Hugely enjoyable and entertaining...., 28 Nov 2008
This is a corker of a book, which would appeal to both the hardened anorak wearer and those who couldn't care less about Bradman's career average. It's witty, informative, irreverent, inclusive, and takes self-deprecation to the nth degree (a quality sadly lacking in many cricket writers). I read the whole thing with a smile on my face and defy anyone not to chortle whilst reading the extracts from Graham Gooch's Indian blogs.

If you are lucky enough to find Lawrence in your stocking this Christmas, you won't be disappointed.

Great fun, 20 Sep 2008
I'd read Lawrence's other book, or at least it was a 'toilet book', and so I was drawn to this more conventional work, being a sportsfan and a follower of Lawrence's work online.
Its just as good (better, even) as the easy wit of The Spin, his weekly cricket column, and is full of name-dropping, jokes, etc. All funny and accessible.

I love my sports books, and for once I don't feel like I'm being spoken down to. Mr Booth is happy for us to join us in his world. He welcomes us in.

Write something else and I'll pop in again!

In what is widely considered the definitive work on the subject, The Art Of Captaincy, Mike Brearley, a psychoanalyst by trade these days--but most famously the England cricket captain behind that dramatic 1981 Ashes victory--delivers his thesis on what makes a leader, on and off the pitch. In his five-year Test career Brearley, a long-standing county captain but never much better than a relatively modestly talented cricketer himself, led England 31 times--winning 18, drawing 9, losing only 4--and explores the key elements of his theories via candid reflections on those experiences.

Willis, who was to bowl the next over, was indignant with Botham. His main concern was that I shouldn't let him bowl anymore ... When I arrived at slip, Botham was fuming too. Meanwhile Lever was disgruntled at being taken off ... and the umpires were threatening to report me [for allowing bouncers to be bowled at the tail-enders]. And we were in a winning position! To restore some sanity to the proceedings, I told Hendricks to get loose to bowl the next over.

A forthright, unapologetically intelligent analyst of the players he captained, and of his own influence, or lack of it, on those team's successes and failures, Brearley brings top-flight cricket to life in a way that speaks to both the cognoscenti and the novice.

With sections on team selection, the captain's role in the dressing room and on tour, as well as detailed consideration of tactics, Brearley's scope is impressively broad, but it is his ability to dissect that great intangible of sport--the personality of the individual--that stamps his theorising with the hallmark of greatness. He is particularly fascinating on the future England captains he led in 1981--Ian Botham ("powerful, inventive, sound...he became highly sensitive to criticism"), Bob Willis ("blinkered as a captain and had an abstracted air") and David Gower ("like Willis, he appeared to be bulldozed by Botham").

Out of print for far too long, the 1985 text has been constructively updated for the 2001 Ashes Series--including new photographs and Brearley's typically adept study of current England captain Nasser Hussain. This is a classic work: engrossing, informative, and as entertaining as it is intelligent. --Alex Hankin

Hugely enjoyable and entertaining...., 28 Nov 2008
This is a corker of a book, which would appeal to both the hardened anorak wearer and those who couldn't care less about Bradman's career average. It's witty, informative, irreverent, inclusive, and takes self-deprecation to the nth degree (a quality sadly lacking in many cricket writers). I read the whole thing with a smile on my face and defy anyone not to chortle whilst reading the extracts from Graham Gooch's Indian blogs.

If you are lucky enough to find Lawrence in your stocking this Christmas, you won't be disappointed.

Great fun, 20 Sep 2008
I'd read Lawrence's other book, or at least it was a 'toilet book', and so I was drawn to this more conventional work, being a sportsfan and a follower of Lawrence's work online.
Its just as good (better, even) as the easy wit of The Spin, his weekly cricket column, and is full of name-dropping, jokes, etc. All funny and accessible.

I love my sports books, and for once I don't feel like I'm being spoken down to. Mr Booth is happy for us to join us in his world. He welcomes us in.

Write something else and I'll pop in again!

Superb, 18 Dec 2008
Mike Brearley's book is a thorough insight into the pressures, challenges and pleasures of captaining a cricket team. Brearley's reputation as captain is, of course, legendary, and although he played before my time, reading this book made it clear why he was such a gifted captain. His analytical skill is phenomenal; the anecdotes he recounts of obtaining wickets with unorthodox methods are a real testimony to his skill and the obvious effect he had on team members in persuading them to follow his plans. Reading this would improve anyone's captaincy - the attitudes towards field placing, questioning so many of the conventions, how to manage bowling changes and how to react to the match situation reflect a highly professional approach. Brearley is candid about his own successes and failures, acknowledges the influence of other great captains, and provides many telling anecdotes. Well worth reading for any cricket lover.

Cricket fans only, 20 Apr 2008
I purchased this on the basis of many reviews which assert that it is useful for gaining insight into general leadership/man-management skills in all areas of life. Well let me assure you that this is simply not the case. This is definitely a book for cricket fans only and has no value outside that sphere. Even within cricket, which I'm not well up on, this seems a very outdated work with one foot, if not both, firmly planted in the gentleman amateur era. Remember that Brearley was playing in the sixties, seventies and very early eighties. Sportsmen have subsequently discovered some new-fangled thing called "sports psychology"...

Simply the best., 13 Jan 2006
This seminal work on captaincy has never been matched. Brearley's ideas on cricket captaincy show a huge understanding of the game and of the human mind.
Overall a must for any cricketer old enough to read with a desire to captain a cricket side at whatever level.

Excellent insight into the personal qualities of captaincy, 02 Aug 2001
When the Art of Captaincy first came out in 1985, memories of the swashbuckling capture of the Ashes in 1981 were still vivid in many people's minds. Although this is no longer the case, Brearley's work is equally applicable to the drive for success in any field and the man-management skills required of any successful leader.

Nonetheless cricket is its prime focus, and the characters of Brearley's age such as Botham, Willis and Gower still capture the imagination as brilliant competitors and, more importantly for Brearley, as leaders of the England side. Honest in his exposition of his contemporaries' flaws as captains, the author never belittles their integrity as individuals, helping his own objective analysis to be respected on its own merits. Whilst the revised edition pays no more than token regard to the current resurgence under Hussain and Fletcher, Brearley's expert psycho-analytical approach stands the test of time.

With helpful insight into man management of players and selectors alike, as well as a detailed background to the less glamorous administrative and logistical duties of a county captain, Brearley has much to offer to captains and players at all levels of the game.

The lucid and elegant prose makes for an extremely readable and readily digestible work, and the author's beguiling modesty and understated humanity widen its accessibility beyond the ordinary fanatic for our national game.

Hugely enjoyable and entertaining...., 28 Nov 2008
This is a corker of a book, which would appeal to both the hardened anorak wearer and those who couldn't care less about Bradman's career average. It's witty, informative, irreverent, inclusive, and takes self-deprecation to the nth degree (a quality sadly lacking in many cricket writers). I read the whole thing with a smile on my face and defy anyone not to chortle whilst reading the extracts from Graham Gooch's Indian blogs.

If you are lucky enough to find Lawrence in your stocking this Christmas, you won't be disappointed.

