The Twelfth Man 2016

22 Chasing Shadows The Life and Death of Peter Roebuck by Tim Lane and Elliott Cartledge, Published by and available from Hardie Grant Books – £12.99 The Somerset batsman, later writer and radio broadcaster, Peter Roebuck visited WCLS just the once – 16 April 1981. He was joined for that spring rendezvous by the Sussex skipper, John Barclay. Both were just back from Australia and The Twelfth Man later described it as “…a beautiful evening”, commenting that the guests were “…both great thinkers, raconteurs and friendly young men.” Sadly the enjoyment of that Wombwell evening is long gone and more tragically so too is Peter. Dead at only 55, after his body was found outside a Cape Town hotel in November 2011. This compelling biography of perhaps one of the most complex characters to have played the game is disturbing, dark in many places and deeply troubling. Yet for all of painful content the authors have clearly striven for clarity and completeness. Mick Pope Those Summers of Cricket by Richie Benaud, Published by Hardie Grant Books From the same publisher, but in total contrast to the melancholy content of the book on Peter Roebuck, is this heavyweight, glossy and Book Reviews glowing tribute to Richie Benaud. There is no single writer or contributor involved here, but a multitude of quality essays, writings and fine images that capture the great man’s very essence. From his earliest days at Koorawatha and the isolated country town of Jugiong, through his time as a cricketer, captain, journalist, World Series advocate and of course his career as an esteemed and cherished commentator. The images, both black and white, and colour ably support the words and the wealth of memories within. Those of us who have grown up or followed English cricket since the 1960s will echo the words of Jonathan Agnew: “He was the face of my childhood and for millions of others. He was cricket on the TV in England. He was our Richie – and that is the ultimate compliment for an Australian.” Mick Pope Cricket The Game of Life by Scyld Berry, Published by Hodder & Stoughton – £25 Daily Telegraph cricket correspondent Scyld Berry’s latest book is both a fascinating and moving look at the celebration of cricket. Starting with Scyld’s early memories of being taken to Bramall Lane by his mother he goes on Peter Roebuck receives the Society’s 1979 Learie Constantine Award for Fielding at Wombwell, April 1981. Sussex captain, John Barclay (left), looks on