1 The meaning of cricket

An exploration of what it is about a unique cricket game that captures the imagination of the author of the popular blog, The Old Batsman.

Cricket is different from sports in that it has a psychological aspect. Do things that are unfamiliar to you. It is a team game that is almost entirely dependent on individual performance: indeed, at any given time, about nine percent on one side does not participate. In its combination of time, opportunity, constant threat of disaster, and its ability to drive participants hope, cricket is unparalleled.

Surviving a single delivery driven for about a hundred miles an hour takes body and brain to the limit of their abilities, but its evergreen local image, and the brilliant amateur actor's ingenuity.

In this book, Jon Hotten tries to understand this fascinating, frustrating and difficult game. By combining encounters with legends, from Vivian Richards to Brian Lara, Kevin Pietersen to Ricky Ponting, a very personal story reveals the humorous, inspiring, and sublime impact it can have on the lives of individuals.