What do you think?
Rate this book
Bucking the Trend
Most Australian Test players do things a certain way. Get into the Australian cricket pathway early. Go to the Academy. Win favour with senior players. Think about a cricket career from a young age. Think first of attack, and leave defence as a last resort. Treat the Baggy Green with reverence. Do things the Australian way, never mind the Poms. Keep the game as simple as possible. Avoid tinkering too much with technique.
Chris ‘Buck’ Rogers did none of these things. Instead, he forged a cricket life in his own distinctive style, learning from mistakes and imparting that wisdom to others. In many ways he is a player out of time, harking back to the days when cricketers spent as much time with their clubs, states or counties as they did with the national side. Bucking the Trend is the story of a journeyman cricketer who, after one Test at the age of 30, took another five years to regain a spot in the Australian side. What followed was a rollercoaster ride, taking in emotional centuries in three Ashes series and skirting disaster with a series of blows to the head when they were feared more than ever. Rogers’ road to the top was far from straightforward; there is rare richness in his cricketing tale.
About the author: Chris Rogers retired from the Australian cricket team at the age of 37, at the top of his game – it’s generally not how it happens. A left-handed opening batsman, he was first selected for the Australian Under 19 team in 1996. He represented Western Australia for 10 years and later Victoria. In 2007, with an average of 70.70, he was named State Player of the Year. During the mid-2000s he also established himself in English county cricket and over the years played for five first-class counties, most recently as skipper of Somerset. In 2008 Rogers made his Australian Test debut replacing the injured Matthew Hayden in a Test against India. But it was not until 2013, after consistent runmaking, that he was named in the national squad again following the retirement of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey. Over his 25-match Test career Rogers’ average was 42.87 with a highest score of 173.
Chris ‘Buck’ Rogers did none of these things. Instead, he forged a cricket life in his own distinctive style, learning from mistakes and imparting that wisdom to others. In many ways he is a player out of time, harking back to the days when cricketers spent as much time with their clubs, states or counties as they did with the national side. Bucking the Trend is the story of a journeyman cricketer who, after one Test at the age of 30, took another five years to regain a spot in the Australian side. What followed was a rollercoaster ride, taking in emotional centuries in three Ashes series and skirting disaster with a series of blows to the head when they were feared more than ever. Rogers’ road to the top was far from straightforward; there is rare richness in his cricketing tale.
About the author: Chris Rogers retired from the Australian cricket team at the age of 37, at the top of his game – it’s generally not how it happens. A left-handed opening batsman, he was first selected for the Australian Under 19 team in 1996. He represented Western Australia for 10 years and later Victoria. In 2007, with an average of 70.70, he was named State Player of the Year. During the mid-2000s he also established himself in English county cricket and over the years played for five first-class counties, most recently as skipper of Somerset. In 2008 Rogers made his Australian Test debut replacing the injured Matthew Hayden in a Test against India. But it was not until 2013, after consistent runmaking, that he was named in the national squad again following the retirement of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey. Over his 25-match Test career Rogers’ average was 42.87 with a highest score of 173.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2016
3 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 24, 2017
"Bucking the Trend" by Chris Rogers, former Australian cricketer and opening batsman, and co author Daniel Brettig is Roger's official autobiography about Rogers accomplished life. It is published by "Hardie Grant books" on the 9th of November, 2016.
It follows Chris on the journey through his life, from struggling to get bat on ball as a young kid, to scoring test centuries for Australia. It holds a strong belief and theme on family and never giving up. This made the book rather inspirational and allows it to take the viewer on a roller coaster type ride where they never really know exactly how his immediate and long term future is going to turn out. It allows for an insight into the different pathways to cricket success and certainly proves to anyone that making the Australian Academy of Cricket isn't the be all and end all of the sport. In addition it gives insight into what it is like to experience being in the Australian dressing room and what life is like playing county cricket in England. It then takes us to what it is like having to make the life changing call of announcing your retirement and having to withdraw yourself from the only life you have known, in Chris's instance, for the best part of 37 years. About going back to your roots and settling down with family and as he states "it's the real meaning of life".
The text was uplifting and genuinely inspiring. The way he is able to bounce back from constant put downs and defeats is truly astounding. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and in terms of biographies it would have to be one of the best ones I have read to date. The uplifting and engaging nature of the book was truly captivating and there was certainly never a dull moment. However I do believe that the co author had too much input into the book and I found that detrimental to the overall realism and flow of the book. This book would be a must read for any die hard cricket lover or any lover of sport who likes a "something from nothing", inspirational story.
Overall I have nothing but praise for this book, well composed and equally captivating.
