This is a wonderful essay from Paul. Very enjoyable to read, and full of insights which is typical of Paul’s writing. A couple of novels not mentioned that have strong cricket elements are Malcolm Knox’s A Private Man and Joseph O’Neill’s Netherland. Both novels are good reads and I would be interested to get Paul’s take on them (or Gideon’s or Pete’s). Joseph O’Neill’s most recent novel Godwin about recruiting footballers from Africa is superb and possibly my favourite novel that centres sport at the heart of the book. What other “cricket” novels are out there that people would recommend?
Thanks to Professor Giles for allowing Gideon to share it with us.
A couple of instant reactions.
Perhaps a bit generous in regard to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on his intervention into the sandpaper incident in South Africa.
An interesting comment referenced by Rahul Dravid. I suppose he was referring to the British rule over India, though it could be possible he had in mind their Mughal predecessors. Or perhaps both.
I so many things to unpick. Going last first talking Richie's call of the ball of the century:
I find the juxtaposition of the actual call of the event:
"and he's done it. He's started off with the most beautiful delivery." Is, as identified, rather mundane (I am assuming it's following on from whatever they were discussing re Warne context in the lead up to the ball. I wonder if it still exists.) with the follow up:
"Getting has absolutely no idea what has happened to it, still doesn't know. He asked Kenny Palmer on the way out, and Kenny Palmer just gave him a little smile and wink"..) which is almost as iconic as the ball itself (almost doing a bit of heavy lifting here).
What a brilliant and beautifully written paper. I've read and loved both Beyond A Boundary and Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew recently and it's great to have a whole list of other books to get stuck into. Thanks Paul and Et Al!
This is a wonderful essay from Paul. Very enjoyable to read, and full of insights which is typical of Paul’s writing. A couple of novels not mentioned that have strong cricket elements are Malcolm Knox’s A Private Man and Joseph O’Neill’s Netherland. Both novels are good reads and I would be interested to get Paul’s take on them (or Gideon’s or Pete’s). Joseph O’Neill’s most recent novel Godwin about recruiting footballers from Africa is superb and possibly my favourite novel that centres sport at the heart of the book. What other “cricket” novels are out there that people would recommend?
Joseph ONeills Netherland is terrific- a great writer
A song to accompany your response, Gideon: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=UC6qFtOg5O4&si=BqGP81ElECSkueXk
So much to take in and ponder.
Thanks to Professor Giles for allowing Gideon to share it with us.
A couple of instant reactions.
Perhaps a bit generous in regard to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on his intervention into the sandpaper incident in South Africa.
An interesting comment referenced by Rahul Dravid. I suppose he was referring to the British rule over India, though it could be possible he had in mind their Mughal predecessors. Or perhaps both.
Marvelous piece.
I so many things to unpick. Going last first talking Richie's call of the ball of the century:
I find the juxtaposition of the actual call of the event:
"and he's done it. He's started off with the most beautiful delivery." Is, as identified, rather mundane (I am assuming it's following on from whatever they were discussing re Warne context in the lead up to the ball. I wonder if it still exists.) with the follow up:
"Getting has absolutely no idea what has happened to it, still doesn't know. He asked Kenny Palmer on the way out, and Kenny Palmer just gave him a little smile and wink"..) which is almost as iconic as the ball itself (almost doing a bit of heavy lifting here).
I think it's great broadcasting - so deft, so subtle.
What a joy to wake up in a wet grey Melbourne Cup day morning to Paul's wonderful essay with the promise of Gideons reply tomorrow- many thx Paul
What a brilliant and beautifully written paper. I've read and loved both Beyond A Boundary and Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew recently and it's great to have a whole list of other books to get stuck into. Thanks Paul and Et Al!