"I nearly got away with that didn't I? David Gower says with a knowing grin after I ask him for a second time whom he would choose to bat at No 3 for England in the first Ashes Test at Perth. That's a shame, I'll have to give you an answer now and I'll feel bad for the lad I don't pick."
"As a former England captain and an Ashes winner home and away, not to mention one of England's most stylish and successful No 3s 2,619 of his 8,231 Test runs were scored there, as were eight of his 18 centuries Gower is perhaps uniquely placed to comment on England's selection quandary at first drop. Let me start by saying it is a good problem for Stokes and McCullum to have."
"He pauses to take a sip on his flat white, drawing out the moment. We are sitting at a table outside a west London deli on an autumnal Friday afternoon. Now 68, Gower is candyfloss haired, twinkly eyed and self-deprecating. At a couple of points in our conversation people come up to shake his hand and offer kind words. Later, a family of American tourists from the table behind stop us to ask why everyone is freaking out"
David Gower, a former England captain and prolific No 3, remains torn between Pope and Bethell for the No 3 spot ahead of the Perth Ashes Test. Gower scored 2,619 of his 8,231 Test runs at No 3 and eight of his 18 centuries there, underscoring his authority on the position. He regards the choice as a close, desirable dilemma for captain and coach. The scene shifts to a west London deli where Gower, at 68, delights passersby and American tourists with anecdotes about timeless Tests and England's quest to reclaim the urn.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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