Rhodes back to front

Q&A

Q. After his century last Sunday week, is Pat Symcox of South Africa to be considered the best No 10 batsman ever or has another tailender fared even better?

A. Wilfred Rhodes (1877-1973) figured originally in both the Yorkshire and England teams as a bowler. Indeed, in the famous one-wicket victory over Australia at Old Trafford in 1902, Rhodes batted at No 11, joining Hirst at the crease when 15 runs were need to win.

Rhodes went on to become an opening bat, partnering Jack Hobbs - together they put on 323 at Melbourne in 1911-12. Overall he scored 39,802 first- class runs at an average of 30.83 and 2,325 Test runs at 30.19. Rhodes also took that little matter of 4,187 first-class wickets, a record destined to last for all time.

Undoubtedly, the best "tailender".

Tim Mickleburgh, Grimsby

ANSWERS PLEASE

Q. In 1966, England won the World Cup after playing all their matches at Wembley. Have any other national team been in a position to emulate that feat by playing all their matches on their home ground?

Keith Markland, Ilkley

Q. In Test cricket nowadays, the wicket-keeper often seems to stand facing extra-cover. Why is this?

Anthony Perkins, Lancaster