Great fun, 20 Sep 2008
I'd read Lawrence's other book, or at least it was a 'toilet book', and so I was drawn to this more conventional work, being a sportsfan and a follower of Lawrence's work online.
Its just as good (better, even) as the easy wit of The Spin, his weekly cricket column, and is full of name-dropping, jokes, etc. All funny and accessible.

I love my sports books, and for once I don't feel like I'm being spoken down to. Mr Booth is happy for us to join us in his world. He welcomes us in.

Write something else and I'll pop in again!

Superb, 18 Dec 2008
Mike Brearley's book is a thorough insight into the pressures, challenges and pleasures of captaining a cricket team. Brearley's reputation as captain is, of course, legendary, and although he played before my time, reading this book made it clear why he was such a gifted captain. His analytical skill is phenomenal; the anecdotes he recounts of obtaining wickets with unorthodox methods are a real testimony to his skill and the obvious effect he had on team members in persuading them to follow his plans. Reading this would improve anyone's captaincy - the attitudes towards field placing, questioning so many of the conventions, how to manage bowling changes and how to react to the match situation reflect a highly professional approach. Brearley is candid about his own successes and failures, acknowledges the influence of other great captains, and provides many telling anecdotes. Well worth reading for any cricket lover.

Cricket fans only, 20 Apr 2008
I purchased this on the basis of many reviews which assert that it is useful for gaining insight into general leadership/man-management skills in all areas of life. Well let me assure you that this is simply not the case. This is definitely a book for cricket fans only and has no value outside that sphere. Even within cricket, which I'm not well up on, this seems a very outdated work with one foot, if not both, firmly planted in the gentleman amateur era. Remember that Brearley was playing in the sixties, seventies and very early eighties. Sportsmen have subsequently discovered some new-fangled thing called "sports psychology"...

Simply the best., 13 Jan 2006
This seminal work on captaincy has never been matched. Brearley's ideas on cricket captaincy show a huge understanding of the game and of the human mind.
Overall a must for any cricketer old enough to read with a desire to captain a cricket side at whatever level.

Excellent insight into the personal qualities of captaincy, 02 Aug 2001
When the Art of Captaincy first came out in 1985, memories of the swashbuckling capture of the Ashes in 1981 were still vivid in many people's minds. Although this is no longer the case, Brearley's work is equally applicable to the drive for success in any field and the man-management skills required of any successful leader.

Nonetheless cricket is its prime focus, and the characters of Brearley's age such as Botham, Willis and Gower still capture the imagination as brilliant competitors and, more importantly for Brearley, as leaders of the England side. Honest in his exposition of his contemporaries' flaws as captains, the author never belittles their integrity as individuals, helping his own objective analysis to be respected on its own merits. Whilst the revised edition pays no more than token regard to the current resurgence under Hussain and Fletcher, Brearley's expert psycho-analytical approach stands the test of time.

With helpful insight into man management of players and selectors alike, as well as a detailed background to the less glamorous administrative and logistical duties of a county captain, Brearley has much to offer to captains and players at all levels of the game.

The lucid and elegant prose makes for an extremely readable and readily digestible work, and the author's beguiling modesty and understated humanity widen its accessibility beyond the ordinary fanatic for our national game.

Modern cricket fitness guide that debunks the myths, 21 Aug 2006
If you are an experienced conditioning coach looking for great ideas or a total novice in the world of fitness who wants to improve your game then this book is ideal.

Cricket and fitness are still 2 words that rarely go together. Especially in the club game. Fighting against the storm, SAQ takes a fresh look at the fitness needs of cricketers at all levels.

The book is built on sound sports science, but it is written in an easy to understand way with a range of drills outlined and combined in an overall plan.

The one small weakness I would hesitate to mention is the section on weight training which is very limited. However, this book is aimed at producing fit, fast, agile and quick players so to judge it as a strength training book would be harsh.

Now I just need to convince the rest of my team that the drills are worthwhile!

Hugely enjoyable and entertaining...., 28 Nov 2008
This is a corker of a book, which would appeal to both the hardened anorak wearer and those who couldn't care less about Bradman's career average. It's witty, informative, irreverent, inclusive, and takes self-deprecation to the nth degree (a quality sadly lacking in many cricket writers). I read the whole thing with a smile on my face and defy anyone not to chortle whilst reading the extracts from Graham Gooch's Indian blogs.

If you are lucky enough to find Lawrence in your stocking this Christmas, you won't be disappointed.

Great fun, 20 Sep 2008
I'd read Lawrence's other book, or at least it was a 'toilet book', and so I was drawn to this more conventional work, being a sportsfan and a follower of Lawrence's work online.
Its just as good (better, even) as the easy wit of The Spin, his weekly cricket column, and is full of name-dropping, jokes, etc. All funny and accessible.

I love my sports books, and for once I don't feel like I'm being spoken down to. Mr Booth is happy for us to join us in his world. He welcomes us in.

Write something else and I'll pop in again!

Superb, 18 Dec 2008
Mike Brearley's book is a thorough insight into the pressures, challenges and pleasures of captaining a cricket team. Brearley's reputation as captain is, of course, legendary, and although he played before my time, reading this book made it clear why he was such a gifted captain. His analytical skill is phenomenal; the anecdotes he recounts of obtaining wickets with unorthodox methods are a real testimony to his skill and the obvious effect he had on team members in persuading them to follow his plans. Reading this would improve anyone's captaincy - the attitudes towards field placing, questioning so many of the conventions, how to manage bowling changes and how to react to the match situation reflect a highly professional approach. Brearley is candid about his own successes and failures, acknowledges the influence of other great captains, and provides many telling anecdotes. Well worth reading for any cricket lover.

Cricket fans only, 20 Apr 2008
I purchased this on the basis of many reviews which assert that it is useful for gaining insight into general leadership/man-management skills in all areas of life. Well let me assure you that this is simply not the case. This is definitely a book for cricket fans only and has no value outside that sphere. Even within cricket, which I'm not well up on, this seems a very outdated work with one foot, if not both, firmly planted in the gentleman amateur era. Remember that Brearley was playing in the sixties, seventies and very early eighties. Sportsmen have subsequently discovered some new-fangled thing called "sports psychology"...

Simply the best., 13 Jan 2006
This seminal work on captaincy has never been matched. Brearley's ideas on cricket captaincy show a huge understanding of the game and of the human mind.
Overall a must for any cricketer old enough to read with a desire to captain a cricket side at whatever level.

Excellent insight into the personal qualities of captaincy, 02 Aug 2001
When the Art of Captaincy first came out in 1985, memories of the swashbuckling capture of the Ashes in 1981 were still vivid in many people's minds. Although this is no longer the case, Brearley's work is equally applicable to the drive for success in any field and the man-management skills required of any successful leader.

Nonetheless cricket is its prime focus, and the characters of Brearley's age such as Botham, Willis and Gower still capture the imagination as brilliant competitors and, more importantly for Brearley, as leaders of the England side. Honest in his exposition of his contemporaries' flaws as captains, the author never belittles their integrity as individuals, helping his own objective analysis to be respected on its own merits. Whilst the revised edition pays no more than token regard to the current resurgence under Hussain and Fletcher, Brearley's expert psycho-analytical approach stands the test of time.

With helpful insight into man management of players and selectors alike, as well as a detailed background to the less glamorous administrative and logistical duties of a county captain, Brearley has much to offer to captains and players at all levels of the game.

