Almanac Cricket: New book now available – ‘A View of Australia from Fine Leg’

 

 

 

A lightbulb lit up in my head at 2.00am on Day 2 of the Second Test of the 2019 Ashes Series. I realised how much I missed the game and came up with an idea…

 

‘Why don’t I strap on my cricket pads again this season and play 10 games across Australia, each for a new cricket club, and then turn it into a book?’

 

The adventure was born!

 

I went through a battle with depression a decade ago and, thankfully, came out the other side. I committed myself to using this tour to raise funds for mental health as well as helping people along the way by sharing this story.

 

I travelled over 10,000 kilometres, pulling on the whites for a diverse mix of fantastic cricket clubs. I found myself trapped by a bushfire, travelling 1600 kilometres one day just for a Golden Duck and I was given a hand by greats of the game like Greg Chappell and Darren Lehmann.

 

The book is now available to purchase – a story about cricket, mental health and the fantastic people and places I encountered along the way, with a Foreword by Darren Lehmann.

 

The book would not have happened without the support of the Footy Almanac community. Over the last decade of writing for the Almanac  I developed the confidence and experience to back myself to take on this project and write a book. I will be forever in debt to The Footy Almanac.

 

When I thought of this project, I knew that my Footy Almanac mates Luke Reynolds (Pomborneit Cricket Club) and Malcolm ‘Rulebook’ Ashwood (Payneham Cricket Club) would be able to help me line up at least two clubs.

 

John Harms as always has been extremely generous with his time and advice and his passion and commitment to the Almanac concept has provided the opportunity for myself and hundreds of other novice writers to find a voice through the Almanac.

 

Another great friend of the Almanac Ian Hauser, provided the editing services and the polish and expertise to my initial manuscript.

 

The book is available for $20 (plus P&H) with profits to go towards mental health foundation Gotcha4Life.

 

 

https://inhousebookstore.com.au/products/a-view-of-australia-from-fine-leg

 

 

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.

 

To find out more about Almanac memberships CLICK HERE

 

About craig dodson

Born in the sporting mecca that is Wagga Wagga and now reside in Melbourne with my lovelly wife Sophie and son's Jack and Harry. Passionate Swans supporter and formally played cricket at a decent level and Aussie Rules at a not so decent level! Spend my days now perfecting my slice on the golf course and the owner of the worlds worst second serve on the tennis course.

Comments

  1. Well done, Craig.
    I look forward to purchasing a copy.

  2. Magnificent, Craig, put me down to buy a copy.
    I love the front cover.

  3. Rulebook says

    Glad to help and as I said to you on the dog and bone likewise re selling the book mate

  4. I too look forward to purchasing a copy.

  5. matt watson says

    Can’t wait Craig!
    Mine will arrive next week.
    Well done.

  6. craig dodson says

    Thanks for the kind words and interest everyone.

  7. Good luck Craig! Congrats on your achievement. Cheer cheer

  8. Luke Reynolds says

    Can’t wait to read it Craig!

  9. Great effort Craig. I’m looking forward to reading your book. Cheers, Pamela

  10. Keiran Croker says

    Well done Craig. I’ll look forward to getting a copy and to the read.
    Looking forward to being able to write up a Swans game too, even if only viewing from the couch!

  11. craig dodson says

    Thanks KC..yes hopefully some footy writing this year

  12. Pamela Sherpa says

    Hi Craig, I really enjoyed your book, well done. I’m about to order some more copies to distribute to friends and relatives. Having grown up in a small country town , I could relate to the importance that sporting clubs have on people’s lives. You’ve captured the essence of this so well. I love your humour and honesty. Great effort . Well played! It’s not always about the score, but gee, a win is nice sometimes!

  13. craig dodson says

    Hi Pamela,

    That’s very kind of you to say, really glad you enjoyed it. Being a Country boy originally myself, I totally agree about their impotence, as much as ever in this day and age.

    All the best.

    Craig

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