{"title":"Mike Brearley","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the captivating works of \u003cem\u003eMike Brearley\u003c\/em\u003e, one of cricket's most insightful minds, available in our sports collection. A former English cricketer and respected captain, Brearley has transitioned his deep understanding of the game into a celebrated writing career. His books delve into the nuances and philosophies of cricket, offering readers a chance to engage with the sport on a deeper level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn his remarkable book, \u003cem\u003eSpirit of Cricket\u003c\/em\u003e, Brearley gracefully examines the ethos that defines the beloved game. Drawing from his experiences on the field, he combines personal anecdotes with critical analysis, providing a thoughtful perspective that appeals to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're seeking to gain a deeper appreciation of cricket or to simply enjoy an engaging read, Mike Brearley's books offer the perfect blend of insight and entertainment. Add his works to your collection and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of cricket, as articulated by one of its finest figures.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"spirit-of-cricket-by-mike-brearley-9781472133960","title":"Spirit of Cricket","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIf someone were to say 'it's not tennis', or 'not football' of shabby behaviour in any walk of life, he or she would not be understood. If they said 'it's not cricket', they probably would be (though less reliably than a century ago). Is there some special spirit of cricket?\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe laws of cricket, like the laws of the land, aim at a sort of justice or balancing between different factions. The purpose behind cricket's laws, and behind changes in them, is often to calibrate the balance in the game between batsmen and bowlers, between attack and defence, between safety and risk. Cricketing lawmakers are interested in the overall appeal of the game to players and spectators alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eSpirit of Cricket\u003c\/i\u003e, Mike Brearley alternates between issues and examples within the game - from 'Mankading' and the 'Sandpaper' affair to sledging, mental disintegration, and racism - as well as broader issues such as the spirit and letter of the law. Brearley examines the issue of how far what purports to be justice (in law or in spirit) may or may not be the expression of the powerful within the activity or within society. He also contrasts cheating and corruption and reflects on the nature of penalties in regard to each. He discusses the significance of the notion of the spirit of the game for umpires, groundsmen, administrators, media, and spectators - and, of course, for players.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIntelligent and insightful, \u003ci\u003eSpirit of Cricket\u003c\/i\u003e points to qualities in cricket that enhance our development as people - including a sense of fair play, the embracing of striving both for our team and for ourselves, and the important values of playfulness in life and professional sport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46833485906156,"sku":"9781472133960","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/3477123482712.jpg?v=1758463165"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/mike-brearley.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}