CRICKONOMICS: The Anatomy of Modern Cricket by Tim Wigmore & Stefan Szymanski
Introduction
A journey of the Gentlemen’s game through numbers, data and its evolution. Stefan Szymanski providing expertise on the Economic side of Cricket coupled with Tim Wigmores historical and tactical facts provides the perfect opportunity for any reader to seek a diversified and renewed perspective about the game. From the influence of private schools on the number of cricketers produced in England to the space and potential present in the women’s setup, this book sets you up to learn more about different aspects of life whilst Cricket the game is a figurative medium of messaging used by the authors.
Author Backgrounds
The book is co-authored by Tim Wigmore and Stefan Szymanski, both providing valuable insights for the readers to enjoy.
Tim Wigmore is an award-winning journalist who corresponds for ‘The Economist’, ‘ESPNcricinfo’ and ‘The New York Times’. Former winner of the CMJ Young Cricket Journalist of the Year had his very first publication, ‘Second XI: Cricket in its Outposts’ named as The Guardian’s sports books for the year 2015. His vast experience with analytics in English County cricket provides statistical support whilst the journalist also brings loads of historical facts along.
Stefan Szymanski is a professor of Economics at London Business School. Presently instructing Sports management at the University of Michigan. Author of the famous book “Soccernomics”. He hails from the United States and brings an outsider perspective to an otherwise relatively well-known sport.
Understanding Crickonomics
The most important aspect when evaluating any piece of literature is its complexity and whether or not it can be understood and interpreted by the target audience as desired by the authors. Crickonomics has exceeded expectations in this regard, Ed Smith writes in the Financial Times, “It’s the kind of gently unsentimental analysis that informs the whole book.” This highlights the unbiased portrayal of various technical aspects being easily understood by a wider range of readers from around the world.
Critical Evaluation
When a person makes an informed decision to read a book, several factors are under consideration. After carefully assessing the authors and their writing styles the person focuses on the actual content of the scripture itself. As far as Crickonomics is concerned, its content ranges from a wide variety of events, facts and figures and objective future projections.
Firstly, the authors build a general persona of the game itself by giving historical evidence and asking key questions, e.g. “Do the schools young cricketers go to have an impact on their chances to be selected for the national sides?”. Data dating back almost a century is then funneled to provide an accurate response to the question.
It also goes beyond cricket and gives cultural and political insight. As an example, how the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan cemented their bright future in cricket (butterfly effect) and also a cultural insight into the Victorian era by talking about how women were equally there with men to begin with. Highlights like these make very intriguing historical events relatable and develop good storylines in a book focusing on all times and eras.
The significance of creating a more inclusive environment around the sport and involving women to take part in making history is also stressed. The example of the Brazil Cricket Board and how they are working to ensure professionalism in the women’s game, also sheds light on the financial disparity between the two genders as well as the successful and comparatively less successful nations by using the proven numbers and data makes the book even more engaging. “More money helps players develop as youngsters, decisions on the future of the game will be shaped by what draws eyeballs and wallets, and a small amount of money could (but probably won’t) globalize the game (for both men and women) if targeted correctly.” (All Sports Book)
The involvement of fans and the monetary benefits of having a larger fanbase are more cumulative factors contributing to the steady progress and evolution of the sport. By using data like the comparative analysis of average viewership of The Ashes (Test series held between Australia and England) and the Indian Premier League the authors inculcate an element of curiosity as to what the future holds for the ultimate stakeholders of Cricket.
Complimenting the very reader-friendly style of composition by the authors would be an understatement, as they have successfully managed to achieve their target of making a very sheltered aspect of the entire sporting industry easily accessible and discernible to all. This book simultaneously serves the purpose of providing in-depth knowledge to people who are already fans of the sport whilst being a great introduction to new inductees of the sport from various cultural, ethnic and educational backgrounds.
Relevance
Books that indulge readers in scientific facts and historical connections often lack real-life pertinence. This is where ‘Crickonomics’ sets itself apart from most of its comparisons, a reader reflects upon the events and facts stated in the book and the only question that arises is whatever the authors have wanted answered. As an illustration, there is a chapter in the book based on a singular question, “Did the cold cost India a Test series win in England?”. Most minds start reflecting towards a certain series in difficult climatic conditions, even readers who are unaware have the option to explore the subject even further by going over the statements given in the book. Rather than stating plain facts that hold no relevant importance in readers’ minds, the writers have successfully developed a sense of authenticity and relatability within the minds of the readers.
Visual Aids and Fact Checks
The intentional use of diagrammatic representation of facts and figures creates an air of sense from the authors end, signifying the command they have over their skills. There were many facts presented in the books, ranging from different timestamps to different geo-locations. Whilst many readers can easily believe what they read, the writers realizing that their audience includes a highly intelligent and inquisitive group, gave their references of the events and facts they used and their statistical database is already easily available online.
Constructive Critique
Although the book covers all major bases there are a few noteworthy omissions and some constructive judgments that are worth mentioning. The first omission that comes to mind is of the South African Cricket and its issues. How have the racial quotas negatively impacted the game and its image? Also worth noting is that the emotional element of the sport and relatability with fans in this regard is also something that could have added more profoundness to the book. An already neglected format of this sport- One Day Internationals, discussions concerning its revival and progression could have added more nuance to the text. These are some suggestions that a reader or a cricket fan felt the need to point out.
Conclusion
Crickonomics — “The Anatomy of Modern Cricket”. Lives up to its name and reviews providing a perfect balance between fascinating historical storytelling and precise number-crunching. The report explored different factors making this a good read and the reason behind this book sending a larger more contextual message across that is; Cricket is a game for all!
Both the authors, Wigmore and Szymanski are undoubtedly pioneers of modern-day sports literature and have inspired many others like me to pursue our passion for sports writing after relishing penmanship of the highest calibre.
