John Arlott

Leslie Thomas John Arlott OBE (25 February 1914 – 14 December 1991) was an English journalist, author and cricket commentator for the BBC's Test Match Special. He was also a poet and wine connoisseur. With his poetic phraseology, he was an iconic cricket commentator noted for his "wonderful gift for evoking cricketing moments" by the BBC.Memorable quotes about Arlott:"The very personification of Cricket." Prime Minister John Major, 1991"He was Cricket, there has never been a commentator like him and there never will be." Ian Botham, former England Captain, 1991"I think that he spread the gospel about Cricket around the world more than anyone else." Brian Johnston, fellow commentator, 1991"A man of deep humanity." David Frith, editor of Wisden Cricket Monthly, 1992"He was generous with his time in the company of friends. I once sat down to Sunday lunch with John, his family and some friends at two o'clock, and we did not get up from the table until ten at night." Mike Brearley, 1992"Johnston provided the life, Arlott the soul." Paul Coupar writing about the history of TMS on its 50th anniversary 2007