Warwick Todd: Up in the Blockhole

by Tom Gleisner

When Australian cricket legend Warwick Todd retired from the game in 1996, many felt that would be the end. After playing 143 Tests, making over 9000 first class runs and notching up almost $1.3 million in match fines, it was time to draw stumps. But then came the news of a recall. "To be honest, when I was asked to rejoin the Aussie squad I had conflicting emotions. Naturally, there was pride at the thought of once again pulling on the baggy green cap. Followed by frustration - why the hell had I agreed to sell it on eBay?" Here, Toddy looks back at an extraordinary career. "How do you sum up a 20-year career in just a few hundred pages? The answer is, you can't, and it's ridiculous to try except for the fact you've signed a publishing deal and already spent most of the advance, so here goes..." Honest yet forthright, reflective but passionate, Warwick Up in the Block Hole is a lot like Warwick himself; honest, earthy, revealing and bound together with staples.

Genres: Comedy, Fiction, Humor

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Thomas Edmund Gleisner is an Australian comedian, television presenter, producer, director, writer, occasional actor and author. Gleisner currently hosts Network 10's Have You Been Paying Attention?.

Reviews

[Daniel Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Warwick Todd: Up in the Blockhole" by Tom Gleisner is a satirical take on the world of cricket, providing readers with a humorous and irreverent look at the sport. Gleisner's creation, Warwick Todd, serves as a comedic guide through the cricketing landscape, offering a fresh and entertaining perspective that will resonate with both cricket enthusiasts and those less familiar with the sport.

The book is notable for its witty writing style and clever use of satire to poke fun at various aspects of cricket culture. Gleisner's ability to blend cricket trivia with comedic elements ensures that even readers with limited knowledge of the sport can appreciate the humor. The book's strength lies in its ability to appeal to a broad audience, making it accessible to both cricket fans and those simply seeking a good laugh.

Gleisner's satirical commentary extends beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, touching on societal norms and pop culture references. This broad approach adds a layer of universality to the humor, making the book enjoyable for readers beyond the cricketing fraternity.

However, some readers may find that the relentless satire and irreverent tone might wear thin after a while. The humor is undoubtedly a matter of personal taste, and while some will appreciate the constant wit, others might wish for a more varied range of comedic styles or a deeper exploration of certain themes.

In conclusion, "Warwick Todd: Up in the Blockhole" is a lighthearted and entertaining read that successfully marries cricket with satire. Gleisner's comedic flair and the absurdity of Warwick Todd's adventures make this book a standout in the genre of cricket-related humor. While the unrelenting nature of the satire might not be everyone's cup of tea, those who enjoy a good laugh and appreciate a playful take on cricket culture will likely find this book to be a delightful and amusing read.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Farcical parody of Australian cricket tours.
Lots of laugh-out-loud moments, as predictable as they are.
Makes you almost wish you WERE really part of the inside crowd of the national team dynamics.

Richard Hinds says - “Warwick Todd's Up In The Block Hole, the latest tour diary by the controversial middle-order batsman. Eschewing the trend towards self-pity, you have to admire the way Todd is willing to stand up and admit where the blame for Australia's pathetic showing in the Ashes belonged. With everybody else. From the dedication (two of my two wonderful sons Ian and Greg and my beautiful daughter Trevor) to Todd's controversial expulsion from the tour after a fight with a barman in Headingley, you are not asked to feel sorry for him once (although his first-round elimination from Dancing With The Stars will tug at the heart-strings of some). Which, in the era of the soul-cleansing tell-all, is a massive relief.”