Second Innings: On Men, Mental Health and Cricket

by Barry Nicholls

Life is like facing an opening the pitch is unknown, the ball is new, and you don't know what will be delivered. A reflection on Barry Nicholls's life, Second Innings explores the author’s struggle with mental health and the road to recovery, using his love of the game of cricket to make sense of it all. Set partly in the present, Second Innings includes flashbacks through five decades of life and focuses particularly on the lives of the men across the generations of Barry Nicholls’ own family, and tells the story of Barry’s journey from teacher to print journalist to broadcaster.

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2021

Reviews

[Kirsty Nancarrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important story bravely shared

I never thought I would enjoy reading a book centred around cricket, but you hooked me, Barry.

You never know what is going on below the surface.

An honest, authentic, and vulnerable account of one man’s mental health journey.

I found many parallels, and I hope this book makes it into the hands of many cricket fans who didn't know they needed the important insights woven into this very personal story.

There is strength in realising we are not alone.

[Holden Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw and honest memoir about a man living with anxiety, told with many allegories to the great game of cricket. Barry Nicholls is a great writer, and his willingness to show not just his own youth but his struggles in recent years was very courageous.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life stages and mental health honesty seen through the lens of cricket: superbly balanced.

[John Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really important on men's mental health, made accessible for anyone who loves cricket