Review: 'W.G' by W.G.Grace

[dickens 100]

W.G Grace is arguably the greatest cricketer of alltime. He was the person who put cricket on the map, shattering every record in the process. This autobiography from 1899, when Grace last played for England, is a brilliant account of his astonishing career, it delves into his early life and personal recollections and his finest memories, and includes some wonderful black and white photographs

This is essential reading for any cricket fan. His early tours to America and Australia are both included, and his memorable time with his brothers, both very good cricketers.
The only disappointment is there is no mention of the memorable match between England and Australia in 1882, when the ashes were born. Requiring just 85 runs to win at the oval, England were all out for 77, just 8 runs short.
Australia were spurred on by the gamesmanship of W G Grace and their demon bowler Spofforth destroyed the English batting. His own account of this collapse, woud have been great reading,and the mock obituary which followed