Book Review | thecricketlibrary.com

MG Bevan was a prolific batsman who became known for his skills in finishing off an innings and providing handy variety with his left arm wrist spinners. His record in ODI cricket with the bat was outstanding scoring just under 7000 runs and averaging over 50. He churned out the runs with regular monotony in First Class and Domestic One Day cricket scoring 68 First Class hundreds and averaging over 57.

For students of the game, The best of Bevan provides a window into the processes behind the success of MG Bevan as he recalls a selection of 30 games that shaped his career. Contained is wisdom gleaned from playing all around the world and being presented with many challenges to overcome.

The highlight for most readers would be his account of the famous last ball victory in the ODI played on January 1, 1996 at the SCG between Australia and the West Indies. This was a game where Bevan’s ability to execute his skills in a high pressure situation were on display for all to see.

Students of domestic cricket will appreciate references to the Nat West Trophy Quarter Final between Yorkshire and Lancashire in 1995 as well as recounts of Sheffield Shield games and the Mercantile Mutual Cup Final played between NSW and WA at the WACA in 2001.

Another thing we love about The best of Bevan is the fact it is not your classic autobiography. It is a book that you could pick up and read any chapter in any order at any time. It confronts the challenges as well as the highlights of MG Bevan’s career and provides helpful insights on the art of batting.

For those looking to include reading into your busy schedule, The best of Bevan is one to add to your reading list for 2019.

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#Booktok Book Review of Tim Zoehrer ‘The Gloves Are Off’ #Crictok #cricketbook #bookreview #cricketlife #cricketlover #wicketkeeping
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TJ Zoehrer had the distinction of representing Australia in 10 Test Matches and 22 One Day Internationals. He was an accomplished gloveman and respectable batsman who scored over 5000 First Class runs. Zoehrer’s leg spinners were also more than handy providing another string to his bow.

Readers of cricketing literature rejoiced in 1995, when Zoehrer put pen to paper and told all in a compelling account of his career in the hard hitting autobiography, The Gloves Are Off. To quote the front cover of the text, it was at that point in time “Cricket’s most explosive expose”.

Cricket librarians around the world stocked their shelves with this one, knowing that astute readers would want to know just what went on behind closed doors during Zoehrer’s tenure in the Baggy Green. There was also an appetite for insights of his final years playing for WA and the political climate at the WACA at the time.

Was their a feud with RB Simpson and if there was, what was at the source of the tension?

What really happened at the end of the tied Test Match in India?

How did he feel about the appointment of WA’s captain in 1994?

These questions and many more were finally put to bed in this compelling tell all autobiography. As well as this we get a deeper understanding of Zoehrer the man and his convictions.

For young book monitors and those making their way as librarians, it is strongly recommended that you acquaint yourself with the man affectionately known as ‘Ziggy’. Having an appreciation for his story will put you in good stead for your career and give a general boost to your social capital.

When it comes to reading this one, our librarians unanimously agree that making a trip to the WACA Ground in Perth is the best way to fully immerse yourself in the text.

Immerse yourself in the text by reading it at the WACA.

Adrian Griffith on Cricket, Identity & Life Beyond the Game – The Cricket Library

Former West Indies opening batter, Adrian Griffith joins the Cricket Library Podcast for a fascinating and deeply reflective conversation about cricket, identity, purpose, and life beyond the game. Growing up in Barbados, Adrian rose through Caribbean cricket to become an opening batter for the West Indies cricket team during one of the most compelling eras in world cricket. He shares stories from his early journey into first-class cricket, touring Australia, facing elite fast bowling, and the pressures that come with representing the maroon cap at the highest level. One of the highlights of the episode is Adrian reflecting on his remarkable Test match against New Zealand, where he became the first West Indian cricketer to bat on all five days of a Test match — a rare and unique achievement in cricket history. Adrian also revisits the unforgettable Test against Australia where Brian Lara produced one of the greatest innings the game has ever seen, offering incredible insight into Lara’s brilliance and the atmosphere surrounding that iconic moment in cricket and the story behind his selection in the team. Beyond the playing field, Adrian discusses his transition into officiating as an ICC match referee and his current work with AGC, where he continues contributing to leadership, mentoring, and the development of people within and beyond cricket. While the conversation celebrates Test cricket, West Indies history, and unforgettable moments, it also explores a deeper theme — that achievements on the field do not fully define a person’s worth. Adrian shares thoughtful reflections on transition, identity, leadership, and building a meaningful life beyond cricket. Topics include: • The significance of the Maroon West Indies Cricket Cap • Touring Australia • Batting on all five days of a Test match • Test cricket pressures • Caribbean cricket culture • ICC match refereeing • Leadership and mentoring • AGC and life after cricket • Purpose and identity beyond sport If you love cricket history, long-form conversations, and powerful human stories from inside the game, this episode is for you.