REVIEW: THE ICC Cricket World Cup is in full swing and, with England firmly on course to reach the semi-finals, there is no better time to look back on the history of the competition in an exciting new book.
Forty-four years after the inaugural event in England, the World Cup is back on home soil for a fifth time and favourites England are bidding to finally get their hands on the famous trophy after suffering final heartache in 1979, 1987 and 1992.
The Official History of the ICC Cricket World Cup is out now and provides scorecards, analysis, unique insights, quirky interviews and stunning imagery from the previous 11 tournaments which have fascinated hundreds of millions of cricket fans across the globe.
Look back at a time when any score of 250 or above off 50 overs was considered a daunting run chase and remember the exploits of greats of the game including Adam Gilchrist, Imran Khan, Viv Richards, Sachin Tendulkar, Ian Botham, Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, Muttiah Muralitharan and many more.
Contributing authors include Wisden and MCC Book of the Year 2019 winner Geoff Lemon, former Wisden book of the Year winner Jon Hotten, Wisden India editor Suresh Menon, Nightwatchman editors Tanya Aldred, Matt Thacker and Benj Moorehead and Wisden Cricket Monthly editors Phil Walker and Jo Harman.
Comprehensive statistics are provided by TMS statistician Andy Zaltzman so, when rain halts play as it already has done during this World Cup, this 248-page hardback book will prove intriguing and indispensable for cricket lovers.
The Official History of the ICC Cricket World Cup is available to buy direct from the publishers for £14.99 (RRP £20) from wisden.com/shop.