The lucid and elegant prose makes for an extremely readable and readily digestible work, and the author's beguiling modesty and understated humanity widen its accessibility beyond the ordinary fanatic for our national game.

Modern cricket fitness guide that debunks the myths, 21 Aug 2006
If you are an experienced conditioning coach looking for great ideas or a total novice in the world of fitness who wants to improve your game then this book is ideal.

Cricket and fitness are still 2 words that rarely go together. Especially in the club game. Fighting against the storm, SAQ takes a fresh look at the fitness needs of cricketers at all levels.

The book is built on sound sports science, but it is written in an easy to understand way with a range of drills outlined and combined in an overall plan.

The one small weakness I would hesitate to mention is the section on weight training which is very limited. However, this book is aimed at producing fit, fast, agile and quick players so to judge it as a strength training book would be harsh.

Now I just need to convince the rest of my team that the drills are worthwhile!

Quality and easy to follow, 21 Oct 2008
A useful and easy to follow guide to coaching the basic mechanics of cricket. I think it can be used with children from ages 5-14 easily. My club for Lower and Upper KS2 love the activities and are always at the end of the club better off technically.

A real gem and a time saver for our (6weeks summer holiday) difficult jobs!



Cricket Coahcing bible ! , 01 Nov 2007
I am a newly qualified coach and was put onto this book by a teacher friend of mine who swore by it.....how right she was....

Its easy to use, full of ideas and provides ample session plans and futher development ideas !

It is the most functional cricket book out there and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Cricket books like this one make the game more accessible and it really gave me confidence to learn and develop as a coach. It is a simple no nonsense book that does exactly what it says on its sleave !

Helps a person coach criket....

brilliant

This complete guide combines the basics of coaching and cricket in one conscise resource.

Hugely enjoyable and entertaining...., 28 Nov 2008
This is a corker of a book, which would appeal to both the hardened anorak wearer and those who couldn't care less about Bradman's career average. It's witty, informative, irreverent, inclusive, and takes self-deprecation to the nth degree (a quality sadly lacking in many cricket writers). I read the whole thing with a smile on my face and defy anyone not to chortle whilst reading the extracts from Graham Gooch's Indian blogs.

If you are lucky enough to find Lawrence in your stocking this Christmas, you won't be disappointed.

Great fun, 20 Sep 2008
I'd read Lawrence's other book, or at least it was a 'toilet book', and so I was drawn to this more conventional work, being a sportsfan and a follower of Lawrence's work online.
Its just as good (better, even) as the easy wit of The Spin, his weekly cricket column, and is full of name-dropping, jokes, etc. All funny and accessible.

I love my sports books, and for once I don't feel like I'm being spoken down to. Mr Booth is happy for us to join us in his world. He welcomes us in.

Write something else and I'll pop in again!

Superb, 18 Dec 2008
Mike Brearley's book is a thorough insight into the pressures, challenges and pleasures of captaining a cricket team. Brearley's reputation as captain is, of course, legendary, and although he played before my time, reading this book made it clear why he was such a gifted captain. His analytical skill is phenomenal; the anecdotes he recounts of obtaining wickets with unorthodox methods are a real testimony to his skill and the obvious effect he had on team members in persuading them to follow his plans. Reading this would improve anyone's captaincy - the attitudes towards field placing, questioning so many of the conventions, how to manage bowling changes and how to react to the match situation reflect a highly professional approach. Brearley is candid about his own successes and failures, acknowledges the influence of other great captains, and provides many telling anecdotes. Well worth reading for any cricket lover.

Cricket fans only, 20 Apr 2008
I purchased this on the basis of many reviews which assert that it is useful for gaining insight into general leadership/man-management skills in all areas of life. Well let me assure you that this is simply not the case. This is definitely a book for cricket fans only and has no value outside that sphere. Even within cricket, which I'm not well up on, this seems a very outdated work with one foot, if not both, firmly planted in the gentleman amateur era. Remember that Brearley was playing in the sixties, seventies and very early eighties. Sportsmen have subsequently discovered some new-fangled thing called "sports psychology"...

Simply the best., 13 Jan 2006
This seminal work on captaincy has never been matched. Brearley's ideas on cricket captaincy show a huge understanding of the game and of the human mind.
Overall a must for any cricketer old enough to read with a desire to captain a cricket side at whatever level.

Excellent insight into the personal qualities of captaincy, 02 Aug 2001
When the Art of Captaincy first came out in 1985, memories of the swashbuckling capture of the Ashes in 1981 were still vivid in many people's minds. Although this is no longer the case, Brearley's work is equally applicable to the drive for success in any field and the man-management skills required of any successful leader.

Nonetheless cricket is its prime focus, and the characters of Brearley's age such as Botham, Willis and Gower still capture the imagination as brilliant competitors and, more importantly for Brearley, as leaders of the England side. Honest in his exposition of his contemporaries' flaws as captains, the author never belittles their integrity as individuals, helping his own objective analysis to be respected on its own merits. Whilst the revised edition pays no more than token regard to the current resurgence under Hussain and Fletcher, Brearley's expert psycho-analytical approach stands the test of time.

With helpful insight into man management of players and selectors alike, as well as a detailed background to the less glamorous administrative and logistical duties of a county captain, Brearley has much to offer to captains and players at all levels of the game.

The lucid and elegant prose makes for an extremely readable and readily digestible work, and the author's beguiling modesty and understated humanity widen its accessibility beyond the ordinary fanatic for our national game.

Modern cricket fitness guide that debunks the myths, 21 Aug 2006
If you are an experienced conditioning coach looking for great ideas or a total novice in the world of fitness who wants to improve your game then this book is ideal.

Cricket and fitness are still 2 words that rarely go together. Especially in the club game. Fighting against the storm, SAQ takes a fresh look at the fitness needs of cricketers at all levels.

The book is built on sound sports science, but it is written in an easy to understand way with a range of drills outlined and combined in an overall plan.

The one small weakness I would hesitate to mention is the section on weight training which is very limited. However, this book is aimed at producing fit, fast, agile and quick players so to judge it as a strength training book would be harsh.

Now I just need to convince the rest of my team that the drills are worthwhile!

Quality and easy to follow, 21 Oct 2008
A useful and easy to follow guide to coaching the basic mechanics of cricket. I think it can be used with children from ages 5-14 easily. My club for Lower and Upper KS2 love the activities and are always at the end of the club better off technically.

A real gem and a time saver for our (6weeks summer holiday) difficult jobs!



Cricket Coahcing bible ! , 01 Nov 2007
I am a newly qualified coach and was put onto this book by a teacher friend of mine who swore by it.....how right she was....

Its easy to use, full of ideas and provides ample session plans and futher development ideas !

It is the most functional cricket book out there and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Cricket books like this one make the game more accessible and it really gave me confidence to learn and develop as a coach. It is a simple no nonsense book that does exactly what it says on its sleave !

Helps a person coach criket....

brilliant

A great help, 11 May 2007
I did a lot of research into books to help me teach my two boys (9 and 6) and their friends a bit more about cricket. I love the game, and they are getting into it.

