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First published in 1946 (I read a 1947 edition), the focus of the book is the Bodyline tour by England in 1932-33. It indeed occupies the first half of the book but references to it are sprinkled through the second half as well. Fingleton's candour dropped him into controversy throughout both his playing and writing career and this book was one of the chief reasons for his opponents' attacks.
Not surprisingly, given his robust criticisms of the demigod Bradman, the former captain was most upset by this volume.
Fingleton questioned Bradman's ability and fortitude against the short, fast bowling of England during that heated summer on and off the field when the members at Lords first struggled with their understanding of the Spirit of Cricket. Once the unflinching opener covered in bruises, Fingleton backs his assertions with with descriptions of incidents when he struggled against that form of attack but stood firm. His claim that Bradman ran whilst others stood and took it, stirred a hornets nest but it was the evidence he presented to defend himself against the claim made by Bradman that he leaked the famous Woodfull line to the press - "their are two teams out there. One of them is trying to play cricket; the other is not" - is not only refuted here but played straight back at Bradman.
The second half delivers player portraits and descriptions of other matches he both played in and observed. All is penned in his wonderful prose which stands through time. With a foreword by Sir Neville Cardus and the observations of a man who still once held the record for the most Test 100's in consecutive innings until Everton Weekes 5 topped him, his legendary toughness and durability shine through in his writing.
This is probably the best book written about cricket by an Australian author and set a standard which others such as Gideon Haigh have measured up to but never surpassed. Essential reading for a balanced view of Bradman's impact on Australian cricket and society and to be reminded just how beautiful the game can be in the hands of a wordsmith.
You might need a library or a collector to find it but the search will reward you.

7 months ago

Responses

I read a book on Fingleton, when Bradman got a duck in his last innings, an English journalist reported that Fingleton and O'Reilly were laughing so hard he feared they might both have strokes

I wouldn't doubt it, although being an English journalist, there is a potential for jaundice.

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