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.
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