Letter: Double vision

Sir: Your report of the libel action against Allan Lamb (18 November) solves the mystery of why English cricketers are bemused by swing bowling. You reported: 'The shiny side passes faster through the atmosphere.' It must follow that the rough side travels slower, which can only occur if the ball divides into a faster-moving half and a slower-moving half in its flight from the bowler to the batsman. Pity the poor batsman trying to decide which half to hit. It may also explain why Graham Gooch once got himself out apparently hitting the ball twice. He was striking both halves separately.

Yours faithfully,

JOHN BIGGS

Wallingford, Oxon

18 November