Few other team sports can equal the global reach of cricket. Rich in history and tradition, it is both quintessentially English and expansively international, a game that has evolved and changed dramatically in recent times. Demonstrating how the history of cricket and its international popularity is entwined with British imperial expansion, this book examines the social and political impact of the game in a variety of cultural sites: the West Indies, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. An international team of contributors explores the enduring influence of cricket on English identity, examines why cricket has seized the imagination of so many literary figures and provides profiles of iconic players including Bradman, Lara and Tendulkar. Presenting a global panoramic view of cricket's complicated development, its unique adaptability and its political and sporting controversies, the book provides a rich insight into a unique sporting and cultural heritage.

‘Written by the best intellects working on the subject, the Cambridge Companion takes cricket analysis to another level.’

Ravi Shastri - former India captain and commentator

‘Well researched and argued, this is a must read for any cricket enthusiast.’

Geoff Marsh - former Australian international and coach

‘This is a welcome addition to the existing corpus of literature on cricket. It fills some very important gaps and is eminently readable.’

Jagmohan Dalmiya - former President of the International Cricket Council

'… the really serious cricket fan will be bowled over by this book (sorry!) while casual readers will almost certainly find at least a few chapters on their specific interests really compelling.’

Source: The Bookbag

'Some of the essays in this volume take the breath away … a groundbreaking and exciting volume … a joyful and profound contribution to cricketing literature.'

Source: The Telegraph

‘This book, a collection of essays united by little more than skilful writing and authority, accomplishes a dual task: it makes the familiar unfamiliar and vice-versa … Reading the essays in any order is a rewarding experience.’

Source: ESPNCricInfo.com

‘… will interest the serious student of the game … well researched and intelligently written.’

Source: Sixtyplussurfers (sixtyplusurfers.co.uk)

‘An important addition to the small but scholarly body of work that has enriched cricket writing … the anthology helps unmask the myriad aspects of cricket, which, to quote a cliché, is more than a game.’

Source: The Telegraph (India)

‘Most revealing about the history of cricket.’

Source: The Times Literary Supplement

‘[A] rewarding read and a valuable snapshot view of world cricket.’

Source: Australian Book Review

‘Cerebral, deep and insightful.’

Source: All Out Cricket

'Impressively, the collection regularly delves into the sport's copious and diverse literature. … undoubtedly contributes to this social heritage. … written mainly by academics but is devoid of language that leaves you reaching for the dictionary and is priced so that it can be read outside of the university library.'

Source: The Morning Star

'… manages to be both a serious academic contribution to the literature of the subject and an entertaining read - even for those who … are not close followers of the game.'

Source: The Independent

'This Companion is to be welcomed because it provides a succession of informed insights into the current state of play … it is clear that sports historians in general and cricket historians in particular will find much that is interesting here and much to make them think.'

Source: Sport in History

'Impressively, the collection regularly delves into the sport’s copious and diverse literature.'

Jon Gemmell Source: Cricket Web (www.cricketweb.net)