This book is so helpful in giving me insights into coaching and the various forms of the game (kids arent nececarily interested in the purist forms of the game)

Clear illustrations and plain English descriptions make this book a very easy to use reference. It's well structured with everything from photocopyable score cards to tips and tricks on some of the more technical aspects.

A great buy for any level of coach - experienced or 'wannabe' Future England / Yorkshire player father like m'self ;)

Fairly Good but I Did Not Learn Anything New, 31 Oct 2004
I eagerly anticipated this book when it came through the post. Since everyone needs to keep on learning in a sport I was curious as to what the Australians were doing right. After all they excel at everything and are relitivley small.
The book is , well ,textbook cricket (What else can you expect). The book talk everything well with animations and good narration. Unfortunatley I just did not learn anything new at all.
Other books on this matter have taught m little tips like shuffling your feet before delivery or keeping your bat high like Graeme Gooch. Some have taught me how to get good power or what to exactly do in the field. This book was good if you want to teach someone very young in a orthodox fashion but for an adult who wants to almost cheat the game or just pick up that extra bit of knowledge I personally do not feel it adds anything.
Hope this Helps
Nevboz

An excellent, structured guide to coaching youngsters, 30 Oct 2001
The book is written in plain language and provides clear guidance on how to introduce youngsters to the game of cricket. The enthusiasm for the game is obvious throughout the book. The authors have provided many useful coaching tips that will be appreciated by those involved in youth cricket and the practice games are a welcome addition to those normally included in coaching manuals. Overall a very useful coaching resource that I recommend to anyone who coaches youngsters.

Hugely enjoyable and entertaining...., 28 Nov 2008
This is a corker of a book, which would appeal to both the hardened anorak wearer and those who couldn't care less about Bradman's career average. It's witty, informative, irreverent, inclusive, and takes self-deprecation to the nth degree (a quality sadly lacking in many cricket writers). I read the whole thing with a smile on my face and defy anyone not to chortle whilst reading the extracts from Graham Gooch's Indian blogs.

If you are lucky enough to find Lawrence in your stocking this Christmas, you won't be disappointed.

Great fun, 20 Sep 2008
I'd read Lawrence's other book, or at least it was a 'toilet book', and so I was drawn to this more conventional work, being a sportsfan and a follower of Lawrence's work online.
Its just as good (better, even) as the easy wit of The Spin, his weekly cricket column, and is full of name-dropping, jokes, etc. All funny and accessible.

I love my sports books, and for once I don't feel like I'm being spoken down to. Mr Booth is happy for us to join us in his world. He welcomes us in.

Write something else and I'll pop in again!

Superb, 18 Dec 2008
Mike Brearley's book is a thorough insight into the pressures, challenges and pleasures of captaining a cricket team. Brearley's reputation as captain is, of course, legendary, and although he played before my time, reading this book made it clear why he was such a gifted captain. His analytical skill is phenomenal; the anecdotes he recounts of obtaining wickets with unorthodox methods are a real testimony to his skill and the obvious effect he had on team members in persuading them to follow his plans. Reading this would improve anyone's captaincy - the attitudes towards field placing, questioning so many of the conventions, how to manage bowling changes and how to react to the match situation reflect a highly professional approach. Brearley is candid about his own successes and failures, acknowledges the influence of other great captains, and provides many telling anecdotes. Well worth reading for any cricket lover.

Cricket fans only, 20 Apr 2008
I purchased this on the basis of many reviews which assert that it is useful for gaining insight into general leadership/man-management skills in all areas of life. Well let me assure you that this is simply not the case. This is definitely a book for cricket fans only and has no value outside that sphere. Even within cricket, which I'm not well up on, this seems a very outdated work with one foot, if not both, firmly planted in the gentleman amateur era. Remember that Brearley was playing in the sixties, seventies and very early eighties. Sportsmen have subsequently discovered some new-fangled thing called "sports psychology"...

Simply the best., 13 Jan 2006
This seminal work on captaincy has never been matched. Brearley's ideas on cricket captaincy show a huge understanding of the game and of the human mind.
Overall a must for any cricketer old enough to read with a desire to captain a cricket side at whatever level.

Excellent insight into the personal qualities of captaincy, 02 Aug 2001
When the Art of Captaincy first came out in 1985, memories of the swashbuckling capture of the Ashes in 1981 were still vivid in many people's minds. Although this is no longer the case, Brearley's work is equally applicable to the drive for success in any field and the man-management skills required of any successful leader.

Nonetheless cricket is its prime focus, and the characters of Brearley's age such as Botham, Willis and Gower still capture the imagination as brilliant competitors and, more importantly for Brearley, as leaders of the England side. Honest in his exposition of his contemporaries' flaws as captains, the author never belittles their integrity as individuals, helping his own objective analysis to be respected on its own merits. Whilst the revised edition pays no more than token regard to the current resurgence under Hussain and Fletcher, Brearley's expert psycho-analytical approach stands the test of time.

With helpful insight into man management of players and selectors alike, as well as a detailed background to the less glamorous administrative and logistical duties of a county captain, Brearley has much to offer to captains and players at all levels of the game.

The lucid and elegant prose makes for an extremely readable and readily digestible work, and the author's beguiling modesty and understated humanity widen its accessibility beyond the ordinary fanatic for our national game.

Modern cricket fitness guide that debunks the myths, 21 Aug 2006
If you are an experienced conditioning coach looking for great ideas or a total novice in the world of fitness who wants to improve your game then this book is ideal.

Cricket and fitness are still 2 words that rarely go together. Especially in the club game. Fighting against the storm, SAQ takes a fresh look at the fitness needs of cricketers at all levels.

The book is built on sound sports science, but it is written in an easy to understand way with a range of drills outlined and combined in an overall plan.

The one small weakness I would hesitate to mention is the section on weight training which is very limited. However, this book is aimed at producing fit, fast, agile and quick players so to judge it as a strength training book would be harsh.

Now I just need to convince the rest of my team that the drills are worthwhile!

Quality and easy to follow, 21 Oct 2008
A useful and easy to follow guide to coaching the basic mechanics of cricket. I think it can be used with children from ages 5-14 easily. My club for Lower and Upper KS2 love the activities and are always at the end of the club better off technically.

A real gem and a time saver for our (6weeks summer holiday) difficult jobs!



Cricket Coahcing bible ! , 01 Nov 2007
I am a newly qualified coach and was put onto this book by a teacher friend of mine who swore by it.....how right she was....

Its easy to use, full of ideas and provides ample session plans and futher development ideas !

It is the most functional cricket book out there and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Cricket books like this one make the game more accessible and it really gave me confidence to learn and develop as a coach. It is a simple no nonsense book that does exactly what it says on its sleave !

Helps a person coach criket....

brilliant

A great help, 11 May 2007
I did a lot of research into books to help me teach my two boys (9 and 6) and their friends a bit more about cricket. I love the game, and they are getting into it.

This book is so helpful in giving me insights into coaching and the various forms of the game (kids arent nececarily interested in the purist forms of the game)

Clear illustrations and plain English descriptions make this book a very easy to use reference. It's well structured with everything from photocopyable score cards to tips and tricks on some of the more technical aspects.

