Bowl. Sleep. Repeat.

by Jimmy Anderson, Felix White

Ever wondered what it's like playing Test Cricket? What really goes on tour and beyond the boundary rope? Here, for the first time, the world of a pro-cricketer is revealed, and the man pulling back the dressing room curtains is one of England's greatest ever James 'Jimmy' Anderson. 565 Test Wickets and counting. Written with Felix musician, cricket enthusiast and Anderson's co-host on BBC Five Live's phenomenally popular podcast 'Tailenders', Jimmy invites us all into his world of cricket. Full of test-match sized stories and 20/20 anecdotes, this book contains everything you've dreamed of asking a top cricketer. And Jimmy provides the answers and insights into this world on and off the pitch. We tackle the big questions. And, importantly, the small ones;

Do cricketers really watch Countdown instead of the Test whilst waiting to bat?

What are those conversations in the slip cordon?

And what does he eat as a tailender?

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Sports, Autobiography, Audiobook, Amazon

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 2019

Reviews

[Ryan Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superman wears Jimmy Anderson pyjamas

[chucklesthescot · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first thing that struck me about this book was that the front cover refers to the book as written by Jimmy Anderson when he admits inside the book that the only people to call him Jimmy are the cricket pundits and fans. He actually covers that a fair bit in the book about wanting his full name used so obviously the book publishers weren't listening to him!

I had previously read his other book 'Jimmy' which I really enjoyed and one of the trademarks about that book was the biting humour throughout and I enjoyed the parts in this book where that humour and sarcasm came through. He talks about being a dual persona so to speak-the shy and private guy off the field who doesn't seek the publicity that comes with his career, and his brash and often confrontational persona in the heat of the cricket battles. Commentators always talk about this and for years it seemed that Jimmy was struggling painfully to get through basic interviews and I have sympathy as I hate being on camera whether in a photo or video, which is why there has never ever been a selfie of me.

The best bits of the book were where he was talking in depth about a match he was involved in and giving us an idea about what was going on in his head at the time. He deviates from the usual formula of these books by allowing his cricket friends Broad, Swann and Cook to give their view on certain incidents that Jimmy talks about. That was certainly interesting to read and you can see the friendships that formed between these guys. I liked his humour and the behind the scenes dressing room gossip that they shared including how they pass the time when waiting to go out to bat.

As I am a watcher of cricket but not a player, the technical aspects of bowling that he describes pretty much go over my head and don't interest me as much but that wasn't a problem as I certainly expect that kind of thing to be in this kind of book. It didn't put me off or change my rating in any way. I just felt that there was more technical stuff in this book than in 'Jimmy' which is why I didn't personally enjoy this book quite as much. I did still very much enjoy reading it though.

James Anderson is and always has been one of my favourite cricketers. Think how many wickets he might have taken if a certain Australian bowling coach and others around 2005 hadn't spent a couple of years messing about and trying to change his bowling style. I'm glad that Jimmy fought them off and became one of the world's best bowlers. It seems shocking to me that he and Stuart Broad are not being fully used while still at the top of theie game, ie the latest Ashes debacle and the ongoing tour of the West Indies as I write. I wonder if the recent return of that same bowling coach has been a factor. Either way England are treating both men poorly and suffering for it.

[Bhaskar kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Jimmy Anderson crafted the prose himself, he’s more genius than we’d think.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a standard autobiography by any means but an insight into how England’s best bowler’s mind works. He is shy, dry & very funny at times. Contained in here is the best advocacy of Test Cricket as the most difficult format to excel in I have ever seen. Its near the end. No spoilers.

[Abhishekk Nagar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read a lot of books on cricket, it was my first book which belongs to a bowler and out of sub continent. Honestly speaking as the title suggests it's not a autobiography per se but feels more like a conversation with him. Unlike other books, it gives a good account on what goes inside the mind of a cricketer especially bowler. I have seen uncountable time all time greats struggling against his bowling everywhere in the world. He is a true legend and deserves each and every record he is breaking because it's tough being a bowler in a batsman's world.

