Alec Stewart's England diary - Alec Stewart

Following an incident-packed 18 months in cricket, Alec Stewart reflects on an exciting Ashes series, provides a first-hand account of England's 1999 Cricket World Cup campaign, and the winter tour of South Africa.The last 18 months have been an eventful period for Alec Stewart. Appointed captain in April 1998 he was the hero of the hour after England beat South Africa 2-1 in the Test series that summer. But, after a disppointing Ashes and an embarrassing early exit from the 1999 World Cup, he was replaced at the helm by Nasser Hussain.And yet it had all started so well. He writes at length about his experiences as captain of the national side, and the demands of combining the roles of wicketkeeper, captain and leading order batsman, which he handled admirably to preside over England's Test victory over South Africa.But as England wilted in the Australian heat, the Ashes slipped from their grasp once again, heaping more pressure on the unfortunate Stewart, whose batting performances suffered as a result. Stewart's offers a day-by-day diary account of the Ashes tour to Australia, with a fly-on-the-wall insight into the players and management, both on the field and in the dressing room.In this revised and updated edition, Stewart laments England's early elimination from the 1999 World Cup, and the personal disappointment of being replaced as captain shortly afterwards. Also included is his account of the humiliating Test defeat at home to New Zealand and England's experiences in South Africa during the 1999/2000 winter tour.