TOM GRAVENEY, who has died at the age of 88, was a cricketer who transcended statistics.

He batted with an easy grace and though style was crucial his 122 centuries showed there was substance as well.

His front-foot method stood him in good stead. There is a marvellous picture at Lord's of him hooking the fastest bowler in the world off the front foot. No one else could do that.

Outstanding for Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and England, "Graveney T.W." as he appeared in so many scorecards perhaps gave us more pleasure than any of his contemporaries.

This was recognised by the MCC who invited him to be their president and what a wonderful one he was.

He brought to that position the style and poise of his batting, added to a calm, quiet humanity.

It was a great honour that the hero of my youth became the friend of my middle age.

Loved by colleagues and opponents alike and respected by so many he will leave a gap that is impossible to fill.