A Beautiful Game: My love affair with cricket

Mark Nicholas, anchor for Channel Nine’s commentary team in Australia and Channel 5’s Cricket on Five show in the UK, has a unique knowledge of and perspective on the world of cricket.

As both a former player and now a professional observer and commentator, he knows all the key figures in the sport and has witnessed first-hand some of cricket’s greatest moments. From epic Test matches and titans of the game like Lara, Warne and Tendulkar to his own childhood love for the sport, Mark gives us his informed, personal and fascinating views on cricket - and shows us exactly why cricket really is the world’s beautiful game.

‘This book brings out Mark’s wonderful knowledge and infectious passion for cricket - two of the things that make listening to him and reading him so enjoyable.’ SHANE WARNE

‘A Beautiful Game is a page turner and there can be no higher praise than that. Mark’s craft as a writer, with his sharp eye for detail and keen sense of humour, shines throughout.’ SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON

‘Vision, knowledge, enthusiasm: three of the attributes that give Mark authority and respect. The book reflects his passion for the game, and it’s his ability to tell the stories that makes it so special. It’s a great read.’ MICHAEL VAUGHAN

‘A love letter to cricket marked by incident, insight and all the craft of one of the best and most likeable figures of our times.’ STEPHEN FRY

‘Mark has been a powerful salesman for the game on television. He has brought that same passion … to his thoughtful and entertaining book.’ IAN CHAPPELL

‘I loved it. If I was buying one cricket book this year, it would be A Beautiful Game.’ WASIM AKRAM