Test of Character

by jeremy wilshire

Unflinchingly honest, evocative and at times controversial, Test of Character takes readers onto the field and into the dressing room. With unrivalled access to legends from around the globe, it bears witness to cricket’s seminal moments and explores the biggest issues facing the game today.
There’s first-hand accounts of the famous tied Test of 1961, the drama-charged Centenary Test, India’s miracle comeback in Kolkata and the Edgbaston thriller of 2005. Experience the history-making run chase of Sir Donald Bradman’s 1948 ‘Invincibles’ and relive what has been described as the greatest over ever bowled.
Test of Character also goes beyond the boundary – to a frightening terrorist attack, the shock death of a team-mate . . . and fallout from an infamous Tiger Moth flight. Featuring a foreword by Australia’s Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, plus exclusive interviews with famous cricket tragics, commentators and umpires, this classic collector’s item offers rare insight into the spirit, romance and rivalry of our most revered pastime. Includes insights from Waleed Aly, Bishan Bedi, Harsha Bhogle, Dickie Bird, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Michael Clarke, John Cleese, Sir Peter Cosgrove, Mike Coward, Alan Davidson, Rahul Dravid, Adam Gilchrist, David Gower, Sir Richard Hadlee, Michael Holding, Kim Hughes, Brett Lee, Brendon McCullum, Arthur Morris, Muttiah Muralidaran, Mohammad Nabi, Kerry O’Keeffe, Ellyse Perry, Barry Richards, Kumar Sangakkara, Graeme Smith, Alec Stewart, Graeme Swann, Mark Taylor and Mark Waugh.

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2016

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so enjoying this book. I would recommend this to every young cricketer, especially Australian as most of the players featured are Aussie. There are some great role models in here and stories of their triumphs, mistakes, regrets and sportsmanship. Very human! Its important to keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes. Most grow up and move on.

Some interesting bits
- Greg Chappell and the underarm ball controversy (against NZ). His view of that low point in his career and this event as its culmination. I guess everyone makes mistakes, so maybe its time we all let it go. The NZ team benefited from this as after this happened, the entire nation rallied and led to cricket becoming a dominant sport in the country.
- Richard Hadlee on getting 400 wickets post a health breakdown. "Getting to the top of the mountain is never achieved with one giant step - it was one step at a time going forward and sometimes downwards and sideways as you overcome all the obstacles placed in front of you, but through perseverance you can reach the peak and make history"
- Elyse Perry - Outstanding athlete. Very balanced.
- Brendon McCullum - From a brash egoistic youngster to spirit seeker. Loved loved reading this.
- Graeme Swann - pure entertainment and coming of age story
- Muralidaran and his charitable work, especially how players from many cricketing nations came together to support his initiative in rebuilding coastal Sri Lanka after the boxing day tsunami.
- There is general consensus in views on sledging and issues to be surmounted by the sport in the current age.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to hear direct from the individuals. Would have like some of their commentary challenged or explored more (Sangakarra's comments around the throwing call; Swann on Pieterson for example). But I guess I'll need to buy their autobiographies.

Oh yeah, to our Kiwi friends ... build a bridge its been 36 years!