‘[An] unconventional journey...brilliantly documented.’ Courier Mail ‘So you want to know something about this funny old bowling of mine. Well, there’s nothing to it. It’s really very simple—in fact, at times, I do not know much about it myself.’ In 1950, aged in his mid-thirties, ‘tall, shy, shambling’ Jack Iverson burst forth from obscurity in suburban Melbourne, ‘bowled like no man before’ and became a national sensation, then faded from view almost as swiftly. He died in obscurity, in tragic circumstances. In the enthralling Mystery Spinner, first published in 1999, one of the world’s best cricket writers goes in search of an enigma: an ordinary man in whom lurked the extraordinary. Gideon Haigh has been a journalist for three decades, writing mainly about sport and business. He is the author of more than thirty books, among them the award-winning On Warne, Certain Admissions and Stroke of Genius. He lives in Melbourne. ‘One of the best cricket biographies I have ever read.’ Wisden Cricket Monthly ‘Even if you don’t care for the game you might enjoy it...Not your standard sporting biography.’ Guardian ‘A delight, a gripping (no pun intended) read, and an object lesson to anyone tempted to try their hand at biography.’ ESPN cricinfo ‘Magnificent.’ Roar

It is no mystery that today the name of Jack Iverson is virtually unknown. For most of his life he was an unexceptional estate agent in Australia. He died in obscurity, by his own hand, at the age of only 58. He was a clumsy fielder, and a hopeless batsman. But for four years he was the best spin bowler in the world. The story of Jack Iverson is one of the most remarkable in the history of cricket. ‘Every now and then,’ wrote one journalist, ‘there comes a man who can do the right thing the wrong way round.’ Iverson took up cricket, at the advanced age of 31, as capriciously as he left it – joining a club 3rd XI in Melbourne one day, and instantly announcing himself as the most prodigious and improbable spinner of a cricket ball. Using a unique technique he appears to have perfects with a ping-pong ball during wartime service in Papua New Guinea, he doubled back his middle finger and found he could bowl leg breaks, top spinners and googlies, every one dropped on a perfect length and impossible to pick. Within four years he was bowling the Australian Test side to victory over England in the Ashes series of 1950-51. Then, in his moment of triumph, he retired from international cricket, and was never the same bowler again. Mystery Spinner is more than that beautifully written life of an elusive and forgotten hero who, after his brief burst of celebrity, has left strangely little trace in posterity. It is also the utterly compelling story of Gideon Haigh’s quest to solve the enduring riddle of Jack Iverson’s life – a quest which led him across Australia following tenuous clues in school registers and county records. And above all it is a moving study, for an age that presumes sporting prowess to be the ultimate definition of personal identity, of how skill is only half the battle in sport, and how it takes an extraordinary individual to cope successfully with extraordinary achievement.

"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

WISDEN BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020 Winner of The Telegraph Sports Book Awards 2020 Heartaches Cricket Book of the Year 'Fascinating . . . essential reading' – Scyld Berry 'A fascinating book, essential for anyone who wishes to understand cricket's new age' – Alex Massie, Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 'An invaluable guide' – Mike Atherton, The Times 'excellent . . . both breezily engaging, and full of the format's latest, best and nerdiest thinking' – Gideon Haigh, The Australian 'The century's most original cricket book . . . An absorbing ride . . . some of their revelations come with the startling force of unexpected thunder on a still night' – Suresh Menon, editor Wisden India Almanack Cricket 2.0 is the multi award-winning story of how an old, traditional game was revolutionised by a new format: Twenty20 cricket. The winner of the Wisden Almanack Book of the Year award, the Telegraph Sports Book Awards' Cricket Book of the Year and selected as one of The Cricketer's greatest cricket books of all time, Cricket 2.0 is an essential read both for Test and T20 cricket lovers alike, and all those interested in modern sport. Using exclusive interviews with over 80 leading players and coaches – including Jos Buttler, Ricky Ponting, Kieron Pollard, Eoin Morgan, Brendon McCullum and Rashid Khan – Tim Wigmore and Freddie Wilde chronicle this revolution with insight, forensic analysis and story-telling verve. In the process, they reveal how cricket has been transformed, both on and off the field. Told with vivid clarity and insight, this is the extraordinary and previously misunderstood story of Twenty20, how it is reshaping the sport – and what the future of cricket will look like. Readers will never watch a T20 game in quite the same way again. "For people that love cricket it's really important to read it," said Miles Jupp. "I found it extraordinary."

'The definitive telling of the life of a West Indian hero' Sir Clive Lloyd The brilliant all-rounder Frank Worrell had to wait until 1960 to become the first permanent Black captain of the West Indies cricket team, denied for a decade by the elitism, insularity and racism of Caribbean cricket’s rulers. When his chance finally came, Worrell transformed a talented but unfocused team into the most exciting side in the world and led his men into unforgettable series against Australia and England. Worrell was universally admired as one of cricket’s great captains when he was knighted in 1964, but three years later, he was dead aged just forty-two. Not merely an extraordinarily talented and record-breaking sportsman, he served the University of the West Indies after his retirement – along with the cricket team and the political federation, one of the three truly unifying elements across a fractious and diverse region. This biography, by the author of the acclaimed Fire in Babylon and with a foreword by Sir Clive Lloyd, is the definitive telling of Frank Worrell's life and legacy. It reveals how an upbringing in Barbados, cricketing adventures around the world and a determination not to be cowed by the powers that ran island cricket, shaped a great West Indian cricketer into a great West Indian, who changed the game forever.

As famous for its complicated rules as it is for its contentious (and lengthy) matches, cricket is the quintessentially English sport. Or is it? From cricket in literature to sticky wickets, Cricketing Lives is a paean to the quirky characters and global phenomenon that are cricket. Cricket is defined by the characters who have played it, watched it, reported it, ruled upon it, ruined it, and rejoiced in it. Humorous and deeply affectionate, Cricketing Lives tells the story of the world’s greatest and most incomprehensible game through those who have shaped it, from the rustic contests of eighteenth-century England to the spectacle of the Indian Premier League. It’s about W. G. Grace and his eye to his wallet; the invincible Viv Richards; and Sarah Taylor, “the best wicketkeeper in the world.” Richard H. Thomas steers a course through the despair of war, tactical controversies, and internecine politics, to reveal how cricket has always warmed our hearts as nothing else can.