David Gower: Elegance at the Crease

Becoming one of the most successful batters in Test cricket is quite the feat. And David Gower is one of the rare batters to claim the title. 

In 1978, Gower’s first ball in Test cricket went for four and provided the first hint of his impressive career. As one of England’s most consistent with the willow in hand, the left-hander was the epitome of ‘lazy elegance’, according to Wisden. 

However, his devil-may-care approach to the game was all play personality, rather than a reflection of skill. And his style was highlighted in his iconic 1985 Ashes series. 

Home Away from Home (1978-79) 

In the winter before his first Ashes, Gower fully settled into Australian life by playing cricket for four months with Claremont Cottesloe Cricket Club, relaxing on the beach, and meeting locals - allowing him to ease into his first Test as he "felt he knew the place."

The Ashes Legacy (1985) 

Gower’s dominance with the bat had no better showcase than the 1985 Ashes. He captained the side, scoring 732 runs at an average of 81, including a double century at Edgbaston.

"I was in peak form and it was a joy to stand three floors up at The Oval with the Ashes in hand after three months of competition. I also had the best bat I ever had. So I had a lovely, successful time through that six-match series, as good as it gets.” 

With a friend at the other end, he put on 351 with Graham Gooch; Gower, the attacker, with Gooch as his anchor: "it was perfect."

Gower’s sublime 215 in the fifth Test at Edgbaston set England on course for a commanding innings victory, giving them a crucial 2‑1 edge in the series. With another dominant innings win in the sixth Test at The Oval, England sealed the Ashes in spectacular fashion, cementing a moment of cricketing brilliance that fans still remember today.

Gower was declared Man of the Series.

In Gower's Book Ashes Match of My Life, he wrote: “In truth, it was probably the best innings I have ever played. I could be modest and brush over it, but it was a knock when everything came together both technically and mentally. Time and time again, I kept hitting the ball sweetly and finding the gaps. There was one shot when I hit David Gilbert on the up through cover, which was as sweet as it gets. I will play that shot in my mind for the rest of my life.”

Flying to the End (1991) 

The end of Gower’s era began in a high-flying manner. What later became known as the ‘Tiger Moth incident’, Gower and John Morris went for a joyride in a biplane and flew over the ground. On break, while Robin Smith and Allan Lamb were still batting. 

The incident occurred on 21st January, intended to raise spirits as England were two down after three tests.  

Gooch was onto them after they slipped back into the dressing room, asking, "That wasn't you two up there by any chance, was it?" 

Gower’s response? He "put on [his] best choirboy face and said something like: 'Who, me? Heavens, no'." 

Be Part of History in 2027 

The Ashes have always delivered unforgettable moments. In 2027, Hampshire will host its first Men's Ashes Test when England takes on Australia at Utilita Bowl. 

Don't just watch history – be part of it.