I LIKED Josh Pennington’s article in the Guardian, January 7.

As a mediocre cricketing 'nut' I was privileged to be acquainted with Geoff Pullar who was a class act and a gentleman.

I last spoke to him in early June last year.

He proudly told me that he was amazed to find out, only recently, that he was one of only five test cricketers worldwide who had consistently had a batting average of over 40 throughout their test careers.

Geoff also told me the true story about his nickname 'Noddy'.

It was Australian Ken Grieves, who became Lancashire captain, who was allocating nicknames to the team and he had seen Noddy sitting in a little red car.

Geoff at that time drove a red sports car and thus he was duly anointed.

He still holds the record with Colin Cowdrey for the highest opening Test partnership of 290 runs for England made at the Oval in 1960.

It was a privilege to have known Geoff who was a modest man and had time for everyone.

He served Lancashire and England well.

My condolences go out to his family.

Mark Price Knutsford