This essay will explore ‘5’ must-read autobiographies of cricketers that will bring us closer to the game.
This is the post for all of you bookworms out there. Every cricket fan wants to get up close and personal with their favorite players and learn more about the game’s off-field incidents. But is it possible? Without a doubt, sure.Autobiographies help us understand the game better, giving us a far greater sense of how the sport unfolds, what pressures a cricketer faces, how a leader inspires his team match after match, and how players deal with fan pressure in every encounter. This essay will explore ‘5’ must-read autobiographies of cricketers that will bring us closer to the game.
#1 Farewell to cricket by Don Bradman
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Don Bradman‘s Farewell to Cricket: Bradman is someone who ‘defined’ the game of cricket, someone who increased the standards of the game by his performance, altering it for future generations.
This book is a memoir of Bradman’s career, reviewing some of his most memorable matches. This book is often regarded as a “must read” for every cricket enthusiast who wants to learn more about this legend’s career and revisit the “Bradman era.”
There is very little to ‘no’ information on the game of cricket during the Bradman era, so this book is a ‘golden piece,’ taking us through various cricket matches that truly define this sport and, of course, Bradman’s career, which is regarded as one of the most illustrious careers in sports history.
If you’re interested in learning more about cricket’s history, this is the book for you.
#2 All round view by Imran Khan
Imran Khan‘s all-around perspective: Imran Khan, who is both active and charismatic, can be considered cricket’s first celebrity. If you’ve read books about Imran Khan, you’ll understand why many cricket historians/experts have repeatedly stated that it’s because of him that many ladies became interested in watching cricket.
Toni Cozier stated in one of his interviews, “During the World Series Cricket, in one of the matches when two teams were on-board, two women from the United States approached the players and asked them, ‘Are you cricketers?'” Yes, exclaimed two massive West Indian cricketers. “Where is Imran Khan?” asked the two women. Khan has that kind of impact even in places where cricket isn’t the most popular sport.
Khan takes us through his numerous life experiences in his book ‘all round view,’ including his boyhood days, his time at Oxford, the reason for the change in his bowling motion, and the various tasks and responsibilities that he had to fulfil as the captain of the Pakistan team.
Khan can be described as a “natural leader.” Imran Khan is the one cricketer who has altered Pakistani cricket. His father-like influence on the players acted as motivation for all the young players; Wasim Akram, who has frequently thanked Khan for his success, admitted that it was Khan who gave him the vital lessons at the outset of his career that helped Akram become the superstar that he is.
Also Read: ODI Records: Highest runs scored in an ODI match
#3 My illustrated career by Shane Warne
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Shane Warne‘s illustrated career: Warne, known as the “spin-wizard,” had a career that was undoubtedly always in the “news.” Warne was always in the spotlight for one reason or another. It could be because of his “never say die” mentality or because some people despised his guts, but Warne is one of those guys that you can either “love” or “hate,” but you can’t ignore.
Warne was frequently embroiled in conflicts, therefore the title of the book is appropriate, even though humorous to some extent. Warne’s reputation never damaged because he always had a solution for the critics: his unwavering dedication to representing his country. Warne accomplished numerous glories during his cricketing career, and he became the ideal leader in his later years, setting the correct example for the next generation of cricketers.
This book takes you through Warne’s career’s highs and lows, brilliantly illustrating why he is a’maestro’ – a cricketer par excellence.
#4 To the point by Herschelle Gibbs
To the point by Herschelle Gibbs: It’s difficult for a popular figure to recognize his mistakes in life, but Gibbs does so without hesitation in this book. The former South African opening batsman goes ‘all out’ in this book and is completely honest with his fans, bringing him closer to them than ever before.
Through his novel, Gibbs takes his readers on a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs. As the name implies, there will be no roaming and only direct discussion.
As frustrating as it was for a cricket fan to witness Gibbs’ demise just when he promised to take his career to the next level, one cannot deny Gibbs’ genius. Gibbs, one of the most explosive cricketers in history, was always regarded as the Proteas”most devastating’ player. He had the ability to take the game away from the opponent at any time: for example, the 435-run chase against Australia would have been unthinkable without a stunning knock from Gibbs, who led South Africa to victory in the historic match.
This ‘no-holds-barred’ book by Gibbs will undoubtedly show you why cricket fans were always favorable of Gibbs and wanted the best for him. This is one of the most interesting and distinctive autobiographies you will read, not just of a cricketer but of a person.
Also Read: ODI Records: Most centuries in an innings
#5 Controversially yours by Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar controversially yours: The Rawalpindi express, as he was dubbed, is the ‘fastest bowler’ this game of cricket has seen thus far, according to statistics. He has the record for the fastest delivery in a cricket match, clocking in at 161 kilometers per hour.
Akhtar’s career saw many ups and downs, whether he was in the spotlight for partying, indiscipline, or ball tampering. When he sprinted from the boundary, like a cheetah sprinting for its prey, no one could doubt his dedication.
In addition to his job, Akhtar discusses other life-changing events in the book. Many of his followers are unaware of the poor beginnings from which Akhtar rose to become the “king of fast bowling.” Perhaps it was his difficult childhood that shaped him into such a strong character. Akhtar has a reputation for being forthright. Warne, for example. You might detest or love Shoaib Akhtar, but you can’t ignore him.
Through this autobiography, Akhtar highlights the several flaws in the Pakistan cricket system, as well as the numerous controversies that surrounded him throughout his career, and offers his perspective on them. Furthermore, Akhtar expresses his enthusiasm for the game. This is unquestionably a must-have book for any fast bowling fans out there.
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