A great buy for any level of coach - experienced or 'wannabe' Future England / Yorkshire player father like m'self ;)

Fairly Good but I Did Not Learn Anything New, 31 Oct 2004
I eagerly anticipated this book when it came through the post. Since everyone needs to keep on learning in a sport I was curious as to what the Australians were doing right. After all they excel at everything and are relitivley small.
The book is , well ,textbook cricket (What else can you expect). The book talk everything well with animations and good narration. Unfortunatley I just did not learn anything new at all.
Other books on this matter have taught m little tips like shuffling your feet before delivery or keeping your bat high like Graeme Gooch. Some have taught me how to get good power or what to exactly do in the field. This book was good if you want to teach someone very young in a orthodox fashion but for an adult who wants to almost cheat the game or just pick up that extra bit of knowledge I personally do not feel it adds anything.
Hope this Helps
Nevboz

An excellent, structured guide to coaching youngsters, 30 Oct 2001
The book is written in plain language and provides clear guidance on how to introduce youngsters to the game of cricket. The enthusiasm for the game is obvious throughout the book. The authors have provided many useful coaching tips that will be appreciated by those involved in youth cricket and the practice games are a welcome addition to those normally included in coaching manuals. Overall a very useful coaching resource that I recommend to anyone who coaches youngsters.

A book which delivers what it promises, 07 Jun 2007
As a beer and cricket lover I was keen to get my hands on a copy of this book and was not disappointed when I did so.

The book begins with a section on the development of modern cricket at Hambledon and the role of the Bat & Ball pub in this. It then takes the reader on a guided tour of all the First Class County cricket grounds, providing details of location and how to get there. A description and history of each ground is given, with pubs often taking an important role in the latter. Each ground is also given a `great feats' box recognising the record breaking performances of individuals and teams at the venue. For the beer loving cricket fan, the icing on the cake is the details of recommended real ale outlets in the proximity of the ground. Other grounds used by the county sides also get a mention, again with recommended pubs.

The book rounds off with a brief explanation of real ale for cricket lovers that need educating. All in all this is a book that is packed with interesting and useful information and beautifully illustrated throughout.

Hugely enjoyable and entertaining...., 28 Nov 2008
This is a corker of a book, which would appeal to both the hardened anorak wearer and those who couldn't care less about Bradman's career average. It's witty, informative, irreverent, inclusive, and takes self-deprecation to the nth degree (a quality sadly lacking in many cricket writers). I read the whole thing with a smile on my face and defy anyone not to chortle whilst reading the extracts from Graham Gooch's Indian blogs.

If you are lucky enough to find Lawrence in your stocking this Christmas, you won't be disappointed.

Great fun, 20 Sep 2008
I'd read Lawrence's other book, or at least it was a 'toilet book', and so I was drawn to this more conventional work, being a sportsfan and a follower of Lawrence's work online.
Its just as good (better, even) as the easy wit of The Spin, his weekly cricket column, and is full of name-dropping, jokes, etc. All funny and accessible.

I love my sports books, and for once I don't feel like I'm being spoken down to. Mr Booth is happy for us to join us in his world. He welcomes us in.

Write something else and I'll pop in again!

Superb, 18 Dec 2008
Mike Brearley's book is a thorough insight into the pressures, challenges and pleasures of captaining a cricket team. Brearley's reputation as captain is, of course, legendary, and although he played before my time, reading this book made it clear why he was such a gifted captain. His analytical skill is phenomenal; the anecdotes he recounts of obtaining wickets with unorthodox methods are a real testimony to his skill and the obvious effect he had on team members in persuading them to follow his plans. Reading this would improve anyone's captaincy - the attitudes towards field placing, questioning so many of the conventions, how to manage bowling changes and how to react to the match situation reflect a highly professional approach. Brearley is candid about his own successes and failures, acknowledges the influence of other great captains, and provides many telling anecdotes. Well worth reading for any cricket lover.

Cricket fans only, 20 Apr 2008
I purchased this on the basis of many reviews which assert that it is useful for gaining insight into general leadership/man-management skills in all areas of life. Well let me assure you that this is simply not the case. This is definitely a book for cricket fans only and has no value outside that sphere. Even within cricket, which I'm not well up on, this seems a very outdated work with one foot, if not both, firmly planted in the gentleman amateur era. Remember that Brearley was playing in the sixties, seventies and very early eighties. Sportsmen have subsequently discovered some new-fangled thing called "sports psychology"...

Simply the best., 13 Jan 2006
This seminal work on captaincy has never been matched. Brearley's ideas on cricket captaincy show a huge understanding of the game and of the human mind.
Overall a must for any cricketer old enough to read with a desire to captain a cricket side at whatever level.

Excellent insight into the personal qualities of captaincy, 02 Aug 2001
When the Art of Captaincy first came out in 1985, memories of the swashbuckling capture of the Ashes in 1981 were still vivid in many people's minds. Although this is no longer the case, Brearley's work is equally applicable to the drive for success in any field and the man-management skills required of any successful leader.

Nonetheless cricket is its prime focus, and the characters of Brearley's age such as Botham, Willis and Gower still capture the imagination as brilliant competitors and, more importantly for Brearley, as leaders of the England side. Honest in his exposition of his contemporaries' flaws as captains, the author never belittles their integrity as individuals, helping his own objective analysis to be respected on its own merits. Whilst the revised edition pays no more than token regard to the current resurgence under Hussain and Fletcher, Brearley's expert psycho-analytical approach stands the test of time.

With helpful insight into man management of players and selectors alike, as well as a detailed background to the less glamorous administrative and logistical duties of a county captain, Brearley has much to offer to captains and players at all levels of the game.

The lucid and elegant prose makes for an extremely readable and readily digestible work, and the author's beguiling modesty and understated humanity widen its accessibility beyond the ordinary fanatic for our national game.

Modern cricket fitness guide that debunks the myths, 21 Aug 2006
If you are an experienced conditioning coach looking for great ideas or a total novice in the world of fitness who wants to improve your game then this book is ideal.

Cricket and fitness are still 2 words that rarely go together. Especially in the club game. Fighting against the storm, SAQ takes a fresh look at the fitness needs of cricketers at all levels.

The book is built on sound sports science, but it is written in an easy to understand way with a range of drills outlined and combined in an overall plan.

The one small weakness I would hesitate to mention is the section on weight training which is very limited. However, this book is aimed at producing fit, fast, agile and quick players so to judge it as a strength training book would be harsh.

Now I just need to convince the rest of my team that the drills are worthwhile!

Quality and easy to follow, 21 Oct 2008
A useful and easy to follow guide to coaching the basic mechanics of cricket. I think it can be used with children from ages 5-14 easily. My club for Lower and Upper KS2 love the activities and are always at the end of the club better off technically.

A real gem and a time saver for our (6weeks summer holiday) difficult jobs!



Cricket Coahcing bible ! , 01 Nov 2007
I am a newly qualified coach and was put onto this book by a teacher friend of mine who swore by it.....how right she was....

Its easy to use, full of ideas and provides ample session plans and futher development ideas !

It is the most functional cricket book out there and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Cricket books like this one make the game more accessible and it really gave me confidence to learn and develop as a coach. It is a simple no nonsense book that does exactly what it says on its sleave !

Helps a person coach criket....

brilliant

A great help, 11 May 2007
I did a lot of research into books to help me teach my two boys (9 and 6) and their friends a bit more about cricket. I love the game, and they are getting into it.

