Howzat for new cricket book from Oakham
Cricket coaches from Oakham School have swapped the crease for a publishers as they have brought out a new book on the sport.
Former Somerset and Derbyshire batsman Wesley Durston and Patrick Latham, who used to play for Cambridgeshire, have written and illustrated A Leading Edge, which focuses on the role of the captain in the game.
Patrick said: “Most cricket books are biographies focused on individual players or are histories of the game.
“A Leading Edge stands out as being a practical, accessible, and most importantly, interesting guide to cricket.”
Current and past players and umpires such as Somerset star Tom Abell and top-level umpire and former Northamptonshire player Rob Bailey, have contributed to the book, giving a variety of opinions on the game .
Old Oakhamian cricketers including former Leicestershire player Matthew Boyce and the School’s girls 1st XI captain, Amy Schanschieff.
As well as focussing on the technical side of the game, the book encourages players to really understand
it.
The pair were inspired to wrote the book in order to help players improve, develop and thrive on the pitch.
Wesley added: “The book goes far beyond just developing cricketing skills; it encourages readers to think about, and understand, all aspects of the game - touching on topics such as formulating a plan, setting a field for different bowlers and situations, as well as how to make tough decisions.
“There are no hard and fast rules of cricket captaincy; you learn by understanding the game and from the experience of playing.
“A Leading Edge is a cumulation of both our experience, and the experience of other leading cricketers, to give a ‘fast track’ to those who are, or who aspire to be, captains.”
Both Wesley and Patrick are now coaches at Oakham School, hoping to bring through the next Stuart Broad.
Wesley plays for Oakham Town CC while Patrick represents for Uppingham Town CC.
The book, which is set to be the first in a series, is available on Amazon and also at Walkers Books in
Oakham.
