Book description
England's back-to-back Ashes victories, coupled with winning the 2010
World Twenty20, might give the impression that all is well in English
cricket. But behind the headlines is another story: that of a county
game struggling to cope with unprecedented levels of debt, a decline in
membership and attendances, and the demands on players and spectators of
an unsustainable fixture schedule. As a member of the ECB's Board of
Directors admitted, 'English cricket is at something of a crossroads.'
In this new book, Graeme Wright, a former editor of Wisden Cricketers'
Almanack and author of Betrayal: The Struggle for Cricket's Soul, takes
to the road to speak to those at the coalface of English county cricket.
What he discovers there is not just a sport in crisis, but 18 complex
organisations coming to terms with the reality of an ever-changing
commercial world. And yet, perhaps surprisingly, he finds himself buoyed
by a feeling of optimism. As the counties reposition their roles, not
just in cricket but also within their local communities, there is
something new and hopeful on the horizon. As Wright explores the world
behind the boundary, he finds himself taking an affectionate - though
not uncritical - look at England itself, as well as the best-loved game
at its heart. Former Editor of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack (1987-1992
and 2001-2002) and author of several acclaimed cricket books including
Bradman in Wisden and Betrayal: The Struggle for Cricket's Soul.
