Sundial in the Shade: The Story of Barry Richards: the Genius Lost to Test Cricket

by Andrew Murtagh

As a former county player, Andrew Murtagh is often asked, 'who is the best batsman he has ever played with or against?' His answer is always unequivocal - 'Richards.' And then comes the inevitable rider - 'Barry, that is, not Viv.' It is a travesty that the cricket world has largely forgotten Barry Richards - a cricketing genius. Debuting for South Africa in 1970, his run-scoring, technique and audacious, extravagant strokeplay took the breath away. A glittering international career beckoned. However, the apartheid storm burst, and Richards had played his first and last Test series. Consigned to plying his trade for Hampshire, Natal and South Australia, Richards became increasingly frustrated and disenchanted with the game he had loved. Following retirement, personal tragedy and professional controversy continued to stalk him, though he has now come to an uneasy acceptance that he will be forever known as the genius lost to Test cricket.

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2015

Reviews

[Richard Knasel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on Hampshire's greatest batsman and in my opinion second only to Donald Bradman. Certainly the best batsman I have ever watched live.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in Basingstoke, Hampshire in the 1970's and Richards (along with Robin Friday) was my biggest hero. I well remember climbing over the wall at the Mays Bounty ground to sneak in and watch him, Greenidge and Roberts play when the county visited the town once or twice a year. For him to be denied the chance to perform on the biggest stage was one of the great cricketing losses of the 20th Century.

I have an autographed copy of Richards original autobiography at home and remember reading it as a teenager and feeling sad at the thought that the main emotion my hero felt at leaving Hampshire was relief. I understand better now with the perceptive that comes with the passage of time.

I remember the author as well and I enjoyed this book. The style is a little unusual, much of the book is a conversation between "Murts" and Richards and that takes a little getting used to. In some ways it's also Murtagh's story and sometimes it's difficult to discern if he is talking or Barry is. However, the story gets told and, although the author clearly idolizes his subject as much as I did as a 10 year old in 1970, it's not a particularly sugar coated account. Richards’ story, particularly his private life, has as many lows as high and they are all covered here.

Richards will always open the batting in my all time XI and Fruity will always open the bowling.

[Julia Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learnt so much...

Saw him bat twice, wished he’d played more tests. Ideal author who played alongside Barry and was able to provide great insight to a great batsman. Enjoyed learning about the people who shaped and shared Barry’s career. Only gripe was the very long chapters.

[Barry Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book as I learnt a lot about Barry Richards and the Springboks cricket team going into the isolation period they suffered in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The writing style of author does seem a bit strange but I got used to it but can see how it irritate some readers.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed insight into the career of Barry Richards- almost a ghosted autobiography.

[MICHAEL MANN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

It takes a while to get going and the author style off writing different,but all in all a good tribute to a great player

[Geraint Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read if you're interested in Barry Richards as a cricketer and like to relive his career and all those thoughts of what might have been. Compiled from a series of interviews with the subject and many of those who know him, which gives the book a more personal feel than a ghosted autobiography (as was published about him in the 1970s). Many of the asides and passing comments from the interviews are reproduced in print, which makes it easy to hear Barry's voice and see his face in the text. Very little information on his personal life outside cricket though, which I guess is consistent with his complex personality.

However, I really enjoyed reliving a lot of moments from the career of one of the finest batsmen if the 20th century, and the greatest that I've ever seen in action. Even his forward defensive stroke was a thing of beauty. The action photos of Richards included in the book should convince anyone of his style, power and class.