Batting for the poor - Andrew Bradstock

Andrew Bradstock has been researching, teaching and writing about the relationship between faith, politics and social engagement for more than 30 years. After gaining degrees in Theology, Politics and Church History from the universities of Bristol, Kent and Otago, he lectured for eight years at colleges of higher education in Southampton and Winchester and held positions with the United Reformed Church (Secretary for Church and Society) and the Von Hgel Institute at Cambridge (Co-Director of the Centre for Faith and Society). From 2009-13 he was inaugural Howard Paterson Professor of Theology and Public Issues at the University of Otago where he established and directed New Zealand's first Centre for Theology and Public Issues.

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS) in 2013 and is an emeritus professor of the University of Winchester.

As Liverpool's exceptional bishops, David Sheppard and Derek Worlock healed old wounds, championed great causes, and put faith into action in the city's forgotten neighbourhoods. A first-class biography of David Sheppard is long overdue, and Andrew Bradstock has provided it.
David Alton (Lord Alton of Liverpool)

David Sheppard "stood out" in every sense of the term.
He was unusually tall; played cricket for England; championed the disadvantaged; and turned a fiercely sectarian city into a beacon of ecumenism.
This book tells us how.
Grace Davie, Professor Emeritus, University of Exeter

David Sheppard continually asked awkward questions, both of himself and others, but always in the context of an unshakeable faith. This is a book, and a life, we could all learn from.
David Puttnam (Baron Puttnam, CBE)

Bishop David Sheppard's partnership with Archbishop Derek Worlock overcame the religious barriers as they led the fight against poverty and division in Liverpool, which has had a lasting effect and which is well documented in this publication.
The Most Rev'd Malcolm McMahon OP, Archbishop of Liverpool

This is a superb biography. At the end of it you feel you know not only the man, with all his strengths and frailties, but also the times in which he lived, with all their challenges.
Stephen Chalke, cricket historian

With elegant prose and faithful reporting, Andrew Bradstock has produced an accurate portrait of the life and ministry of the David Sheppard I knew and admired.
Rt Revd Wilfred Wood, retired Bishop of Croydon

David Sheppard's life is fully deserving of this detailed, even forensic, biography. His character fully epitomized the old adage for life, 'make a plan and stick to it'. He was a friend to me in my private life, as well as a stalwart partner on the cricket field - we put on 124 runs together on the final winning day of the Melbourne Test in 1963!
Ted Dexter, CBE, former captain, Sussex and England

David Sheppard, former England Cricket Captain, ought to have been Archbishop of Canterbury. He was a remarkable man, who did good wherever he went. This splendid work is the full-scale biography that we have long needed.
Peter Oborne, author, biographer of Basil D'Oliveira and political columnist for the Daily Mail and Middle East Eye.

David Sheppard: Batting for the Poor is an excellent biography dedicated to the life and times of outstanding English test batsman, captain and highly respected Anglican bishop, David Sheppard. David was a man of principle often facing difficult social times in ministry and sport. He lived his life in sacrificial service to others and for the glory of God. A wonderful opponent and encouraging Christian friend when the Ashes were played in true respect of cricket. An uplifting and challenging read.
Brian Booth, Australian test cricketer and captain

I was honoured to have known and worked with David Sheppard.
At least I thought I knew him. What is clear to me from this not wholly uncritical yet authorised biography is that I had only the sketchiest knowledge of this remarkable man of God.
And cricket. A fascinating read on many levels.
Jane Reed CBE, former editor, Woman's Own

David Sheppard reshaped Church approaches to poverty, especially among evangelicals, paving the way for today's foodbank movement.
This great account of his eventful life underlines Sheppard's lasting influence.
Rt Hon. Stephen Timms, MP

An excellent biography, well researched, well written. Bradstock explores the struggle between ambition and virtue in Sheppard's life on the cricket field, in the church and in his family. This is fascinating not just for cricket-lovers but for everyone.
Brian Griffiths (Lord Griffiths of Fforestfach), Chairman, Centre for Enterprise, Markets and Ethics (CEME)

The picture that emerges in this book is of a man who far ahead of his time...A suitable memorial to a life well lived. Everyone reading it with any degree of self awareness is certain to be given a cause to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviours.
Deep Extra Cover - Terry Wright