Rain Stopped Play: The Geography of Cricket

Description

Many books have been written about cricket, cricketers, the grounds they play on and the tours that the players and supporters undertake during the winter months. Writers on the English summer game have looked at the game's history and economic development, but one vital ingredient has been ignored: the game's geography, and how it has changed from a rural, meadowland pastime into a multinational sport and multi-million pound business, based largely in urban agglomerations. This volume fills this void, looking at the fundamental geography of cricket, especially in England where the game is played by county sides. Besides looking at socio-economic influences, the book examines the physical geography of cricket, in particular, its interrelationship with the local environment and microclimate, and looks ahead to the likely impact that global warming and altered weather patterns will have on the county game.

'A fascinating book on the effects of geography and climate on the sport ... Firmly part of the emerging field of sports geography, this book will certainly be a welcome addition to collections in social geography generally as well as those focusing on the sociology of sport.' - Choice 'If you are a dedicated cricket follower who believes that the weather affects results and the way the game is played, this book is a must for you. Rain Stops Play is sure to get many deckchair fans recording the connection between results and the weather.' - Sunday Times