This book is so helpful in giving me insights into coaching and the various forms of the game (kids arent nececarily interested in the purist forms of the game)

Clear illustrations and plain English descriptions make this book a very easy to use reference. It's well structured with everything from photocopyable score cards to tips and tricks on some of the more technical aspects.

A great buy for any level of coach - experienced or 'wannabe' Future England / Yorkshire player father like m'self ;)

Fairly Good but I Did Not Learn Anything New, 31 Oct 2004
I eagerly anticipated this book when it came through the post. Since everyone needs to keep on learning in a sport I was curious as to what the Australians were doing right. After all they excel at everything and are relitivley small.
The book is , well ,textbook cricket (What else can you expect). The book talk everything well with animations and good narration. Unfortunatley I just did not learn anything new at all.
Other books on this matter have taught m little tips like shuffling your feet before delivery or keeping your bat high like Graeme Gooch. Some have taught me how to get good power or what to exactly do in the field. This book was good if you want to teach someone very young in a orthodox fashion but for an adult who wants to almost cheat the game or just pick up that extra bit of knowledge I personally do not feel it adds anything.
Hope this Helps
Nevboz

An excellent, structured guide to coaching youngsters, 30 Oct 2001
The book is written in plain language and provides clear guidance on how to introduce youngsters to the game of cricket. The enthusiasm for the game is obvious throughout the book. The authors have provided many useful coaching tips that will be appreciated by those involved in youth cricket and the practice games are a welcome addition to those normally included in coaching manuals. Overall a very useful coaching resource that I recommend to anyone who coaches youngsters.

A book which delivers what it promises, 07 Jun 2007
As a beer and cricket lover I was keen to get my hands on a copy of this book and was not disappointed when I did so.

The book begins with a section on the development of modern cricket at Hambledon and the role of the Bat & Ball pub in this. It then takes the reader on a guided tour of all the First Class County cricket grounds, providing details of location and how to get there. A description and history of each ground is given, with pubs often taking an important role in the latter. Each ground is also given a `great feats' box recognising the record breaking performances of individuals and teams at the venue. For the beer loving cricket fan, the icing on the cake is the details of recommended real ale outlets in the proximity of the ground. Other grounds used by the county sides also get a mention, again with recommended pubs.

The book rounds off with a brief explanation of real ale for cricket lovers that need educating. All in all this is a book that is packed with interesting and useful information and beautifully illustrated throughout.

i was ok, 16 Jun 2007
it is a great raed if you no evreything about cricket but if you just what a nice and simple read this is not for you . I personally liked it

Hugely enjoyable and entertaining...., 28 Nov 2008
This is a corker of a book, which would appeal to both the hardened anorak wearer and those who couldn't care less about Bradman's career average. It's witty, informative, irreverent, inclusive, and takes self-deprecation to the nth degree (a quality sadly lacking in many cricket writers). I read the whole thing with a smile on my face and defy anyone not to chortle whilst reading the extracts from Graham Gooch's Indian blogs.

If you are lucky enough to find Lawrence in your stocking this Christmas, you won't be disappointed.

Great fun, 20 Sep 2008
I'd read Lawrence's other book, or at least it was a 'toilet book', and so I was drawn to this more conventional work, being a sportsfan and a follower of Lawrence's work online.
Its just as good (better, even) as the easy wit of The Spin, his weekly cricket column, and is full of name-dropping, jokes, etc. All funny and accessible.

I love my sports books, and for once I don't feel like I'm being spoken down to. Mr Booth is happy for us to join us in his world. He welcomes us in.

Write something else and I'll pop in again!

Superb, 18 Dec 2008
Mike Brearley's book is a thorough insight into the pressures, challenges and pleasures of captaining a cricket team. Brearley's reputation as captain is, of course, legendary, and although he played before my time, reading this book made it clear why he was such a gifted captain. His analytical skill is phenomenal; the anecdotes he recounts of obtaining wickets with unorthodox methods are a real testimony to his skill and the obvious effect he had on team members in persuading them to follow his plans. Reading this would improve anyone's captaincy - the attitudes towards field placing, questioning so many of the conventions, how to manage bowling changes and how to react to the match situation reflect a highly professional approach. Brearley is candid about his own successes and failures, acknowledges the influence of other great captains, and provides many telling anecdotes. Well worth reading for any cricket lover.

Cricket fans only, 20 Apr 2008
I purchased this on the basis of many reviews which assert that it is useful for gaining insight into general leadership/man-management skills in all areas of life. Well let me assure you that this is simply not the case. This is definitely a book for cricket fans only and has no value outside that sphere. Even within cricket, which I'm not well up on, this seems a very outdated work with one foot, if not both, firmly planted in the gentleman amateur era. Remember that Brearley was playing in the sixties, seventies and very early eighties. Sportsmen have subsequently discovered some new-fangled thing called "sports psychology"...

Simply the best., 13 Jan 2006
This seminal work on captaincy has never been matched. Brearley's ideas on cricket captaincy show a huge understanding of the game and of the human mind.
Overall a must for any cricketer old enough to read with a desire to captain a cricket side at whatever level.

Excellent insight into the personal qualities of captaincy, 02 Aug 2001
When the Art of Captaincy first came out in 1985, memories of the swashbuckling capture of the Ashes in 1981 were still vivid in many people's minds. Although this is no longer the case, Brearley's work is equally applicable to the drive for success in any field and the man-management skills required of any successful leader.

Nonetheless cricket is its prime focus, and the characters of Brearley's age such as Botham, Willis and Gower still capture the imagination as brilliant competitors and, more importantly for Brearley, as leaders of the England side. Honest in his exposition of his contemporaries' flaws as captains, the author never belittles their integrity as individuals, helping his own objective analysis to be respected on its own merits. Whilst the revised edition pays no more than token regard to the current resurgence under Hussain and Fletcher, Brearley's expert psycho-analytical approach stands the test of time.

With helpful insight into man management of players and selectors alike, as well as a detailed background to the less glamorous administrative and logistical duties of a county captain, Brearley has much to offer to captains and players at all levels of the game.

The lucid and elegant prose makes for an extremely readable and readily digestible work, and the author's beguiling modesty and understated humanity widen its accessibility beyond the ordinary fanatic for our national game.

Modern cricket fitness guide that debunks the myths, 21 Aug 2006
If you are an experienced conditioning coach looking for great ideas or a total novice in the world of fitness who wants to improve your game then this book is ideal.

Cricket and fitness are still 2 words that rarely go together. Especially in the club game. Fighting against the storm, SAQ takes a fresh look at the fitness needs of cricketers at all levels.

The book is built on sound sports science, but it is written in an easy to understand way with a range of drills outlined and combined in an overall plan.

The one small weakness I would hesitate to mention is the section on weight training which is very limited. However, this book is aimed at producing fit, fast, agile and quick players so to judge it as a strength training book would be harsh.

Now I just need to convince the rest of my team that the drills are worthwhile!

Quality and easy to follow, 21 Oct 2008
A useful and easy to follow guide to coaching the basic mechanics of cricket. I think it can be used with children from ages 5-14 easily. My club for Lower and Upper KS2 love the activities and are always at the end of the club better off technically.

