No Holding Back: The Autobiography

by Michael Holding

As one of the fastest bowlers the world has seen, Michael Holding claimed 249 Test wickets and went by the haunting nickname "Whispering Death"—a moniker earned because he advanced on the bowling crease with stealth-like malevolence. Despite having not laced his bowling boots since 1989, it remains a fitting sobriquet. As a commentator and administrator, Holding has delivered his views on cricket in the same manner that he played the he speaks softly with a rich Jamaican rhythm and is calculated in either criticism or compliment. This book charts his effortless transition from one of the great players to one of the great pundits. Holding graphically describes his days as a player, looking back at how he tried to deliberately hurt batsmen on the wastelands of Kingston and his first match for Jamaica when he almost collapsed from exhaustion—after only four overs! He also divulges what it was like to tour with West Indies, and shares unmissable insights about sharing a dressing room with other legends of the game like Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Viv Richards, and Malcolm Marshall. Holding does not shirk the big issues—he explores why West Indies have slipped following their halcyon days, openly assesses Brian Lara, and laments the hypocrisy over the state of the game in the region. The controversy surrounding the Allen Stanford $20m spectacle, the ICC's handling of the abandoned England vs. Pakistan match, player power, illegal bowling actions, and the threat of Twenty20 to the Test game are all subjects which Holding tackles with knowledge and class.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 20, 2010

Reviews

[Nishant Bhagat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surely there is no holding him back as a bowler. As a child I remember watching him bowl on TV threatening the Indian batsmen and would close my eyes. As I grew older and understood the game a bit more I tried copying his bowling action. It always felt good.

In fact I started this book while the India England test series is on and he is a part of the commentary team. So while reading his book, his voice was constantly in my head.

the expectations from this book were sky high for me. I wanted to read his version of all the various battles of his with the famous batsmen of those times. Anecdotes about that near invincible West Indian team that he was a part of. But alas there was not enough of that in the book.

He has chosen to use this platform to address issues with ICC, the board and T20. We have heard enough of that when he is commentating anyways. So it was a tad disappointing. However, if you are a big fan of cricket then you should read this book. After all Mr. Holding is a legend in his own right

[Paul Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Cricket's greats

I really enjoyed this book and the Holding's forthright style. I would have liked more details of some the matches but the is a comprehensive look at Michael Holding's life.

[Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting time in Test and world cricket is written about, a time I loved watching Malcom Marshall fire in from an ultra short run up and deliver at pace for Hampshire - the secret was given by Michael in this book.
I tried to emulate this, but never reached such dizzying heights in my cricketing career!
Overall a good read, and recommended for any cricket fan, particularly in the 1980s when the West Indies were at their best with Garner, Holding, Ambrose, Richards, Greenidge, Haynes, Lloyd etc.

[Dhananjay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

Good fast paced read. Certain digression feels very relatable and fine. The story line feels 40-50% story about self and rest opinions about various aspects of west Indian cricket and formats of cricket.
Magical bowler that he was... He bowled some beauties with words, taking a few wickets, some good deliveries and some wider ones. His love for Caribbean cricket is also evident.
Overall good narration without holding anything back.

[Dipra Lahiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing read for those seeking insights into the art and craft of fast bowling, as one would expect from an all-time great. Not much about his career, matches or opponents either. Outspoken in his views on West Indies cricket and the ICC which merit serious consideration.

[James Varghese · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good look into his early life and of course what made the Windies team the best in that era. A lovely look back into time.

[Sue Chant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not rivetting.

[R. JAYARAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to the title

True to its title. Sir Mivhael Holding brutslly homest as is his wont. A great fadt bowler and more importantly a honest human being. A true legend.

[Annette Hewlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read, a tough read, I think I need to read it again, but not now

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thoughtful and thought-provoking book with autobiographical content as well as really informative reflections on interviews with others. Recommended.

[Shyam Asnani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good book, well written. The only point which has surprised me was sketchy mention of one of the great fast bowlers Curtly Ambrose who took 400 + wickets; known as gentle giant.

[SHANKAR KRISHNAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man of strong principles. His insight into the world beating WI sides of 70s and 80s is worth the money you spent on this book.

[E.T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Andy Roberts was considered more skilled, Michael Holding is considered the most elegant and articulate of the famous West Indian quartet of Roberts, Holding, Croft and Garner. Decided to pick this one up as I was a fan of Windies cricket in the 90s.
This was a medicore book that can be read by a fan but can be easily ignored otherwise. A better book on the fiery West Indies team of the 70s and 80s was the superb Fire in Babylon: How the West Indies Cricket Team Brought a People to its Feet. Also, watch the documentary of the same name. It is surprising how I have loved none of the West Indian cricket-books so far (incl My idol Viv Richards' autobiography).

[Matt Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Would have been more for the legend, but he is far too modest when talking about himself. Unfortunately, for one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, you might need to read a biography written by someone else about him to get a really good overview of his career. Other than that though, he really speaks his mind about issues he's had with the ICC, WICB, and people like Packer etc.