Mervyn King - Governor Bank of England

Vikram Solanki is one of those rare cricketers who win in style. Since Vikram became captain, Worcestershire have regained the habit of winning and Vikram has thrived on the responsibility. Last season he recorded his highest first class score of 222. Few cricketers in the history of the County have batted - or indeed fielded - with such style. The cognoscenti regard his cover drives as the most elegant seen at New Road since Tom Graveney over forty years ago.

Who will forget Vikram's centuries in the semi-final and final of the C&G Cup in 2004? In the latter Vikram opened the batting against Gloucestershire and, despite seeing the team losing three wickets in the first half-hour on a difficult Lords wicket, hit a superb 115, albeit in a losing cause.

Off the field Vikram is a great ambassador for the game, and a marvellous role model for young people. He and I both grew up in Wolverhampton. After a difficult period of economic decline, there is now a brighter future for the town and he represents that. Vikram and his family stand in the great Anglo-Indian tradition of success in cricket and business. During his career as a professional cricketer, Vikram has pursued his studies for a degree from the Open University. In a world in which celebrities are famous for being only that, it is heartening to see someone succeed in sport and study - two different aspects of life which enrich each other.

When word drifts across Worcester that Vikram is at the crease, the pulse and step quicken as supporters head to New Road to enjoy an innings from one of the most exciting batsmen of the age. Good luck to Vikram - and to the whole Worcestershire team - in his benefit year.

Mervyn King,
Governor, Bank of England.