....as opposed to the batting paradise that is New Road?
Yes he never achieved success at the highest level, especially considering how much was expected of him. That was probably the problem - expectations were too high.
I definitely agree though that 121 FC tons is a phenomonal achievement.
Did you know Rik he is 34th on the all time list of first class run scorers, and that he has played less games/innings than everyone above him, and in fact everyone in the top 59?
He is 13th on the list of century makers, and could well move into the top 10 if he gest 4 more, passing Graveney, Compton and Grace - not a bad trio. Again he's played less matches/innings than everyone above him.
Only a certain GA Gooch has scored more List-A runs, albeit by some margin. Again he has a nack of reaching three figures, with 36 tons to his name - 3rd behind Gooch and SRT. He's 10th on the averages list (5000+ runs).
OK so he isn't the most successful test match batsman the world's ever seen, but he has achieved some unique things in his time, and has an outstanding track record in domestic cricket, which he deserves credit for.