Douglas Jardine - Spartan Cricketer - Christopher Douglas
Douglas
Jardine - Spartan Cricketer - More
Information Here
Christopher
Douglas gives us an enthralling account of Douglas
Jardine's life
 Douglas
Jardine, captain of Surrey and England was more often
than not a very misunderstood man. He was a shy man,
very dedicated to his chosen sport and a wonderful
father; what more could you ask for? However Jardine
is now and forever more associated with Bodyline and
the political fiasco that ensued way back in 1932-33,
73 years ago this season.
Bodyline
(an intimidating form of bowling at the batsman's
body) was devised to curb the talented young batsman
from Australia called Don Bradman, later to become
Sir Donald Bradman after his services to cricket.
It worked and England won the Bodyline series by four
games to one, Bradman's average was half what was
expected from the boy from Bowral. Despite this, Bradman
still averaged more than any other player in the series.
The
words unsportsmanlike and intimidating were used not
only during but long after the 1932-33 series, both
Governments were highly involved and England threatened
to call the tour off prematurely but at a time of
a deep depression in Australia, both the Australian
Government and Australian Control Board could ill
afford the loss in revenue and under duress, withdrew
the term unsportsmanlike.
Jardine
and the Nottinghamshire fast bowler Harold Larwood
were made the scapegoats and both had their international
careers cut short although Jardine did play against
the West Indies the following season. Larwood refused
to apologise for his part in Bodyline and because
of this the MCC told him he would never play for England
again - he never regretted his decision he said later.
The
book is a wonderful account of the Harlequins life,
from his days at Winchester school, through Oxford
and his time as captain for Surrey and England. It's
about time someone wrote an account of his life, he
has for so long been recognised as a major part of
cricketing history, it's rather odd that few books
were written about the player.More
Information Here
He
was an intelligent, complex and caring father despite
the popular press of the time labelling him as an
arrogant, selfish and inflexible character. Due to
his shyness and sensitivity, most people misunderstood
him including his school and team mates and while
others partied, he preferred his own solitude. This
quite often worked against him certainly at Winchester
were he finished school with only a handful of true
friends.
Bodyline
as you would expect is well covered in the book with
three chapters dedicated to the series including the
background, the tour and the ramifications of the
tour on his return to England. Great friends with
ex Surrey captain Percy Fender, the book tells of
his struggles with Warner and his opposition to the
tactics used in the Test matches.
Douglas
Jardine died in 1958 but to this day remains an integral
part of cricketing folklore and history.
Not
only is this a great account of Douglas Jardines life
in cricket, the book published by Methuen UK, is highly
recommended and a valuable addition to any cricket
lovers collection.
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