On the receiving end against Leicestershire

"I really don't feel any added pressure when he is reporting on a game in which I am playing," he said.

"It's probably harder for him than for me to be honest. But I'd much rather have him there than not, as with any member of my family."

Surely, however, it must have been hard at times growing up, and then wanting to be a professional cricketer, with a father who is regarded as an authority on the game.

"Yes, he does sometimes pull me up on things that he has seen," admitted Robin.

"I remember once he told me that my body language in the field wasn't right. Generally, though, he keeps things to himself and tells me the odd thing he thinks I can improve on. But quite obviously he keeps a lot back."

Improved performances

There has, in truth, been little so far this season for CMJ to criticise his son for.

A championship batting average of 55 - boosted, it has to be said, by two not outs - and 12 wickets at 27 have been his most consistent start to a season so far, having made his Sussex debut back in 1995.

Now 25, the feeling is that Robin is maturing into a genuine all-rounder - an orthodox batsman and a line-and-length seam bowler - who could challenge for higher honours.

On the flattest of pitches at Hampshire's Rose Bowl in the last round of championship matches, he took four for 77 and chipped in with 56 not out.

CMJ: A former BBC cricket correspondent

"It's difficult to pinpoint why I've become more consistent," said Robin.

"I've been working hard on recognising my strengths and cutting out my weaknesses, trying to get the bowlers to bowl in my area, not following the wide ball.

"I guess it comes to maturity. People have been telling me the same thing for years but it's taken a while to sink in.

"You get so much advice, it's a question of trying to work out which is the best for you.

"Peter Moores, the Sussex coach, has been excellent. He picks out a couple of points to work on rather than try to remodel your game completely.

"With the bowling it's been a case of concentrating on the basics, taking advantage of my key strength which is my height (6ft 5in). It's a case of putting the ball in the right area often enough and eventually wickets will come.

"I also had a winter in Cape Town which helped. Although I didn't score a huge amount of runs and the standard was far from first-class, somehow batting throughout the year seems to improve mental game.

"You hit the ground running when the county season starts"

Perhaps, then, it is not RMJ who feels the pressure, but CMJ who at times goes out of his way not to mention his son in reports.

The written word

Robin has shown an interest in journalism, writing a weekly column for the Brighton Argus and also contributing to the Daily Telegraph.

Little and large: RMJ towers over teammate Tony Cottey

One early entry caused sniggers in Press Boxes around the country, and CMJ to turn a bashful shade of red.

With a rebellious tone that would never come from CMJ on either airwaves or in print, Robin stated boldly that a bunch of monkeys could do a better job of running English cricket than the ECB.

What was Dad's reaction?

"He said it probably wasn't the wisest thing to have said," admitted Robin, with a grin and hunched shoulders.

But it was an significant - and deliberate - act, the imposition of his own personality on those who were familiar with his father's.

As one of only a handful of genuine all-rounders in the country, it is quite possible that Robin will progress if he continues to develop as he has done this season.

Who knows, one day it will be Christopher who is remembered for his son rather than the other way around.