The Physics of Cricket: From Hotspot to Statistics

Original edition reissued in 2023 with new cover. This is a print on demand title and is not held in stock. The delivery leadtimes will be longer. This book looks at the science behind cricket – not just physics – explaining to the armchair fan and the sportsman alike how many different branches of science come together on a cricket field to produce the end result that is the game that we watch with such passion. This is done in a way that should be understandable to the intelligent layman and to people with a basic grounding in science, but illustrative to people with a deeper understanding of the principles involved.

Table of Contents:
Introduction A short history of cricket What odds at the toss? Lies, damm lies and averages Arms race I: the batman's weapon Arms race II: the bowler's artillery Not quite a good reflection Ballistics for beginners (and batsmen) Pakistani hydrodynamics Aiding the umpire Cricketers do it on grass

About the Author :
Mark Kidger is an ardent cricket fan. He gave his first astronomy talk at Bristol Astronomical Society at 14 years old. Since he has written about and lectured on diverse science topics from the Star of Bethlehem to climate change. He has appeared on radio and television in many countries and has appeared in several documentaries including the BBC’s “EarthStory”, “Star of Bethlehem” (2008) and Arte’s “The Three Kings: tracing the myth” (2008), as well as appearing four times on the BBC’s “The Sky at Night”. Mark has written four popular books on astronomy. He has also written for numerous magazines and newspapers including writing a monthly column on comets and meteors for the Spanish astronomy magazine “Tribuna de Astronomia”. Since 2006 he has worked for the European Space Agency’s Herschel Space Observatory, the largest telescope ever to be launched into space.

Review :
What a joy to finally see the vagaries of the glorious game, known as cricket, tackled head on in this brilliant and concise attempt to shed the uncompromising light of science on all of its mysteries and wonders. Written with a genuine warmth and passion for the intricacies of the sport, this book does not fail to deliver in its attempt to delve into the murky world of spin, swing and stats to reveal its innermost secrets. Whether you are a dedicated player looking to improve their game, or an enthusiastic follower captured by its charm, you will find the contents of The Physics Of Cricket a useful and informative insight into all of the questions the game has posed since its inception. Utilising the full range of theories and practises that modern science can offer, in a complete and unifying approach the author begins to lay bare all of the innate workings that captivate and fascinate players and spectators the world over. Along with the usual host of formulae and diagrams to draw upon the book is punctuated with a series of historical examples and personal anecdotes, providing not only context for what is being studied but also conveying the author's passion and love for cricket. This elevates the book from a mere academic exercise into something more personal that allows the reader to be drawn in without feeling like they are being bludgeoned with impenetrable scientific terminology or working. The result is an engaging and fascinating resource that can be returned to again and again In its quest to explore all the minutiae of the sport this delightful book itself unfolds much like a good game of cricket: endlessly compelling. -- Alexander Grayston 20110902