More than a comprehensive history, this ground-breaking volume is a colourful, insightful and affectionate portrait of Australian cricket. A selection of Australia’s best writers share their thoughts on different aspects of the game and its place in our national culture; from bowling, captaincy and scoring, to alcohol, media and literature.

The paperback edition of the comprehensive book on the

The fascinating and revealing inside account of Steve Smith's journey from cricket-mad kid to Australian Captain.

The long-awaited autobiography of one of Australia's finest sportsmen A key member of one of the greatest Australian teams in cricket history, and part of an exceptional bowling line-up that dominated opposition batsmen for a decade, Jason Gillespie gives his fascinating account of a life in cricket in Dizzy: the Jason Gillespie Story. the first player of Aboriginal descent to represent Australia at test level, Jason grew up obsessed with the game. Little did he realise his remarkable career would feature such dramatic highs and lows, including helping Australia claim the Ashes four times in succession; breaking his leg in a horrifying accidental collision in the field with Steve Waugh; taking on and getting the better of such legendary batsmen as Brian Lara and Sachin tendulkar; being dropped during the 2005 Ashes series; scoring a brilliant double century against Bangladesh, and ultimately carving his name in the record books as one of the top Australian wickettakers of all-time. In Dizzy: the Jason Gillespie Story, Jason takes us through the tours, tests and trials of playing for Australia during an unforgettable era of cricket in this country.

The personal stories behind one of Australia's most beloved sporting icons - the baggy green. Australian Test players, past and present, open up about the road from their backyards to the baggy green. Breathe in the mowed grass and linseed oil as they take their first steps to glory. Share with them the euphoria of their cap presentations. Immerse yourself in the wonder of Test triumphs and the despair of being dropped form the team. In sharing the players' stories - and disclosing how treasured Australian caps are kept under lock and key, in dank cupboards and stuffed in undies drawers - Jesse Hogan takes you inside their lounge rooms as well as cricket's dressing rooms. Their stories contain salutary lessons for the game's future. As such, this is a conversation about Australian cricket as much as it is a chat with its best players. And at its heart is the unifying force of the cap, under which all players are equals, no matter if they've played 168 Tests like Steve Waugh, or one like Bryce McGain. What began as a passion project for sports journalist Jesse Hogan and cricket agent Simon Auteri in 2015 - to interview Australian cricketers, past and present, on the significance of gaining their Test spots - became a story about the spirit of cricket and its power to bring us together. Just two weeks before the first draft was completed, tragedy struck. At the age of 33, Jesse Hogan suffered a devastating stroke that left him unable to speak, write or even walk. Following intensive rehabilitation and with immense support, Jesse made it back and finished the book with the help of fellow journalist Andrew Faulkner. For Cap and Country and its publication is about the importance of generosity, sportsmanship, perseverance and community to help us achieve our goals in life as much as in sport. Now cricket tragics like Jesse can finally enjoy these stories too.