daksheshthacker's review
5.0
In the body of work on sports, cricket accounts for copious amounts of literature ranging from biographies and memoirs to statistical analysis. Authors from across the Commonwealth have dedicated their lifetimes to chronicle the game which in my opinion at least in the Test format is a reflection of life. In this vast expanse, Mike Brearley's book on probably the most difficult role in the game covers a bird's eye view of the game from the captain's lens.
The Art of Captaincy definitely requires the reader to be familiar with certain nuances of the game which come with years of engaging with the game. However, Brearley's strength lies in bringing out the people side of the game and how the game is shaped by the motivations, strengths and weaknesses of the players. There are three clear take aways from this book.
First, a rudimentary approach on how to work with people in different roles and supporting them to achieve their best to reach the team's goal. Second, understanding the people of the opposition and ensuring your own preparation meets the challenge that needs to be overcome. The third and probably most debated in media is cricketing ethics. Brearley addresses certain tricky aspects of the game like sledging, appealing which impact the way the game is viewed.
At all times, Brearley derives from his massive pool of experiences ranging from school to Test cricket. The book is peppered with stories of him working with some of the greats of the game like Botham, Boycott and Tony Greig.
There are two sets of people who will enjoy The Art of Captaincy. The first are the cricketing purists who love the game for what it is: a contest between bat and ball much like life is a tussle between problems and solutions. Brearley's anecdotes, historical connections all bring in a clear stately aura which we now miss in the T20 era. The second are those who have an inclination psychology and people management. Insights from Brearley's experiences will provide a sporting outlook to these macro aspects of life.
In conclusion, The Art of Captaincy maybe best suited for the die hard cricket fans who know the game, thereby filtering the audience it can appeal to. However, all credit goes to the writer to detail the mechanics of the mind and transport you to another era of the game which endeared it to audiences across the globe.
The Art of Captaincy definitely requires the reader to be familiar with certain nuances of the game which come with years of engaging with the game. However, Brearley's strength lies in bringing out the people side of the game and how the game is shaped by the motivations, strengths and weaknesses of the players. There are three clear take aways from this book.
First, a rudimentary approach on how to work with people in different roles and supporting them to achieve their best to reach the team's goal. Second, understanding the people of the opposition and ensuring your own preparation meets the challenge that needs to be overcome. The third and probably most debated in media is cricketing ethics. Brearley addresses certain tricky aspects of the game like sledging, appealing which impact the way the game is viewed.
At all times, Brearley derives from his massive pool of experiences ranging from school to Test cricket. The book is peppered with stories of him working with some of the greats of the game like Botham, Boycott and Tony Greig.
There are two sets of people who will enjoy The Art of Captaincy. The first are the cricketing purists who love the game for what it is: a contest between bat and ball much like life is a tussle between problems and solutions. Brearley's anecdotes, historical connections all bring in a clear stately aura which we now miss in the T20 era. The second are those who have an inclination psychology and people management. Insights from Brearley's experiences will provide a sporting outlook to these macro aspects of life.
In conclusion, The Art of Captaincy maybe best suited for the die hard cricket fans who know the game, thereby filtering the audience it can appeal to. However, all credit goes to the writer to detail the mechanics of the mind and transport you to another era of the game which endeared it to audiences across the globe.
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