A history of cricket in 100 objects - Gavin Mortimer

Once the preserve of the English, now, for nations the world over, summertime means cricket bats to be oiled, rain forecasts analysed and tea in the pavilion.Cricket has enthralled us since the seventeenth century. But what is it about the game that provokes such fervour?Award-winning sports author Gavin Mortimer calls together a cast of salt-of-the-earth Yorkshiremen, American billionaires and dashing Indian princes to tell the strange and remarkable tale of cricket's journey from medieval village sport of 'club-ball' to the global media circus graced by superstars from Denis Compton to Sachin Tendulkar. If you've ever wanted to know what a hoop skirt has to do with overarm bowling,
why England fight Australia over a burnt bail, or how to avoid tickling a jaffa in the corridor of uncertainty, Mortimer chalks up a stunning century of tales in the first truly accessible global history of cricket.

Gavin Mortimer is an award-winning writer and journalist.
Gavin has been writing about sport since 1996, and is currently the football correspondent for the Week. He also writes for the Sunday Telegraph,BBC History Magazine, and Rugby World. Born in North London, Gavin chose Barnet over Arsenal and Tottenham, a decision he continues to regret.

A delightful book ... compulsively quotable
Tom Holland

You don't have to be a regular at Lord's to enjoy Mortimer's well-chosen anecdotes.
Guardian

Praise for History of Football in 100 Objects:'Great fun
Bookseller

Extremely clever, quirky, and deliciously funny
Blackpool Gazette

A richly original account of the game's past, present and future
Mark Perryman

Praise for The Great Swim:'A fascinating and irresistible slice of sporting history
Daily Mail

Cracks along like a Channel tide ... his descriptions of the caprice of the ribbon of water that defeated so many are compelling
Daily Telegraph