Better than Xenophon
Sir: The Revd Jonathan Edwards says that Taki cannot claim to be 'the greatest Greek cricketer ever' (Letters, 10 July) and sug- gests that this honour should go to Xenophon Balaskas. I do not agree.
There is another Greek cricketer who stands head and shoulders above them all. His name is Athanasious John Traicos of Zimbabwe, a true amateur and gentleman. He was actually coached by Balaskas as a schoolboy, has played first-class cricket for some 26 years and has been 'capped' for his country no less than 133 times! He has played in eight Tests, three for South Africa and five for Zimbabwe and Rhode- sia, and has been described as one of the finest 'off break' bowlers in the world.
Incidentally, his first name, translated from Greek, means 'everlasting', which he certainly is.
Maxwell Beddow
5 Breedon's Hill, Pangbourne, Berkshire
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