Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2018

Some people buy many books over the course of 12 months but there is also a particular group that buy just one publication each year. The time has come when they shut themselves away from the world and indulge in a passion only understood and related to by fellow adherents. Yes, that ultimate reference book is now available: Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.And at last the cover needs mentioning. Wisden has finally bucked the trend with its cover photo of a cricketer. But it’s not just any cricketer. No Sir. By dint of her six wicket haul in the World Cup Final, pride of place goes to Anya Shrubsole, the first woman to be given that honour (though admittedly it’s only been since 2003 that a player(s) has been used).The 2018 volume has 48 pages fewer than last year and it’s a shame England’s Ashes débâcle isn’t amongst those missing. Maybe you should skip the section on that Antipodean tour and go straight to page 1121 where you can read about the women’ssuccessful World Cup adventure. And an England victory in a major tournament doesn’t happen too often.The editorial is top notch (as always) and I think the two biggest issues are those concerning the forthcoming Twenty20 competition in 2020 (which now turns out to be a 100 ball competition), and both Afghanistan and Ireland gaining Test status, though how long test cricket can last is anyone’s guess. With domestic T20 attendances at their highest ever, the blinkered ECB still think a city based competition is the way forward. With the County Championship being marginalised, it does seem as if T20 will eventually be the only game in town, but your county will be on the peripheral. The obituary pages are always sad to read and both film critic Barry Norman and author Gordon Ostlere (‘Doctor in the House’ series under the pseudonym of Richard Gordon), are included.The photographs, of which three are of Heather Knight, Natalie Sciver and the aforementioned Shrubsole, a trio given the accolade of ‘Cricketer of the Year’ (only two other women have been awarded that honour), are of the highest quality and the six showing a game being played under a variety of conditions show how interesting matches can be.It's fairly easy to review a book that is primarily based on statistics. When it comes to Wisden, there is no in between of, "well it’s okay but...."; it's either one star or it's five stars. Having said that, no one would ever give this less than a top rating, as you know what to expect within the pages.The sports book of the year. Any year actually.

This has been my wedding anniversary present to my husband for the last 48 years. He has every edition since he was born. Money well spent for a Cricket fan.

It’s too expensive, especially given the statistics available online, BUT there is still only one WISDENAbsolutely delighted with this product.Promptly and safely delivered. Well priced and good condition.Thank you

If you like cricket and want up to date information each year, this is the book for you.

I have no use for any page concerned with Women's cricket ( they should have their own annual ) ORany page concerned with 20/20 games ORany page concerned with Lahore Gas Works v Karachi Electricity Board and similar .

If you're interested in cricket and statistics then there's none better!

Added to collection great

Have been collecting Wisden almanac for over 10 years and love the feature on Jimmy Anderson. Delivered as promised and on time.