Around the World in 80 Pints: My Cricket Journey

by David Lloyd

'He has joined the likes of John Arlott, Brian Johnston and Henry Blofeld as one of the inimitable (and mimicable) commentators on the summer game. The book has plenty of anecdotes involving the greats of the game - Fred Trueman, Wes Hall and, inevitably, Geoffrey Boycott. Around The World In 80 Pints is discursive, convivial, seasoned with tall stories and chock-full of wisdom dispensed without rancour or hubris - a bit like spending an evening in a pub with Bumble himself. Perfect for dipping into during those pesky rain interruptions between play. (Michael Simkins Daily Mail) 'A memoir focusing on his favourite cricket places. packed with his characteristic humour and strong views, which in the Sky commentary box are delivered in his distinctive broad Lancastrian tones.' (The Times) 'The irrepressible David 'Bumble' Lloyd looks back at some of his favourite cricketing places, sharing in the process 50 years of memories, from early days in post-war Accrington to travelling the world as a player, coach and pundit.' (Choice magazine) 'A whole catalogue of chuckle-raising asides. Lloyd lets us have it all. Lloyd is perhaps at his best recalling past escapades of his playing days but is equally forthright on the direction of the modern game. He doesn't hold back on the effect 20-over cricket is having on the county and Test brands, the crowded Test fixture list, lopsided county fixtures plus the commercial side of the sport.' (Sports Journalists' Association) About the Author David 'Bumble' Lloyd was born in 1947 and played cricket for Lancashire and England between 1965 and 1985, winning nine Test caps, later going on to coach England in the 1990s. But it was as a hugely popular commentator and pundit that he achieved greatest acclaim, with his most recent book Last in the Tin Bath becoming a big Sunday Times bestseller.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Sports

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 6, 2018

About the author

David Lloyd, aka "Bumble", is a former Lancashire and England cricketer who also coached both sides. He first came to prominence on the iconic Test Match Special radio show before becoming a leading member of the SkySports cricket commentary team, and the face of their Twenty20 coverage. He writes a fortnightly column for the Daily Mail, a blog on the SkySports website, and appears regularly on Cricinfo's cricket podcast. Bumble is a massively popular after-dinner speaker and has also been a star turn in Countdown's Dictionary Corner.

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read by one of the nice guys of cricket, David Lloyd. Lots of amusing anecdotes told in his inimitable way that helped pass a few hours during lockdown. Nothing earth shattering, no secret stories but nevertheless good amusing banter as David Lloyd shares his take on world cricket.

With over 50 years experience in the cricket, travelling the world as a player, international, umpire, coach and now commentator, David Lloyd has a lot of stories to tell and as per usual they are told in good humour. This is a good fun book that is a light read that will bring a smile to your face.

[Mike Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this engrossing book whilst spending most hours of the day watching test cricket from South Africa on Sky Sports TV. Which brings me to my first annoyance - David 'Bumble' Lloyd has been my favourite commentator on TV for many years and Sky has not renewed his contract in 2020. The commentary room is just not the same without him.

'Bumble' has spent more than 50 years in the professional game, involved at the top level as a player, coach and broadcaster, starting his career as a teenager playing for Accrington Cricket Club. He won his first contract with Lancashire when he was sixteen. He played for the county until 1983, captaining them for five years. He also won nine test caps playing for England. He has been a first-class umpire and then moved into coaching, eventually taking charge of the England side between 1996 and 1999.

Around the World in 80 Pints is part travelogue, part memoir and a great deal of fun to read. 'Bumble' knows every pub and bar within a mile radius of every first-class cricket ground in the world and his anecdotes are highly entertaining and amusing - all of it packed with his characteristic humour and strong views.

Sheer delight!

[Jamie Waite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bumble is a great bloke, who loves his cricket and a pint.

Daft to take him off the comms by Sky.

Good job I’ve got his second book to read next

[RH · Rating 1 out of 5]

Always enjoy Bumble's commentary but there is nothing much to rave about in this book. There were three anecdotes that put a grin on my face, but everything else was flat.

The book feels hugely disjointed. There are countless long digressions, and for the most part they are not interesting. There was just no consistent theme to the book.

Don't get me started on how sanctimonious Bumble was about how noble cricket was back in his days. That is hypocritical from a man who took part on a tour of apartheid-era South Africa. I would not have bought this book had I known Bumble had participated in one of those reprehensible tours.

I am not sure why the book is titled the way it is. This book certainly does not go around the cricketing world even, forget 80 bars. It really just came across as a rambling stream of consciousness.

[Jim Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bumble mumbles a lot

I was a tad disappointed with this offering, humour is limited being replaced by the authors critiques of test countries and their respective grounds including best drinking hole and curry shop hence if you are teetotal and don't like curry then this isn't for you, if you do like both of these consumables I'd remember the question will I ever go there, answer has to be no. David is normally a brilliant raconteur sadly he chipped this one to the keeper, its a miss.

[Dipra Lahiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than 50 years involvement in cricket, as player, umpire, coach and broadcaster. Once Bumble gets his childhood out of the way, it's all cricket then on - many hilarious stories, and often perceptive insights into the game. His legendary encounter with Thommo gets a passing mention, but it's available on the net, and serves as a great introduction to this ebullient character and loyal servant of cricket.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of anecdotes from Lloyd's varied career, from player, coach to pundit on Sky Sports. I found many of the stories amusing, especially some of the drunken antics and Mrs. Lloyd's encounter with a 'lavatory' on an Indian train.

There are also some interesting musings on the history and future of cricket including T20, Indian cricket and the youth element of the game.

An excellent book for anyone interested in cricket, raised a few chuckles from me. Would highly recommend.

[Oleg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, reminded me of my youth. Back then I loved playing cricket with my father. Times are different now. I bet on cricket https://onlinecricket.bet/ on this site. I really like the rewards system and quick withdrawal of money. So if you are interested in cricket betting too, I recommend this site.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite cricket announcers. Great insights on his club, county and international cricket experiences. Ended with some thoughts about the constant changes in the game, which reminded me about how curling, a sport I personally play, has transformed in the last two decades.

[Gillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Dad passed this on to me when he'd read it. It was a little more in depth than my cricket knowledge and the viewpoint of David Lloyd was more difficult to engage with as a reader than a listener to his commentary.

[Justin Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book and funny enough will use it as a bit of a travel guide. Very funny in places and a good understanding of both the past and the modern game.

[Chris Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted read

Good fun, great stories and insight. Agree with his ideas of the future of the game. Several laugh out loud moments

[Lee Tait · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little read id give it 3.5 star

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable wander through the geography and history of Lloyd’s experiences with cricket and where it has taken him

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Don’t give up the day job! Seems like he had an idea for a title but ran out of material quarter way through. Not an easy read.

[Spinwallah · Rating 2 out of 5]

its pretty disappointing. a few decent anecdotes

[James Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I’m not a massive cricket fan there’s much to recommend here with stories, characters, recent history of cricket & opinions on the game. Very relaxed and easy style of writing

[Mike Rymarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great tales and wicked humour for a cricket lover. Not one for someone who knows nothing about the sport...

[Matthew Hinchliffe · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok, nice to read about the Lancashire league, but got a bit samey after a while

[S Ravishankar · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book did not provide much insights about the game atvtge highest level over the past 30 years. I was expecting this considering he has coached England and been a commentator with BBC and Sky over many years.