What I want to know is why so many people who've never been top glovemen OR Test batsmen are prepared to question Rod Marsh's judgements {a} that it's easier to teach a gloveman to bat than to teach a batsman to keep; and {b} that Read is an outstanding choice for England number 7.

Rod Marsh is no mug, and doesn't suffer imposters: if he thought Read was a no-hoper he'd say so... but he doesn't.

ps. One thing he HAS said is that Prior will never be a wicket-keeper: he doesn't rule out Prior playing as a batsman and great outfielder.. but sees no future for Prior behind the stumps.