A real gem and a time saver for our (6weeks summer holiday) difficult jobs!



Cricket Coahcing bible ! , 01 Nov 2007
I am a newly qualified coach and was put onto this book by a teacher friend of mine who swore by it.....how right she was....

Its easy to use, full of ideas and provides ample session plans and futher development ideas !

It is the most functional cricket book out there and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Cricket books like this one make the game more accessible and it really gave me confidence to learn and develop as a coach. It is a simple no nonsense book that does exactly what it says on its sleave !

Helps a person coach criket....

brilliant

A great help, 11 May 2007
I did a lot of research into books to help me teach my two boys (9 and 6) and their friends a bit more about cricket. I love the game, and they are getting into it.

This book is so helpful in giving me insights into coaching and the various forms of the game (kids arent nececarily interested in the purist forms of the game)

Clear illustrations and plain English descriptions make this book a very easy to use reference. It's well structured with everything from photocopyable score cards to tips and tricks on some of the more technical aspects.

A great buy for any level of coach - experienced or 'wannabe' Future England / Yorkshire player father like m'self ;)

Fairly Good but I Did Not Learn Anything New, 31 Oct 2004
I eagerly anticipated this book when it came through the post. Since everyone needs to keep on learning in a sport I was curious as to what the Australians were doing right. After all they excel at everything and are relitivley small.
The book is , well ,textbook cricket (What else can you expect). The book talk everything well with animations and good narration. Unfortunatley I just did not learn anything new at all.
Other books on this matter have taught m little tips like shuffling your feet before delivery or keeping your bat high like Graeme Gooch. Some have taught me how to get good power or what to exactly do in the field. This book was good if you want to teach someone very young in a orthodox fashion but for an adult who wants to almost cheat the game or just pick up that extra bit of knowledge I personally do not feel it adds anything.
Hope this Helps
Nevboz

An excellent, structured guide to coaching youngsters, 30 Oct 2001
The book is written in plain language and provides clear guidance on how to introduce youngsters to the game of cricket. The enthusiasm for the game is obvious throughout the book. The authors have provided many useful coaching tips that will be appreciated by those involved in youth cricket and the practice games are a welcome addition to those normally included in coaching manuals. Overall a very useful coaching resource that I recommend to anyone who coaches youngsters.

A book which delivers what it promises, 07 Jun 2007
As a beer and cricket lover I was keen to get my hands on a copy of this book and was not disappointed when I did so.

The book begins with a section on the development of modern cricket at Hambledon and the role of the Bat & Ball pub in this. It then takes the reader on a guided tour of all the First Class County cricket grounds, providing details of location and how to get there. A description and history of each ground is given, with pubs often taking an important role in the latter. Each ground is also given a `great feats' box recognising the record breaking performances of individuals and teams at the venue. For the beer loving cricket fan, the icing on the cake is the details of recommended real ale outlets in the proximity of the ground. Other grounds used by the county sides also get a mention, again with recommended pubs.

The book rounds off with a brief explanation of real ale for cricket lovers that need educating. All in all this is a book that is packed with interesting and useful information and beautifully illustrated throughout.

i was ok, 16 Jun 2007
it is a great raed if you no evreything about cricket but if you just what a nice and simple read this is not for you . I personally liked it

Deeply satisfying read, 29 Apr 2008
This is one of those books that is like a great malt whisky. You enjoy it at the time, but it's the warm glow that slowly spreads through you that makes you appreciate the quality. And like a good whisky, you can't allow yourself to turn to it too often or you suddenly find the hours have passed by.

Just the other day, I was asked where the word sledging came from. I turn to Leigh and Woodhouse and there's not just a simple explanation, but an elegant account of how the term came into cricket via an Australian player's insinuations to a waitress that were deemed "subtle as a sledgehammer".

Packed with gems. The commentators' phraseology is nailed again and again, and all with a kind of laconic learnedness that makes this an academic tome disguised as a titillation of trivia.


Ashes bible!, 24 Nov 2006
I think this is the best of the three woodhouse / leigh outings (preferred the football over racing) - and so well timed with the ashes just starting - no surprise there! Great reading for inbetween overs - keeping yourself awake through the night, and sitting on the loo. But not the usual sporting trash - well researched and cleverly expressed - Loved it...

Love these books - very funny browser, 13 Nov 2006
First got into these books when given the football lexicon for Christmas. It was a natural progression for me to buy their cricket edition. I'm not a cricket nerd but still found this book to be a funny and fascinating read. Something to delve into when you have a few moments spare. Top tip - Particularly useful to check what my mates were talking about without appearing stupid. I also found it to be and easy but perfect father-in-law gift - Far more rewarding than a crap golf joke book. Loved their definitions of words I didn't even know were used like a "Larry" or a "Michelle".


Leigh and Woodhouse have done it again!, 30 Oct 2006
I got their 'Football Lexicon' for Christmas a couple of years ago and LOVED it and was delighted to see they've done the same for cricket. Thoroughly recommend it to anyone with even a glimmer of interest in the sport - active or armchair. Plenty of the intelligent humour and rich irony that I've come to expect of Doctors Leigh and Woodhouse, but also a mine of information and loads of 'I never knew that' throughout the book... have you never wondered where the googly comes from, how to find silly mid-off, and why Nelson is such a threat? And for me the best laughs were the hilarious examples of sledging over the years - perfect for quoting over the dinner table or repeating on the village cricket pitch. A good buy for Christmas - get one for Dad and a sneaky extra for yourself! A cracking little book to delve into.

Hugely enjoyable and entertaining...., 28 Nov 2008
This is a corker of a book, which would appeal to both the hardened anorak wearer and those who couldn't care less about Bradman's career average. It's witty, informative, irreverent, inclusive, and takes self-deprecation to the nth degree (a quality sadly lacking in many cricket writers). I read the whole thing with a smile on my face and defy anyone not to chortle whilst reading the extracts from Graham Gooch's Indian blogs.

If you are lucky enough to find Lawrence in your stocking this Christmas, you won't be disappointed.

Great fun, 20 Sep 2008
I'd read Lawrence's other book, or at least it was a 'toilet book', and so I was drawn to this more conventional work, being a sportsfan and a follower of Lawrence's work online.
Its just as good (better, even) as the easy wit of The Spin, his weekly cricket column, and is full of name-dropping, jokes, etc. All funny and accessible.

I love my sports books, and for once I don't feel like I'm being spoken down to. Mr Booth is happy for us to join us in his world. He welcomes us in.

Write something else and I'll pop in again!

Superb, 18 Dec 2008
Mike Brearley's book is a thorough insight into the pressures, challenges and pleasures of captaining a cricket team. Brearley's reputation as captain is, of course, legendary, and although he played before my time, reading this book made it clear why he was such a gifted captain. His analytical skill is phenomenal; the anecdotes he recounts of obtaining wickets with unorthodox methods are a real testimony to his skill and the obvious effect he had on team members in persuading them to follow his plans. Reading this would improve anyone's captaincy - the attitudes towards field placing, questioning so many of the conventions, how to manage bowling changes and how to react to the match situation reflect a highly professional approach. Brearley is candid about his own successes and failures, acknowledges the influence of other great captains, and provides many telling anecdotes. Well worth reading for any cricket lover.

