Playfair Cricket Annual 2005

View other editions of Playfair Cricket Annual 2005.
View books by Bill Frindall.

Incomplete Record - Rated
Bill Frindall has lost credibility as a statistician due to his unilateral refusal to accept the 'official' status of ICC World XI games and include them in his stats and writing.
Whatever one's opinion on the validity of these games, it is not up to Frindall to trim the stats to suit his prejudices.
the information on record.
Sadly, the best days of the Playfair Cricket Album are behind it and the cricket fan with an interest in the record is better placed with Wisden or cricinfo.

An Equally Essential Annual - Rated
Why this wonderful little annual is so often considered as a 'Poor Man's Wisden' is beyond me - both are essential for any cricket fan. Whilst Wisden's timeless Almanac is the last word in any discussion, and offers in-depth analysis of the season, Playfair serves to be the perfect companion for those who want easy access to statistics, records, and fixtures; and it is in this right where the book is untouchable.

By all means have Wisden on your shelves at home - it serves as a peerless commentary of the summer sport and makes a wonderful reference book for delving into cricket's past and present. Playfair on the other hand should be kept at your side, slipped into a back pocket and accompanying you to Test matches when all those little queries arise. It really is the essential companion for the season - you will be reaching for it with satisfying regularity!

The cricket fan's other essential book - Rated
'Playfair' cannot simply be written off as "the other cricket annual"; over the years it has taken on an invaluable role as the perfect complement to 'Wisden'. While the yellow bible stays at home and becomes both bedtime reading and ready reference, 'Playfair' is the little pocket volume which travels with you, to matches, down the pub, to your own local green where you play for the works or pub side. It offers you the statistics on the current crop of county and international players, a form guide to what might happen in the season to come. It's a fixtures list, fleshed out with some entertaining analysis and discussion.

First and foremost, 'Playfair' is designed to be used. 'Wisden' might spend time on the shelf, but 'Playfair' spends a lot of time being read - I imagine very few make it through a season in anything like pristine condition. 'Playfair' is a book every cricket fan should have, a ready reference to the game, a tightly written and well-presented little work which will stimulate your knowledge and understanding ... and maybe resolve the odd argument or two down the pub. You never look boring consulting 'Playfair' ... you merely look informed. Absolute essential for a lover of the English game.

Cricket Lovers - Rated
Great book and I think every cricket lover with cherish this book. I enjoyed the information about the West Indies. The details were very well covered. Another book cricket lovers will enjoy is The System by Roy Valentine. I just got that book and it is quite impressive.