VVS Laxman: A batsman of 'captivating splendour' – Almanack
Laxman was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2002
Laxman was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2002
"In 2002, he stacked up 1481 runs at 61.70, with six centuries - and another in 2003, in the final…
“I’d say the public perception of most people is wrong – with me I think it’s completely wrong"
"To me, it’s not really about results. The important thing for me is hitting the cricket ball"
"What changed him from an unproven bowler of dubious backbone and fitness to Grievous Bodily Harmison?"
"I like to think I am now a craftsman who has served most of his apprenticeship"
"Bradman apart, it is hard to imagine a stronger-minded cricketer in the history of the game"
"He’s just who he is, take him or leave him"
"Overall, he was for South Africa what he had been for at least 15 years: a pillar and a rock"
"Poor old googly! It has been subjected to ridicule, abuse, contempt, incredulity, and survived them all"
The latest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly, guest-edited by Isa Guha, out May 5:
The 160th edition of the most famous sports book in the world – published every year since 1864 – contains some of the world’s finest sports writing. It reflects on the extraordinary life of Shane Warne, who died far too early in 2022, and looks back at another legendary bowler, S.F. Barnes, on the 150th anniversary of his birth. Wisden also reports on England’s triumph at the T20 World Cup, to go alongside their 2019 ODI success, and on their Test team’s thrilling rejuvenation under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.
Writers include Lawrence Booth, Gideon Haigh, James Holland, Jonathan Liew, Emma John, David Frith, Simon Wilde, Jon Hotten, Robert Winder, Tanya Aldred and Neil Harvey, the last survivor from Australia’s famous 1948 Ashes tour of England. As usual, Wisden includes the eagerly awaited Notes by The Editor, the Cricketers of The Year awards, and the obituaries. And, as ever, there are reports and scorecards for every Test, together with forthright opinion, compelling features and comprehensive records.
Cricket’s past is steeped in a tradition of great writing and Wisden is making sure its future will be too. The Nightwatchman is a quarterly collection of essays and long-form articles which debuted in March 2013 and is available in book and e-book formats.
Every issue features an array of authors from around the world, writing beautifully and at length about the game and its myriad offshoots.