Classic Cricket Clangers by David Mortimer

In all sporting contests, success and inspiration compete with failure and loss of nerve, and cricket is a more public showcase for human fallibility and eccentricity than many other sports. For every Jessop or Botham who snatches victory from defeat there is somebody whose over-confidence or moment of self-doubt leaves the spectator clutching his head in disbelief. From Victorian times to the twenty-first century, Classic Cricket Clangers takes a look at some of the moments their perpetrators would rather forget – whether the one-legged Murphy running himself out in 1867, or Lance Klusener going from hero to clown in a single moment of World Cup lunacy in 1999. It may be the bouncer that caused a typhoon to blow, the skipper who failed to enforce the follow-on with a lead of 563 or the bowler who turned NatWest victory into last minute defeat - you’re sure to find some of your favourite gaffs in the pages of this book. Hanif Mohammed, Marvin Atapattu, Courtney Walsh, Keith Miller, Mike Gatting, Allan Donald and Agit Agarkar all make an appearance at the wicket. They all played a part in at least one toe-curling moment. This book will appeal to cricket lovers – or lovers of any sport – irrespective of age or ability, as a reminder of how human we all are, and how easy it is for trousers to split at the seam when least expected.

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Picture looks a little different than the book.