One day, a little cricket is born and meets a big cricket who chirps his welcome. But the little cricket cannot make a sound. The cricket meets many insects, but it isn't until he meets a beautiful female cricket that he can finally chirp "hello!" Excerpt: Hello! whispered a praying mantis, scraping its huge front legs together. The little cricket wanted to answer, so he rubbed his wings together. But nothing happened. Not a sound.
A tribute to the finest writers on the game of cricket and an acknowledgement that the great days of cricket literature are behind us. There was a time when major English writers – P. G. Wodehouse, Arthur Conan Doyle, Alec Waugh – took time off to write about cricket, whereas the cricket book market today is dominated by ghosted autobiographies and statistical compendiums. The Picador Book of Cricket celebrates the best writing on the game and includes many pieces that have been out of print, or difficult to get hold of, for years. Including Neville Cardus, C. L. R. James, John Arlott, V. S. Naipaul, and C. B. Fry, this anthology is a must for any cricket follower or anyone interested in sports writing elevated to high art.
Covering all aspects of cricket groundsmanship, this text sets the maintenance of modern cricket grounds in historical context by a survey of the groundsman's art since the 1600s. The work details the history of groundsmanship either side of World War II, looking at the modern role of agronomists and other scientists in the study of cricket surfaces. Subsequent topics include: the assessment of an existing table; pitch preparation; mechanized maintenance operations; fertilizer and top dressing; weed, moss, worm and pest control; renovation and repair; and care of the outfield. A chapter is devoted to the planning and construction of new grounds.
Of the global community of cricketers, the West Indians are, arguably, the most well-known and feared. This book shows how this tradition of cricketing excellence and leadership emerged, and how it contributed to the rise of West Indian nationalism and independence.
The murder of 18-year-old Ovida "Cricket" Coogler in 1949 launched a series of court inquiries and trials that would reshape the direction of New Mexico politics and expose political corruption. Paula Moore examines the infamous murder and the events that unfolded in its wake.University of New Mexico Press
In a readable, informed and absorbing discussion of cricket's defining controversies - bodyline, chucking, ball-tampering, sledging, walking and the use of technology, among many others - Fraser explores the ambiguities of law and social order in cricket.
This book examines the emergence and growth of cricket in relation to diverse patterns of European settlement in New Zealand - such as the systematic colonization schemes of Edward Gibbon Wakefield and the gold discoveries of the 1860s.
In May 1977, the cricket world woke to discover that a 39-year-old businessman called Kerry Packer had signed thirty-five elite international players for his own televised World Series Cricket. The Cricket War, now published with a new introduction and afterword, is the definitive account of the split that changed the game on the field and on the screen. In helmets, under lights, with white balls and in coloured clothes, the outlaw armies of Ian Chappell, Tony Greig and Clive Lloyd fought a daily battle of survival. In boardrooms and courtrooms, Packer and cricket's rulers fought a bitter war of nerves. A compelling account of top-class sporting life, The Cricket War also gives a unique insight into the motives and methods of the tycoon who became Australia's richest man.
"The joy of cricket lies in its details - the swing of the ball, the stroke of the bat, the sprint across the pitch." Discover the intricacies of cricket, a sport that's cherished worldwide, in the book "Understanding Cricket: A Guide to Playing, Watching, and Enjoying the Sport." This comprehensive guide serves as a perfect companion whether you're new to the sport or have been a cricket enthusiast for years. Start with a dive into the history and fundamental rules of the sport, learning about the equipment, field layout, and terminology essential for comprehending cricket. Immerse yourself in detailed sections about the techniques, strategies, and drills for batting, bowling, and fielding. Each section comprehensively covers a range of styles and tips for both beginners and experienced players. Discover the different formats of cricket like Test, ODI, and T20, and get familiar with major international competitions. Gain a deeper understanding of cricket strategy, skills development, umpiring, and coaching techniques. Learn to appreciate the sport as a spectator, with insights on how to watch cricket on TV, enjoy live events, and understand the passionate fan culture and traditions. The book also explores the influence of cricket on culture, discussing its role in various societies, iconic players, and even controversies that have shaped the game. Witness the impact of cricket on communities, from local clubs to international teams, and understand the importance of promoting the sport among youth. Aspiring players will find value in the guide to getting involved in cricket, with tips on joining local teams, participating in leagues, and opportunities for volunteering and leadership in cricket communities. "Understanding Cricket" ultimately encourages readers to delve into this captivating sport, either as players, spectators, or ardent fans. This guide is more than a book; it's a celebration of cricket. So, step onto the pitch, grab your copy, and start your journey into the fascinating world of cricket. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned veteran, this book will deepen your love for the sport.Table of contents: Introduction What is cricket? Brief history of cricket Overview of the sport Understanding the Basics of Cricket Cricket equipment and field Cricket rules and gameplay Scoring and terminology Playing Cricket: Batting Batting technique and stance Types of cricket shots Strategies for scoring runs Playing Cricket: Bowling Bowling technique and delivery Types of bowling styles Strategies for taking wickets Playing Cricket: Fielding Fielding positions and roles Catching and throwing techniques Strategies for stopping runs Cricket Formats and Competitions Test cricket One Day International (ODI) cricket Twenty20 (T20) cricket Major international competitions Understanding Cricket Strategy Batting strategy Bowling strategy Fielding strategy Team strategy Cricket Skills Development Batting drills and exercises Bowling drills and exercises Fielding drills and exercises Fitness and conditioning for cricket Umpiring and Officiating in Cricket Cricket umpiring rules and requirements Types of cricket umpires Scorekeeping and officiating duties Coaching and Training in Cricket Coaching techniques and methods Player development and progress Building successful cricket teams Watching Cricket: TV and Live Events How to watch cricket on TV Attending live cricket events Cricket fan culture and traditions Cricket and Culture The role of cricket in different cultures Famous cricket players and teams Cricket controversies and scandals Cricket and Community The impact of cricket on local communities Building cricket clubs and teams Promoting cricket among youth Getting Involved in Cricket Joining a local cricket team or club Participating in cricket leagues and events Opportunities for cricket volunteerism and leadership Conclusion Recap of key takeaways Encouragement to play, watch, and enjoy cricket ISBN: 9781776848133
In his important contribution to the growing field of sports literature, Anthony Bateman traces the relationship between literary representations of cricket and Anglo-British national identity from 1850 to the mid 1980s. Examining newspaper accounts, instructional books, fiction, poetry, and the work of editors, anthologists, and historians, Bateman elaborates the ways in which a long tradition of literary discourse produced cricket's cultural status and meaning. His critique of writing about cricket leads to the rediscovery of little-known texts and the reinterpretation of well-known works by authors as diverse as Neville Cardus, James Joyce, the Great War poets, and C.L.R. James. Beginning with mid-eighteenth century accounts of cricket that provide essential background, Bateman examines the literary evolution of cricket writing against the backdrop of key historical moments such as the Great War, the 1926 General Strike, and the rise of Communism. Several case studies show that cricket simultaneously asserted English ideals and created anxiety about imperialism, while cricket's distinctively colonial aesthetic is highlighted through Bateman's examination of the discourse surrounding colonial cricket tours and cricketers like Prince Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji of India and Sir Learie Constantine of Trinidad. Featuring an extensive bibliography, Bateman's book shows that, while the discourse surrounding cricket was key to its status as a symbol of nation and empire, the embodied practice of the sport served to destabilise its established cultural meaning in the colonial and postcolonial contexts.
