Bodyline

[JD]

Aussies complaining  . Aren't they the country that bowled underarm against New Zealand because they didn't want to lose a one day international?

[peter w]

Between metal bats, underarm bowling, and sledging I'm sure its safe to say that the Aussie's are the guardians of the etiquette of the game.

[The Left Side]

IT was a great series, Elrond from LOTR was Jardine I think

[jcsutv]

Wasn't that the Matrix?

[tomd2103]

Just found the book, 'Harold Larwood' by Duncan Hamilton.

It won the William Hill 2009 Sports Book of the Year and rightly so.
Not only a great cricket book but a brilliant insight into the social history in the UK.

His book on Brian Clough called "Provided You Don't Kiss Me" is also very good.  Doesn't shy away from recounting the darker sides of Clough like others do. 

[cdbearsfan]

Is this what you're after Legion?

For some reason episode 6 is split into two...

and finally...

[Legion]

Yes! Thank you very much indeed.

[exiled on the wirral!]

I would also recommend, Bodyline, The Autopsy by David Frith..the definitive Bodyline book and my favourite sports book, a comprehensive discription of the tour in full and what happened to the players afterwards, fascinating read.

[Legion]

I'll look into that. Thank you.

[exiled on the wirral!]

Douglas Jardine is not given the recognition he deserves. He was a great captain and a winner.

True Andy, but the way that Harold Larwood was hung out to dry after that series was one of the most shameful episodes in English sport.

Totally agree, I think a reason for that was Larwoods background, cricket back then was largely elitest, and many of the players on that tour came from priviledged backgrounds whilst Larwood was very much from a miners background. A true English hero who should never be forgotten.

[PGW]

Exiled - i will bow to your judgement on the Frith book - just bought it - need some reading matter for my forthcoming holiday ....when unfortunately i will miss game at Goodison.

Bodyline has always been something i felt i should get to know more in depth detail about. I hope this book does the trick!!! Cheers

[exiled on the wirral!]

Hope you enjoy it PGW, its a book I dont tire of re-reading, enjoy your hols!

[The Left Side]

Oooh looking forward to watching those when I get chance

[Bald Eagle]

Another book worth reading is " Gubby Allen Man of cricket " . This book gives you the Toffee- nosed English version as Allen was the only English fast bowler who refused to bowl body-line. Allen gives a daily diary of events during all 5 tests. A good read which shows the class system at its worst.

[el león Benidorm]

It was a good series, however as it was produced by the colonials, the only thing Jardine & Larwood were missing were horns and masks.
What it does reflect is the class system and the old 'Gentlemen & Players' regime.
Players got paid to play, Gentleman did it free, as a hobby - although their expense claims would make an MP wince. The Gentleman commanded respect and opinions of the players were overelooked as second class citizens.
The annoying thing about the mini-series is that it shows all Australians as good old bloke with a sense of fair play.  Even the old soak of a sports hack Chook!
Much is played of Jardines middle class upbringing and the stiff upper lip English, a trait the vocal and passionate salt of the earth Aussies would never have.
No doubt if the roles had been reversed we would be whining still, 80 years on.
The biggest whinge is that the colonials never thought of the thery first. Shame they never kept that when bowling underarm or sledging opposition players!
Roll on the Ashes