THE recent cricket Test match played at Lord's was, in my seven decades of loving and watching cricket, one of the finest matches I’ve ever seen. It demonstrated what a glorious sport cricket is, especially when the contest between bat and ball is even and outstanding individual performances are woven into a hard and fair team effort.

There is, of course, room for other versions of the game such as the various “bash leagues” but the match demonstrated that it’s difficult to beat the excitement involved in the ebb and flow of Test cricket.

It was especially pleasing that two Durham county players were crucial in securing victory for England. Matt Wood showed excellent temperament and the last bowler I recall generating that pace and bounce from such a short run was Sir Richard Hadlee.

As far as Ben Stokes is concerned, his talent has never been in any doubt. What difficulties he has experienced have been the result of wayward behaviour. In my opinion, given considerate mentoring, he could develop into a truly great all rounder.

V J Connor, Bishop Auckland.