What was the best moment of your career?

Winning the Ashes in Australia in 1970-71. I was happy with the way I was keeping wicket and John Snow, by maintaining controlled aggression, was an exceptional bowler. Geoffrey Boycott, with whom I was always friendly, was in wonderful form with the bat. Although Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh first played against us in that series, they were young and not quite the threat they were to become in England in 1972 and when we returned to Australia in 1974-75. My first tour, to West Indies in 1967-68, was also wonderfully memorable, as was winning trophies for Kent. It was especially good to beat Lancashire, our big rivals in the one-day game, in the 1974 Gillette Cup final. But triumphing in Australia was the ultimate thrill. It seems strange now, but there was no employment for England cricketers when there was no tour. I went on the dole one winter not long afterwards when I was training with Charlton FC.

Who was the best captain you played under?

Raymond Illingworth. Mike Denness was a good captain in the one-day game and later in my career I played under Tony Greig, a fantastic enthusiast and one of the greatest players and personalities ever to play for England. Mike Brearley was a fine motivator and analyst of players, but Illingworth, with his knowledge and reading of a game, was the pick in a tight situation and his coolness under pressure helped England win the Ashes in 1970-71. I played under him throughout his time as captain except when Bob Taylor, one of the great keepers, was given a match in New Zealand. This was because Raymond wanted on this occasion to give every player in the touring party a Test cap.

Who was the best player you played against?

Garry Sobers. He was so naturally talented and scored endless runs against England in my time, as well as bowling in three different styles. He had been up all night before scoring his final Test century at Lord’s in 1973 and yet still batted superbly well. The best bowler I faced was Lillee, for his spirit, pace, consistency and ability to move the ball away from the bat. The two Richards — Barry and Viv — Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, Fred Trueman, Bob Willis and Snow were other superb cricketers. And this year’s MCC president Derek Underwood could bowl a bit.

What was the best thing about being a cricketer in your era?

The exciting modern era was on its way. One-day cricket began. I enjoyed it although I always preferred playing in first-class matches. I played in the first matches under floodlights with World Series Cricket — they did not illuminate the cricket very well initially and the first white balls that were used had to be re-painted.

Coloured clothing came into being at this time after Asif Iqbal was hit in the chest through not picking up the white ball against a backdrop of white flannels and shirts. Twenty20 is all the rage now but we used to play Ten10 matches when John Player League matches were rain-affected.

What is the worst thing about cricket today?

The noise in the field. When I stop to watch a match, I feel the talking and encouragement among the fielders is draining them when they should be concentrating on their own game. The modern world appears to be one in which there has to be constant sound. Wicketkeeping is a difficult enough art, anyway, and maintaining a constant commentary is bound to disturb the necessary concentration that is so important behind the stumps. The huge crowds in Twenty20 are a good thing because you can’t hear the noise in the middle.

AND WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

I spend a fair amount of time in Cyprus with my wife, Jan, although we retain our property in Kent. When there we visit our son James, who is cricket coach at Stowe School, and his wife, Michelle, and our grand-daughters Elizabeth and Alex. James still plays well in minor counties cricket for Bedfordshire. In Cyprus, I try to keep fit by exercising in a club swimming pool and playing tennis. We also enjoy dancing while listening to the sensational voice of Neil James. Some friends have suggested I should still be involved in the game but at 63 my age is a little against me. I could now only be involved in an advisory or managerial capacity, or as a commentator, lecturer or after-dinner speaker. I shall follow the Ashes on satellite television in Aces bar in Cyprus — run by an Australian called Spyros!

For more information about Alan, email alanknott@cytanet.com.cy and for singer Neil James call 00 35 79 907-6443