This trail-blazing book is likely to become the definitive manual on playing and coaching cricket. It represents the first time that a cricket coach and a sports scientist (both world experts in their field) have combined their experience, insights and wisdom to create what is probably the most comprehensive and complete book on playing and coaching cricket anywhere in the world. Unlike many other coaching manuals, this book does not simply supply technical 'recipes' for batting, bowling and fielding (although these are thoroughly covered).The goal is to develop true 'all-rounders' - players who show not only technical but mental strength, and who are as physically fit and injury-resistant as possible. The mental, scientific, biomechanical and medical aspects of the game are discussed in detail. Although scientifically and technically thorough, the book is written in a lively style; there are summaries, explanatory illustrations (photographs and diagrams), anecdotes and handy tips from some of the game's greatest players and characters.

About the Author

Considered the most forward-thinking coach in international cricket, BOB WOOLMER'S tragic and untimely death at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean dominated headlines around the globe for months. One small comfort is that he had just completed his magnum opus, a lifetime's wisdom garnered from playing and coaching cricket at the highest levels. PROFESSOR TIM NOAKES co-founded the Sports Science Institute of South Africa and is the Discovery Health Chair of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Cape Town. He also directs the Medical Research Council/UCT Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research Unit, which has produced nearly 400 scientific articles since its foundation 12 years ago. DR HELEN MOFFETT is a freelance writer and academic (she is a Senior Research Fellow at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town). She is passionate about cricket, and has lectured all over the world on the social, political and cultural dimensions of the game. She has also co-produced two documentary fi lms on cricket, transformation and nation-building in South Africa.