The Corridor of Certainty

by Geoffrey Boycott

Twelve years ago, Geoffrey Boycott received the diagnosis that tore his world apart: he had cancer of the tongue. Having faced down the fastest bowlers during his career as one of England's greatest-ever batsmen, he now had to take on an even more daunting foe, one that he could not see and where he had to rely on others to help him take on the challenge. But, with the support of his long-time love Rachael and their daughter Emma, as well as a great medical team, he set out on his most crucial fight yet.

After he had recovered, Boycott emerged as a different man, with a new perspective on life. This book tells the story not only of his struggle with cancer, but also of his love for the game of cricket, which continues to be his passion. In 'The Corridor of Certainty' he disputes the myth about the Packer 'Revolution', as well as providing brilliant portraits of his close friends Brian Clough and Fred Trueman, tow of British sport's greatest characters.

The modern-day game does not escape his scrutiny, either. Whether it is his views on Kevin Pietersen or his strategy for how England can bounce back from their last Ashes debacle, he is never less than frank and forthright on the big issues facing cricket. But for anyone who thinks they know what to expect from Geoffrey Boycott, be prepared for a few surprises along the way. After all, who would have thought he would feng shui his house? Or that his favourite singer is Katy Perry.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

278 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Geoffrey Boycott OBE is a former Yorkshire and England cricketer. In a prolific and sometimes controversial playing career from 1962 to 1986, Boycott established himself as one of England's most successful opening batsmen. Since retiring as a player, Boycott has found further success as a cricket commentator.

Reviews

[Gerry]

Like him or not, one always knows that forthright views are going to be expressed by Geoffrey Boycott. And 'The Corridor of Certainty' is no exception to the rule as, whatever the subject, Geoffrey has firm, strong and sometimes controversial views on every issue that he touches upon.

His fight against cancer takes quite a portion of the book and it is a harrowing tale. Undoubtedly his wife, Rachael and daughter Emma, helped keep his spirits up when things were looking decidedly dodgy and, without doubt, he had the best possible treatment from all and sundry from all over the country. These factors undoubtedly helped him recover and return to what he does best - apart from batting that is!

Geoffrey tells of his troubles with Yorkshire in later times, how his captaincy was undermined, how Fred Trueman, Bob Appleyard and others caused trouble for him when he was later an official of the club; fortunately he and Trueman eventually overcame their difficulties and became the best of friends once again.

He explodes the Packer myth and tells of his disputes with a former friend Tony Greig, who was very much a Packer man, explains his friendship with Brian Clough, a man who he much admired and who he felt could have done some good for English cricket had that been his game, and critically analyses former England batsman Kevin Pietersen.

He deplores sledging, telling of how it was when he played, and it was just as fierce but players were not as hostile towards each other as today, how he worries for the future of Test cricket and how the England team could perhaps be better shaped for the future, particularly picking out some of the players and explaining how they could improve or at least be advised to look more closely at their performances.

It is a most enjoyable book and, as I have said, Geoffrey's views are always forthright and one that particularly amused me was when he was speaking of the ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed, who 'pooh-poohed' one of his eminently sensible ideas; his comment was 'I thought he was a stupid prat! He just summed up some of the game's narrow-minded administrators.' Like him or not, you certainly cannot ignore him.

[Simon Zohhadi]

The Corridor of Certainty by Geoffrey Boycott is not a full autobiography, it covers 'My Life Beyond Cricket'. Nevertheless, it is an entertaining read. Boycott's personality comes through every page. Yes he is opinionated with strong views (why is this a bad character trait ?!). Whatever your views about Boycs and public opinion is divided, he does talk a lot of sense. I suppose the most important part of this book is his treatment for cancer which thankfully has been conquered. The chapter on his friend Brian Clough is a wonderful tribute to the great man and his frank opinions on Kevin Pieterson are difficult to argue with. Sometimes flamboyancy should take a back seat to more cautious play. Boycott's experience and knowledge of the game of cricket is second to none and he is always worth listening to. I would recommend this book as a follow up to his cricket years. The biography A Cricketing Hero is another must read, if you want to understand the great Yorkshireman.

[Julian]

Surprisingly vulnerable and a good read when he's not talking about cricket but about his treatment for cancer.

[Nadeem Ahmad]

The book will appeal a lot more to someone not familiar with his work as a columnist and commentator. For those who read his columns and listen to him on the radio and podcasts on a regular basis will find themselves in a familiar territory. As interesting as the book is in providing Boycott's view of the cricket world with his unique quips, quotes and anecdotes; those familiar with his work will find it as the long format work of his characteristic style. Most disappointingly though, from what I read, his mum did not feature in those chapters.