Cricket fans only, 20 Apr 2008
I purchased this on the basis of many reviews which assert that it is useful for gaining insight into general leadership/man-management skills in all areas of life. Well let me assure you that this is simply not the case. This is definitely a book for cricket fans only and has no value outside that sphere. Even within cricket, which I'm not well up on, this seems a very outdated work with one foot, if not both, firmly planted in the gentleman amateur era. Remember that Brearley was playing in the sixties, seventies and very early eighties. Sportsmen have subsequently discovered some new-fangled thing called "sports psychology"...

Simply the best., 13 Jan 2006
This seminal work on captaincy has never been matched. Brearley's ideas on cricket captaincy show a huge understanding of the game and of the human mind.
Overall a must for any cricketer old enough to read with a desire to captain a cricket side at whatever level.

Excellent insight into the personal qualities of captaincy, 02 Aug 2001
When the Art of Captaincy first came out in 1985, memories of the swashbuckling capture of the Ashes in 1981 were still vivid in many people's minds. Although this is no longer the case, Brearley's work is equally applicable to the drive for success in any field and the man-management skills required of any successful leader.

Nonetheless cricket is its prime focus, and the characters of Brearley's age such as Botham, Willis and Gower still capture the imagination as brilliant competitors and, more importantly for Brearley, as leaders of the England side. Honest in his exposition of his contemporaries' flaws as captains, the author never belittles their integrity as individuals, helping his own objective analysis to be respected on its own merits. Whilst the revised edition pays no more than token regard to the current resurgence under Hussain and Fletcher, Brearley's expert psycho-analytical approach stands the test of time.

With helpful insight into man management of players and selectors alike, as well as a detailed background to the less glamorous administrative and logistical duties of a county captain, Brearley has much to offer to captains and players at all levels of the game.

The lucid and elegant prose makes for an extremely readable and readily digestible work, and the author's beguiling modesty and understated humanity widen its accessibility beyond the ordinary fanatic for our national game.

Modern cricket fitness guide that debunks the myths, 21 Aug 2006
If you are an experienced conditioning coach looking for great ideas or a total novice in the world of fitness who wants to improve your game then this book is ideal.

Cricket and fitness are still 2 words that rarely go together. Especially in the club game. Fighting against the storm, SAQ takes a fresh look at the fitness needs of cricketers at all levels.

The book is built on sound sports science, but it is written in an easy to understand way with a range of drills outlined and combined in an overall plan.

The one small weakness I would hesitate to mention is the section on weight training which is very limited. However, this book is aimed at producing fit, fast, agile and quick players so to judge it as a strength training book would be harsh.

Now I just need to convince the rest of my team that the drills are worthwhile!

Quality and easy to follow, 21 Oct 2008
A useful and easy to follow guide to coaching the basic mechanics of cricket. I think it can be used with children from ages 5-14 easily. My club for Lower and Upper KS2 love the activities and are always at the end of the club better off technically.

A real gem and a time saver for our (6weeks summer holiday) difficult jobs!



Cricket Coahcing bible ! , 01 Nov 2007
I am a newly qualified coach and was put onto this book by a teacher friend of mine who swore by it.....how right she was....

Its easy to use, full of ideas and provides ample session plans and futher development ideas !

It is the most functional cricket book out there and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Cricket books like this one make the game more accessible and it really gave me confidence to learn and develop as a coach. It is a simple no nonsense book that does exactly what it says on its sleave !

Helps a person coach criket....

brilliant

A great help, 11 May 2007
I did a lot of research into books to help me teach my two boys (9 and 6) and their friends a bit more about cricket. I love the game, and they are getting into it.

This book is so helpful in giving me insights into coaching and the various forms of the game (kids arent nececarily interested in the purist forms of the game)

Clear illustrations and plain English descriptions make this book a very easy to use reference. It's well structured with everything from photocopyable score cards to tips and tricks on some of the more technical aspects.

A great buy for any level of coach - experienced or 'wannabe' Future England / Yorkshire player father like m'self ;)

Fairly Good but I Did Not Learn Anything New, 31 Oct 2004
I eagerly anticipated this book when it came through the post. Since everyone needs to keep on learning in a sport I was curious as to what the Australians were doing right. After all they excel at everything and are relitivley small.
The book is , well ,textbook cricket (What else can you expect). The book talk everything well with animations and good narration. Unfortunatley I just did not learn anything new at all.
Other books on this matter have taught m little tips like shuffling your feet before delivery or keeping your bat high like Graeme Gooch. Some have taught me how to get good power or what to exactly do in the field. This book was good if you want to teach someone very young in a orthodox fashion but for an adult who wants to almost cheat the game or just pick up that extra bit of knowledge I personally do not feel it adds anything.
Hope this Helps
Nevboz

An excellent, structured guide to coaching youngsters, 30 Oct 2001
The book is written in plain language and provides clear guidance on how to introduce youngsters to the game of cricket. The enthusiasm for the game is obvious throughout the book. The authors have provided many useful coaching tips that will be appreciated by those involved in youth cricket and the practice games are a welcome addition to those normally included in coaching manuals. Overall a very useful coaching resource that I recommend to anyone who coaches youngsters.

A book which delivers what it promises, 07 Jun 2007
As a beer and cricket lover I was keen to get my hands on a copy of this book and was not disappointed when I did so.

The book begins with a section on the development of modern cricket at Hambledon and the role of the Bat & Ball pub in this. It then takes the reader on a guided tour of all the First Class County cricket grounds, providing details of location and how to get there. A description and history of each ground is given, with pubs often taking an important role in the latter. Each ground is also given a `great feats' box recognising the record breaking performances of individuals and teams at the venue. For the beer loving cricket fan, the icing on the cake is the details of recommended real ale outlets in the proximity of the ground. Other grounds used by the county sides also get a mention, again with recommended pubs.

The book rounds off with a brief explanation of real ale for cricket lovers that need educating. All in all this is a book that is packed with interesting and useful information and beautifully illustrated throughout.

i was ok, 16 Jun 2007
it is a great raed if you no evreything about cricket but if you just what a nice and simple read this is not for you . I personally liked it

Deeply satisfying read, 29 Apr 2008
This is one of those books that is like a great malt whisky. You enjoy it at the time, but it's the warm glow that slowly spreads through you that makes you appreciate the quality. And like a good whisky, you can't allow yourself to turn to it too often or you suddenly find the hours have passed by.

Just the other day, I was asked where the word sledging came from. I turn to Leigh and Woodhouse and there's not just a simple explanation, but an elegant account of how the term came into cricket via an Australian player's insinuations to a waitress that were deemed "subtle as a sledgehammer".

Packed with gems. The commentators' phraseology is nailed again and again, and all with a kind of laconic learnedness that makes this an academic tome disguised as a titillation of trivia.


Ashes bible!, 24 Nov 2006
I think this is the best of the three woodhouse / leigh outings (preferred the football over racing) - and so well timed with the ashes just starting - no surprise there! Great reading for inbetween overs - keeping yourself awake through the night, and sitting on the loo. But not the usual sporting trash - well researched and cleverly expressed - Loved it...

Love these books - very funny browser, 13 Nov 2006
First got into these books when given the football lexicon for Christ