It follows Chris on the journey through his life, from struggling to get bat on ball as a young kid, to scoring test centuries for Australia. It holds a strong belief and theme on family and never giving up. This made the book rather inspirational and allows it to take the viewer on a roller coaster type ride where they never really know exactly how his immediate and long term future is going to turn out. It allows for an insight into the different pathways to cricket success and certainly proves to anyone that making the Australian Academy of Cricket isn't the be all and end all of the sport. In addition it gives insight into what it is like to experience being in the Australian dressing room and what life is like playing county cricket in England. It then takes us to what it is like having to make the life changing call of announcing your retirement and having to withdraw yourself from the only life you have known, in Chris's instance, for the best part of 37 years. About going back to your roots and settling down with family and as he states "it's the real meaning of life".
The text was uplifting and genuinely inspiring. The way he is able to bounce back from constant put downs and defeats is truly astounding. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and in terms of biographies it would have to be one of the best ones I have read to date. The uplifting and engaging nature of the book was truly captivating and there was certainly never a dull moment. However I do believe that the co author had too much input into the book and I found that detrimental to the overall realism and flow of the book. This book would be a must read for any die hard cricket lover or any lover of sport who likes a "something from nothing", inspirational story.
Overall I have nothing but praise for this book, well composed and equally captivating.
January 4, 2024
"Bucking the Trend" by Chris Rogers and Daniel Brettig is a compelling and insightful exploration of the unconventional journey of one of cricket's most resilient and determined players. Rogers, known for his late-blooming international career, along with Brettig's skillful narrative, crafts a story that transcends the traditional cricket memoir, offering readers a closer look at the challenges and triumphs of an underdog.
One of the strengths of the book is its authenticity. Rogers opens up about his struggles, doubts, and the perseverance required to carve out a successful career in the highly competitive world of international cricket. His candid reflections on the highs and lows, coupled with Brettig's thoughtful storytelling, create a narrative that is both relatable and inspiring.
The book is not just a recounting of statistics and matches; it delves into the psychology of the game and the personal growth that accompanies a professional cricket career. Rogers and Brettig skillfully balance the technical aspects of the sport with the emotional and human elements, making "Bucking the Trend" a well-rounded and engaging read for both cricket enthusiasts and casual readers.
The collaboration between Rogers and Brettig results in a narrative that flows seamlessly, capturing the reader's attention from start to finish. The book not only provides an inside look at Rogers' career but also offers insights into the broader landscape of cricket during his playing days.
The inclusion of anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and interactions with fellow players adds depth to the narrative, creating a nuanced portrait of the cricketing world. Whether describing the pressure of facing world-class bowlers or the joy of achieving personal milestones, the book provides a genuine and heartfelt account of Rogers' cricketing journey.
In conclusion, "Bucking the Trend" stands out as a stellar cricket memoir that goes beyond the boundaries of the sport. Chris Rogers and Daniel Brettig have crafted a compelling narrative that resonates with readers, celebrating not just the achievements on the field but the indomitable spirit required to overcome challenges and leave a lasting impact on the game.
One of the strengths of the book is its authenticity. Rogers opens up about his struggles, doubts, and the perseverance required to carve out a successful career in the highly competitive world of international cricket. His candid reflections on the highs and lows, coupled with Brettig's thoughtful storytelling, create a narrative that is both relatable and inspiring.
The book is not just a recounting of statistics and matches; it delves into the psychology of the game and the personal growth that accompanies a professional cricket career. Rogers and Brettig skillfully balance the technical aspects of the sport with the emotional and human elements, making "Bucking the Trend" a well-rounded and engaging read for both cricket enthusiasts and casual readers.
The collaboration between Rogers and Brettig results in a narrative that flows seamlessly, capturing the reader's attention from start to finish. The book not only provides an inside look at Rogers' career but also offers insights into the broader landscape of cricket during his playing days.
The inclusion of anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and interactions with fellow players adds depth to the narrative, creating a nuanced portrait of the cricketing world. Whether describing the pressure of facing world-class bowlers or the joy of achieving personal milestones, the book provides a genuine and heartfelt account of Rogers' cricketing journey.
In conclusion, "Bucking the Trend" stands out as a stellar cricket memoir that goes beyond the boundaries of the sport. Chris Rogers and Daniel Brettig have crafted a compelling narrative that resonates with readers, celebrating not just the achievements on the field but the indomitable spirit required to overcome challenges and leave a lasting impact on the game.
December 30, 2016
One of the better cricket autobios I've read. Just wasn't a match-by-match account and instead focused on the many things that go as part of being a cricketer.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews