent style of commentary. His attitude and demeanor whether as a player or as a commentator conveys a message to play the game for the joy of the sport,, and enjoy life as it is meant to be.
That's a fierce mullet that Botham's got there.
I could be wrong by a distance because I am no expert, but it was seemed to me that Gower was the last of the graceful batsman in the tradition of Cowdrey, Graveney, Sobers and others who scored their runs primarily through timing and exquisite technique.
And Viv Richards
David Gower. Thank you for everything. You have been and always will be an absolute God of leather and willow. Sky made a big mistake.
A rarity - a truly elegant left-handed batsman. David Hookes might have displayed more power, Adam Gilchrist more imagination. But neither of them had Gower's seemingly-lazy elegance.
Holy fuck bought on V.H.S. Unfortunately it rotted away years ago. Should have got it on Beta Max!
When in full flow, as good as anyone..
In his callow youth, I note, that if he hit it well he didn't attempt to run. If it went to a fielder, then he had a chance again next ball and if it went to the fence... then he had the chance to do it again next ball. Grace had a son who played cricket, and his name was David Gower.
Lovely batsman.
Now this lad could bat....... Almost to laid back..... Reminded me of Barry Richards...
*too
My fav batsman. Fave bowler curtley ambrose
Kevin Munday those clips of Patrick Patterson bowling....he was frighteningly quick....even Geoff dujon said in that series it was the fastest he’s ever kept to.
my fav commentator
In New Zealand we just couldn’t get him out!!.....or so it seemed.
3:18 David gives an acidly witty view of the England team that (apart from Lamb, Robin Smith and Jack Russell) let him down so badly v Australia that summer
One of the most elegant batsman to ever play cricket and like Aus Dean Jones forced out of cricket by everbearing officials
Can someone tell me the name of the music at the end of this video it’s so nice
If Joe Root got a perm, he would look just like him
What is the song towards the end of the video?
Rip Tide, Tim James ua-cam.com/video/JBhb-3qXWkA/v-deo.html
Hello sir
nice Gawar
23:52? lol
Pakistan
I learned a lot from David Gower about organisations. Don't try to press your people into a mold.