Over But Not Out: The heart of the game and beyond

Description

Few people understand cricket as well as Richie Benaud. For sixty years, as player and commentator, he has set the standards for others to follow and has witnessed all the major events in the game. No one else has found such favour with the vast numbers of cricket lovers in both Britain and Australia. A high-class attacking batsman and masterful legspin bowler, he captained Australia in 28 of his 63 Tests, regaining the Ashes in 1958-59 and taking part in both Laker's match in 1956 and the Tied Test in 1960. His television career, which began in 1963 while he was still a Test player, has coincided with a period of astonishing change - in the way the game is played, with the increasing popularity of the shorter formats, and in the way it is broadcast, with the innovations that began with World Series Cricket. In OVER BUT NOT OUT, Richie Benaud has added extensive new material to his acclaimed Anything but . . . an Autobiography in order to cover the years since its publication; he not only revisits his long and remarkable career but also casts his eye over cricket in the 21st century. He gives his distinctive take on series such as the 2005 and 2009 Ashes and contemplates the future of the game he loves, revealing strong and sometimes surprising opinions on Twenty20, day-night games, technology, referral systems, no-balls, neutral umpires and match-fixing. Packed with stories and illuminated by his characteristic incisiveness and independent-minded good sense, OVER BUT NOT OUT is required reading for all followers of the game.

Richie Benaud was born in New South Wales in 1930, captained Australia and was one of the most successful Australian cricketers of all time. Since retiring from playing, he has established a reputation as the doyenne of cricket commentary, and his global popularity has grown with broadcasts in both Britain and Australia.

What former Australian captain Richie Benaud does not know about cricket is probably not worth knowing. - Sydney Morning Herald Plenty of cricket commentators can, of course, offer opinions on everything to do with the bat and ball but few can deliver them with the gentlemanly grace of Richie Benaud OBE. - The Daily Telegraph Excellent mixture of autobiography and reflection on the game and players past and present. - The Age [Benaud s] formidable memory for old battles and strong opinions on contemporary issues mak it a good dip-in read. - Herald Sun His insights are many and varied. - Sunday Herald Sun Well played sir, well played. - Courier Mail