Cricket shows class is the big problem we must tackle

Professional cricketer Bill Andrews from Somerset wrote a book outlining the class system in cricket.

The gentlemen amateurs lived off generous expenses while professional players relied on appearance money - only getting it when they played.

Andrews was sacked four times by his country and never played for England.

When public school holidays came around and the older students and teachers wished for a game, who was dropped to make room? Professionals.

Professionals were sacked if they rebelled against the system.

Race was also a problem in cricket. Non-whites were not allowed to play against apartheid South Africa - even those who had been to public school.

These schisms were rampant at the time of the 1932-33 tour of Australia.

Douglas Jardine's attitude was not a personal crusade but was appointed as a safe pair of hands to lead the Establishment view.

England must not be humiliated again. England through cricket must be seen as the top dogs.

Cricket shows that class is the overriding problem to be overcome in our society and must be addressed before all the other evils and problems can be rectified.

Concessions may be made on racism, sexual discrimination and ageism but they will remain concessions and will not be eradicated.

The end of class discrimination is the only answer to a just and equal society based not on class and privilege.

Malc Gee

Chesterfield