Daniel Lane (text), 2016-17 Big Bash Book, Allen & Unwin, Nov 2016, 192pp., $29.99 (pbk), ISBN: 9781760291419
For anyone who follows Australian cricket this is a treasure trove of statistics, information and inspiration. With colour photos throughout, this paperback covers a lot of ground, reviewing the 2015-16 Big Bash League series and giving a preview of the 2016 series, including the match draws, dates and locations.
After an introduction by Lane, Adam Gilchrist discusses the rise of the Big Bash League and the day that it took its place as “an essential thread in the fabric of an Australian summer”. An article about Mike Hussey’s retirement follows, then the book moves into interviews with a number of cricketers about their experiences and inspiration. The main part of the book offers a lot of detail about each of the teams that make up the league, including facts and figures, key players, match draws for the current season, prospects, challenges, interviews with players and photos from the last season. Later in the book the same information is provided for the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) teams, along with an article about the rise of the WBBL.
The book also features information about the various cricket grounds, a breakdown of all the games of the 2015-16 series, with statistics and quotes from players, and a section on gobsmacking moments from the matches, again with plenty of photos. The remainder of the book is taken up with double-page spreads about big performers from the various teams, with photos, biographical information and relevant statistics. There’s even a page for autographs at the back of the book.
The Big Bash Book is well organised and visually interesting, with lots of break out boxes and photos. It’s written in a very direct, exciting style. With its colourful design, copious statistics and interesting player interviews, it will be a treasured resource for kids (and adults!) who love cricket.
Reviewed by Rachel Le Rossignol
