31 JULY 2004, Page 25

Posh pro

From Stephen Bates Sir: Much as I hate to spoil a good Paul Johnson story (And another thing, 24 July), I can't help thinking it's unlikely that Herbert Sutcliffe told the young Len Hutton to 'put thy togs in there' when he first reported to play for Yorkshire in the 1930s. Sutcliffe may have been the side's senior professional but he spoke with an extremely refined accent — may even have had elocution lessons, as recordings of interviews with him indicate. It perfectly complemented his fastidiously immaculate appearance on the field of play, from the top of his Brylcreemed hair to the studded soles of his whitened boots.

Stephen Bates The Guardian, London EC1