by Steve Cannane
From the back cover -
Australia has dominated Test cricket over the last 130 years. But it's not the formal cricket
academies or high-end coaching that are responsible for the Australian cricket team's winning
ways. The backyard has been the real academy of Australian cricket.
Don Bradman's unique grip, stance and backlift all evolved in response to the pace at which
the golf ball rebounded off the tank stand in his backyard. Greg Chappell's trademark flick
off the hip shot was invented on his backyard wicket where the best scoring opportunities
lay on the leg side. Alan Davidson bowled accurately because he had to. If he missed the
stumps on his home-made pitch, he had to chase the ball down the hill into the scrub. Doug
Walters played spin with ease because his ant-bed backyard spun like a top. Neil Harvey's
immaculate footwork came from playing balls that darted viciously off the cobblestones
in his back lane.
This collection of cricketers and the stories of the backyards that made them gets to the heart
and soul of their game. Facing up to hostile brothers on dodgy pitches created a lot of
competition and developed the skills and the toughness that took them to the top in Test
cricket.
INTRODUCTION
MUST get around 2 typing up the Intro ...
Note: You can read these few excerpts on a computer screen but why NOT buy the book! Sitting in a nice, comfy chair with a printed copy is much nicer ...
Some Links -
Adam Gilchrist is one of THE cleanest hitters I personally have ever seen!
Victor Trumper is one I would like 2 go in a time-machine to watch :)
Not EXACTLY an Aussie but he was great 2 watch!
Interesting page of cricket links