David Gower believes there was “an element of implied ageism” in the decision by Sky not to renew his contract once the Ashes finishes next week. The comments come as the former England captain, who has spent more than 20 years with the television broadcaster, prepares for his final Test match behind the mic at the Oval on Thursday.

Gower is thought to be unhappy with Sky’s decision and in a candid interview with Telegraph Sport has detailed how he is disappointed not to be continuing after “applying for my own job” over the past two years.

The 62-year-old also feels he has suffered due to the “rampant charge” that has seen “more diversity” in the commentary box,” adding “lots of things are changing very rapidly and evolving, which are beyond the control of people like me”.

And when asked by Telegraph Sport whether he felt his age was a factor in Sky’s decision, Gower said: “There is an element of implied ageism in this”.

Sir Ian Botham is also leaving Sky at the end of this series while the broadcaster has increasingly turned to the likes of Isa Guha, the first woman of Asian heritage to play for England, and former England batsmen Ian Ward and Nick Knight to anchor their coverage.