Taylor was almost evangelical about standing up to the stumps: as far as he was concerned, that was what wicket-keeping was about and he'd only retreat for the out and out quicks. He comes across (everywhere you look) as positively disparaging of KNott's preference to retreat to the fast-medium swing / seam bowlers, regarding it as negative, defensive and compromising the impact of the 'keeper as partner to the bowler.

Less evangelical folk sometimes argue that Taylor could take this too far: that he was occasionally too aggressive... and Knott has apparently had no qualms about defending his defensive approach, not denying that he was less aggressive... but noting that his approach ensured every routine edge was taken (even if fewer came along).

Russell worshipped Knott.. but towards the end of a career spent (mostly) following Knott's lead... he eshcewed the path of his idol and started playing more in Taylor's fashion: I've never heard him be openly critical of KNott... but he IS critical of his own reluctance to take the aggressive route until so late in his career.