SPORTS LETTERS: From Celia

Leap of faith

From Celia Newton

Sir: I was interested to read in Tony Cozier's article "Bishop saved by family and faith" [22 June] of Ian Bishop's deep personal Christian faith and of pre-match prayers in the West Indies' dressing-room. I was reminded of a recent Independent article on sportsmen and their faith, which highlighted Jonah Lomu's dependence on God.

This attitude contrasts sharply with the attitude of Raymond Illingworth, who dispensed with the services of the team chaplain, Andrew Wingfield- Digby. I seem to remember Illingworth proclaiming words to the effect that the England cricket team did not want members who needed a crutch to lean on. I wonder if he will be prompted to think again.

Yours faithfully,

CELIA NEWTON

Matlock, Derbyshire

22 June

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