[Rachel Bonner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read much non fiction, nor biographies. But this was on a 99p offer, I really enjoy cricket and Jimmy Anderson is a fellow Lancastrian. I'm glad I spent the 99p because it was very entertaining. My only complaint was that it raced along too fast. If you enjoy cricket, you'll enjoy this.

[David Medcalf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great bowler, average writer, some interesting stories.

[Gregg Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this - I like the way it was in different sections than the usual autobiography and the tips on how to hold the ball were really good (if not 30 years too late in my case!)

[John Garlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight into James Anderson's approach and technique

I have never had heroes, but I have always admired talented people who excel at their chosen professions in music, sport, the arts etc. James Anderson comes into this bracket. He is also a fellow Lancastrian and we come from similar backgrounds. His book give an insight to his cricket goals and methods and I found it absorbing.

[Trevor Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a relatively short book in which Jimmy gives us little insight into his formative years, and none into the key relationships in his life, namely his parents, wife and children. But ok, there's enough on the art of fast bowling and cricket in general to keep me entertained. I appreciated a look into his attitudes towards the game, and life in general, and the inclusion of his 'right to reply' for Swann, Broad and Cook was refreshingly different.

[David Wyatt-Hupton · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I love Jimmy Anderson, this is the kind of book where you think "once you've read one...".

It doesn't reveal a massive amount but it's enjoyable enough if you like cricket. I found the chapter on his different deliveries and how he bowls them quite interesting, but there wasn't a great deal of reveal.

It'll take a couple of days to read, worth it but don't get your hopes up.

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved, loved this book and the insights into his life and relationships with teammates. I’ve already read multiple portions more than once. Was honestly not expecting it to be so hilarious either, the tongue in check humour really shone throughout.
Love and go well Jimmy!

[S Ravishankar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Musings about life as a successful fast bowler over two decades.Interesting read on the life of a modern-day cricketer. The author is obviously constrained as he is still playing; I found his comments staid and standard.

[Jake Choules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felix White is a talented writer but large parts are too obviously written by him- it is meant to be Jimmy’s book. However, the different format compared to typical sport autobiographies keeps it interesting and there are fascinating sections towards the end about specific matches and teammates.

[Alan Isaac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very average which might reflect the fact that he describes himself as shy.

[Chris Willsdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely brilliant. Read it if you like cricket.

[Keith Barraclough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book. Telling the story of his career a different way to other autobiographies.

[Neil Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great insight into the world of England's greatest ever fast bowler.

You learn about his shy nature off the field and how his dedication to his craft made him ruthless/focused on the field in order to win cricket games for England.

Hopefully we can see him in test matches for a few years yet and pray that the ECB have a plan to replace him when the time comes.

I also enjoy the tailenders podcast he is in too as so look forward to his media career in the future.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun to read

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

go well

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great cricketer. Played for a long time. Trained hard and ate well. Not much else to say.

[Matthew Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting in phases to gauge the genius that is Jimmy Anderson but felt more depth could be added to specific events.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant insight into jimmys world, very funny throughout and shows a ‘grumpy man from Burnley’ in a different light.

[james · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book from one of England's greatest bowlers a good insight to is early life to career and is family life a really good read for any cricket fan and even a few tricks to the trade

[Kenny Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant insight into what cricket at the top level is like. Takes in technical aspects, the physical toll and the mental side of the game. You get stories and anecdotes as well as notes on how Test cricketers train and prepare. Superb.

[David Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

England’s greatest bowler

[Stuart Lister · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a listen, great book, ties in nicely to the Broady and Cooly autobiography

[vishaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

had me giggling on the lizzie line like i’m insane

[Matt Cordas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read on holiday in Cape Verde - sipping beers while England beat the Aussies in the final match of the Ashes in 2023. Perfect setting.

[Tom Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight to the life of England’s greatest fast bowler, I couldn’t put it down! As a cricketer it was easy to relate to and understand what he was banging on about