Almanac Book Review: ‘Citrus Bob’s Ashes Diary 2021-22’

 

 

 

 

Citrus Bob’s Ashes Diary  Bob Utber

ISBN 9780648776902

 

Like many cricket fans, an Ashes tour is an eagerly awaited event.

 

It was no different for me as I dragged my chair towards the TV in anticipation of the opening session, lowered myself down, eyes glued to the TV as Mitchell Starc ran in to bowl the first ball of the match. Along with the millions watching I could not believe what happened next; Rory Burns is bowled first ball of the series!  That ball came to symbolise all that was wrong with English cricket, from the poor decision making by the English selectors, and of course, Joe Root’s decision to bat all contributed to setting in place the tone for a disastrous tour by the Poms in 2021 -22.

 

Much loved ‘international cricket correspondent for the Footy Almanac’ Citrus Bob Utber described the ball as ‘a ripper from the much maligned Mitchell Starc’ in the opening pages of his wonderful account of the Ashes series in his new book, Citrus Bob’s Ashes Diary 2021-22..

 

At the Footy Almanac we envy Citrus Bob and covet his role as a cricket scribe, a role we’d all love! Sitting in comfort in press boxes at Test venues nationwide with the game’s top scribes provides Bob a bird’s eye view of the cricket, and from these observations he writes informative, entertaining ,and often witty recounts of each day’s play. These reports published  on the Footy Almanac site attracted a large audience, and stimulated many in-depth comments from readers regarding individual thoughts and reactions to the day’s play, and  of course, Bob’s reports. Bob quickly recognised the possibilities of a book evolving from his daily reports, the resultant outcome is the production of this fabulous book.

 

The format of this marvellous book incorporates the presentation of the day’s cricket from a number of different perspectives to provide a wide ranging summary of play from the various points of view. Bob provides ‘quick singles’ to highlight press comments or issues in the lead up to the day’s play or from the previous day, the daily match report is often followed by some ‘short third man random ramblings’ snippets of spur of the moment thoughts occurring to Bob during play, and ‘Comments from the Almanackers’ furnish an intelligent, thought provoking review of the day’s play. The interactions between Citrus Bob and the Almanackers certainly add an entertaining and extra dimension to the story of each day’s play throughout the Ashes Test series. Of course, Citrus Bob’s reports are presented in his inimitable and knowledgeable style reflecting his well thought out views and opinions, and attention to detail. It is a pleasure to read.

 

For something different in a cricket book this book is the answer. It is a memorable account of an outstanding performance by the Australian Test team against the ‘old foe’, and one that should be in every cricket lover’s library.

 

Citrus Bob’s Ashes Diary (very limited edition)  is $45 plus postage and can be purchased from Bob via email – [email protected] or phone Bob on 0407 513357.

 

Bob’s previous book, Heart & Soul – is $35 plus postage.

 

Both books can be purchased at the reduced price of $60 plus postage

 

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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