Set during Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket revolution, this book tells the story of the Australian Test cricketers plucked from the backwaters of the domestic game to take on full-strength international sides. These men became known as the 'Establishment Boys', and they all have important stories to share.
Set during Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket revolution, this book tells the story of the Australian Test cricketers plucked from the backwaters of the domestic game to take on full-strength international sides. Some became cricketing greats. Others were lost in the footnotes of history. But all have important stories to share. From 1977/78 to the reconciliation, two Australian sides competed in parallel universes: World Series Cricket's glamorous rock star realm and the attritional reality of Test cricket fought by predominantly younger, poorly paid men honouring the baggy green. Friendships were broken, and new bonds formed, as the public first sided with the traditional game before backing World Series Cricket in greater numbers. Kerry Packer eventually won the cricketing war. However, Test cricket survived because of those who carried the Australian banner for the game. These players became known as the 'Establishment Boys' and until now they have barely been acknowledged.
"While much has been written about the Packer Revolution, this excellent book redresses the balance. The Establishment Boys tells the story of those who stuck with the Board... a well-written book... the author has found a relevant gap in the game's history and filled it admirably, revealing a deep understanding of the game and a sharp eye for the technical aspects of batting and bowling."
-- Douglas Miller The Cricket Statistician"An important book about the Australian Test team during the tumultuous years of World Series Cricket from the author of Second Innings... In the last line of his book Barry Nicholls writes: ‘It’s time to bring the Establishment Boys home.’ He has done just that."
The Newtown Review of Books"Nicholls contends that the 24 official Australia Tests during the Packer schism have been overlooked. Some of the 23 players went on to greater things but others are barely remembered. This description of each series and 'a what happened to' is well worth a read."
The Cricketer"I enjoyed the book which is well-written and packed full of new information and I'd cheerfully recommend it. It does more than merely fill a gap in cricket history - it's a fine addition to the canon."
-- John Symons ACS JournalBarry Nicholls is a former A-grade district cricketer who has written about the sport for three decades. He also broadcasted on ABC Radio for nearly 20 years. Barry has written nine books, including You Only Get One Innings: Family, Mates and the Wisdom of Cricket and For Those Who Wait: The Barry Jarman Story and The Pocket History of the Ashes. He has also contributed to Inside Sport, Wisden Cricketers' Almanac Australia and other publications.
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