Chris Cowdrey suffered throughout his career from comparisons with his father, Colin, but he was a better cricketer than many critics gave him credit for, although not quite up to the highest level (despite him calling his autobiography Good Enough). He captained England once, against West Indies in 1988, but his chance to prove his detractors wrong never came as he was injured after the one appearance and never chosen again. Many people thought that he owed appointment as England captain in 1988 had more to do with his father's reputation and the fact that the chairman of selectors Peter May was his godfather. An allrounder in county cricket, he bowled at a bustling medium pace, was a middle-order hitter, and a good fielder. He led Kent with skill, making the most of a limited side. After retiring, he became a radio commentator for Talk Sport.
Martin Williamson