80 Not Out: My Favourite Cricket Memories

by Dickie Bird

Hardly a week goes by without Dickie Bird visiting a county or Test match arena where he can keep up to date with all that is happening in the cricket world, while at the same time taking the opportunity to reflect, in the company of old friends and acquaintances, on his own colourful contribution to the sport that lasted for over half a century.

Dickie remains the most famous umpire of them all and is still highly respected throughout the world. A lovable eccentric with a joyful sense of fun, he decided, as he approached his eightieth birthday, to recall the highlights of his life in cricket, while also providing an illuminating insight into what he has been up to since his retirement.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography

352 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

Harold Dennis "Dickie" Bird (19 April 1933 – 22 September 2025) was an English cricketer and international cricket umpire. During his long umpiring career, he became a well regarded figure among players and the viewing public, not only due to his high standards as an umpire but also for his many eccentricities.

Bird played first-class cricket for Yorkshire and Leicestershire as a right-handed batsman, but only scored two centuries in 93 appearances. His career was blighted by a knee injury, which eventually forced him to retire at the age of 31. He umpired in 66 Test matches (at the time a world record) and 69 One Day Internationals, including three World Cup Finals. Bird's autobiography, published in 1997, sold more than a million copies.

Reviews

[Anirban · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read a book where Dickie Bird is praising Bob Paisley, saying how humble a man the Scouser was, you know you have something special in your hand.
This book is a running commentary on how to stay humble even when people know you, recognize you and clamour for your autograph.
It also acts as a guide for people looking for ways to stay humble, even after receiving truckload of honors, including a couple from Her Majesty.
It can also serve as a textbook for those looking to keep their feet firmly on the ground, after coming to know that they have been appointed the President of World famous county cricket club.
It should be regularly given to sport stars(the ones with super inflated ego, basically each one of them) so that they may remember how to lead a “normal” life.
It should also be given to budding writers, to realize that a great book can be written by using common words, phrases, sentences etc.

[Ian moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cricket umpire extraordinaire, and a gent too.

Memories from a legend who stood for hours concentrating on a sport that is a passion me some, but for others is the appitamy of boring.
Dickie has the memory of a genius to recall his life in sport in such detail and I believe lived through an era of great players and characters from whom he has taken much of this book.
Well written I felt like I was listening to him talking with me over a pint relaxing in his local pub. Truly a good man who youngsters would do well to take notice of his determination and commitment to achieve hisgoals.

[Huw Rhys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look beyond the fact that most of this book appears as if it's been written by an 8 year old, and what you have is a fairly amusing set of cricketing anecdotes, with some gentle, pleasant humour mixed up with a rather complex but likeable narrator who found his metier in life.

If you like cricket, you'll quite enjoy this collection of cricket stories and recollections. If you don't like cricket, and crave mature, insightful writing - I'd probably stay clear of this!

[Lawrence Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming light hearted read. Growing up watching him umpiring lead me to believe he would be a humble likeable man. His story didn't disappoint.

[Alan Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly interesting

Some interesting anecdotes, eg those associated with great players such as Denis Lille. Some not so interesting eg life in Barnsley.

[Peter Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting read - full of great cricketing annecdotes.

[Murray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awfully written. Didn't bother finishing

[Burgessanja · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terribly badly written , all about Yorkshire, just a catalog of events, no story line, boring.