GEOFFREY BOYCOTT ON CRICKET

by Geoffrey Boycott

Geoff Boycott is one of cricket's most outspoken voices, his trenchant view expressed on TV, radio and in the press. He speaks with the authority of a man who has been at the heart and top of the game for over 30 years. In this book, he brings his insight to cricket's big issues and talking points.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Geoffrey Boycott OBE is a former Yorkshire and England cricketer. In a prolific and sometimes controversial playing career from 1962 to 1986, Boycott established himself as one of England's most successful opening batsmen. Since retiring as a player, Boycott has found further success as a cricket commentator.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting read by one of the english greats

[Darren Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit that it is hard to objectively review this book as I have had the misfortune of meeting the author and found him a totally unpleasant man; however I will try and be fair and give it the score it deserves.
Geoff is well known for being a typical Yorkshireman and as a fellow Tyke I can appreciate that. He speaks his mind and if you don’t like it then tough and this book is very much an example of his attitude. He makes many valid points about cricket and at times it is funny and entertaining but on several occasions he just goes out of his way to have a go at other players that he deems to be not up to his standards or equal to his self-perceived legendary status. This might be his opinion and he has a right to them but they come across as being petty and mean spirited. Highlighting faults just for the sake of it.
If you are a big fan of Geoff Boycott then this would be a must read, but it you are looking for something special then this might not be the book for you.

[Peter Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boycott is a rather marmite expert / pundit / commentator. You either love him or you hate him. So there will be plenty for both opinions to get their teeth into. Boycott doesn't pull any punches, he writes as he sees the game, with the usual idea that he is always right, and people will respond to that given what they think of this. The interest in this book is picking out where Boycott does have reason (mostly cricket technique, certain aspects of the way the game is run, some tactical ideas) and noting where he contradicts himself or where his own firmly held convictions lack a wider appreciation. His views on the tours to South Africa are one example, though he does make valid points about the treatment of aborigines and some other national and international hypocrisies. He is at his strongest on technical awareness - all batsmen could learn something from him.

[Martin Neale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geoffrey talks about cricket in his own unique way.