Jeremy Blackmore catches up with former Hampshire player Michael Bates who, in retirement, has written a book examining the role of specialist keepers

Michael Bates was just 21 when he became Hampshire’s firstchoice wicket keeper and quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest, most natural stumpers in the country.
Yet despite underlining his huge talent with his last over heroics in the 2012 Lord’s final – standing up to Kabir Ali as Hampshire sealed the narrowest of victories – Bates was replaced the following season. With question marks over his batting...