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Test Match Special - 50 Not Out
Test Match Special - 50 Not Out
Oct 3, 2024 7:20 AM

Author:Peter Baxter

Test Match Special - 50 Not Out

In 1957 a whole day's play of a Test Match was broadcast on BBC Radio for the first time with the slogan 'Don't miss a ball, we broadcast them all'.

This book celebrates 50 years of Test Match Special with anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, photos, reminiscences and champagne moments from five decades of top-quality cricket commentary. Sprinkled throughout are 'My First TMS Match' articles by a number of the programme's main contributors, including Jonathan Agnew, Harsha Bhogle, Henry Blofeld, Tony Cozier, Angus Fraser, Bill Frindall, Gerald de Kock, Simon Mann, Vic Marks, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, Jim Maxwell, Shilpa Patel, Mike Selvey, Donna Symmonds and Bryan Waddle.

Edited by Peter Baxter, the organising brain behind TMS and the programme's producer for 34 years, this is a comprehensive and celebratory account of this most respected and prestigious brand in cricket and an essential read for all fans of the game.

Reviews

Revealing and compelling... Events that we thought we’d seen from every angle are given a fresh twist

—— Tim Lewis , Observer

Like the man himself, captivating

—— Simon Yeend , Daily Express

We get raw thrilling Wiggins, as if we’re his mates in the pub as he tells us how he won the Tour de France and Olympic gold for afters

—— Nick Pitt , Sunday Times

Listening to Bradley Wiggins is a pleasure unmatched in British sport. Whether the topic is gearing or psychology, Wiggins speaks in paragraphs of pure practical wisdom, liberally peppered with swearwords... The latest reflections from the sage of Kilburn ring true and clear

—— Rowland Manthorpe , Sunday Telegraph

It bristles with details of his sinew-straining dedication and the almost maniacal attention to detail that powers any athlete to legend status

—— Charlotte Heathcote , Sunday Express

The most extraordinary feat of the most extraordinary year in British sport ... captured

—— Steven Howard , The Sun

It is the details that linger: the two-hour training sessions in a shed heated to 40C; the fanaticism about losing weight

—— Sarah Crompton , Daily Telegraph

Naturally there are a plethora of autobiographies from Olympic stars... Given his unrivalled success this year along with his blunt honesty and sharp wit, Wiggins’ book promises to be the most interesting read of them all

—— Rowing and Regatta

A straight first-hand account of Wiggins’s path to Tour and Olympic glory

—— Cycle Sport

Sporting hero Bradley Wiggins opens up about life on and off the wheels in this candid book

—— Asda magazine

2012 belongs to one cyclist more than any other, Bradley Wiggins. His autobiography, My Time, like Pendleton's much helped by the choice of co-writer, in Wiggins' case the superlative William Fotheringham. Wiggins' story is unsurprisingly dominated by the account his book provides of what it took to become the first British rider to win the Tour de France. But in the course of telling the tale his image as an everyday hero is absolutely confirmed with all the necessary detail and insight both cynics and fans would require. He is truly not only a great athlete but a great guy too. No BBC hoopla or appointment at the palace is required to confirm this well-deserved status

—— Mary Perryman , Huffington Post UK

charts his incredible feats this year

—— Aline Reed , Sunday Express

An absorbing read for cycling aficionados and newcomers alike, delving into most levels of Wiggins existence – cyclist, team leader, husband, father, son – during the most important years of his life

—— Road Cycling

Covers not only the highs of the last two seasons but the lows

—— London Cyclist

In the course of telling the tale, his image as an everyday hero is absolutely confirmed with all the necessary detail and insight both cynics and fans would require

—— Mark Perryman , Morning Star

Conveys the most engaging personality of this almost comically unpretentious bloke, who never thought that Tour winners came from Kilburn

—— Geoffrey Wheatcroft , New Statesman

Compelling and often emotional account... Outspoken, honest, intelligent and fearless, Wiggins has been hailed as the people’s champion

—— Yorkshire Post

A genuinely up-lifting read

—— Alan Pattullo , The Scotsman

Engaging

—— Malachy Clerkin , Irish Times

My Time conveys the most engaging personality of this almost comically unpretentious bloke, who never thought that Tour de France winners came from Kilburn

—— Geoffrey Wheatcroft , New Statesmen

There is plenty of material for cycling aficionados … but his story is also of interest to the general reader

—— Lewis Jones , Spectator

Who could resist finding out more about the sideburned new superstar of British cycling

—— Daily Telegraph

Euphoria does not last forever and so the race is always on to ensure that the books is read for those keen to know of to re-live the spine tingling moments of triumph. My Time is not at all the worst of this kind of output. Indeed, it might be among the best...there is plenty of fascinating detail

—— Alison Rudd , The Times

Give sports fans a glimpse into what it takes to win gold

—— Closer

Fascinating...it covers most levels of Wiggins existence – cyclist, team leader, husband, father, son – during the most important years of his life, with the candour that has become his trademark...co-written by Guardian sports writer, William Fotheringham, who helps to tell the story in the direct but eloquent tone that Wiggins watchers will recognise countless radio and television interviews. It is an absorbing read that covers Wiggins’ career from his departure from Garmin to his latest Olympic success. Cycling fans will relish the horse’s mouth accounts of the triumphs they have watched unfold this year, while newcomers to the sport, attracted by the man’s performances this year, both on and off the bike, should find more to enjoy

—— Timothy John , Road Cycling UK

If you love cycling, this makes a very welcome change from the rather saturated market of ‘cyclist doping confessions'

—— Cycling UK

What makes the book special for me is the love of cycling that comes through. His passion for the sport, for its history, his awareness of where he stands in the pantheon of Lycra-clad heroes, and his inability to truly comprehend his achievements all come across in waves. And in typical Wiggins fashion, he doesn’t dodge the difficult bits. He talks openly about the latest drugs scandal and the unwelcome role of moral enforcer which has been forced onto him by his newfound standing as Tour winner

—— Freewheeling France (blog)

A speedy guide to cycling success

—— The Times

Like the man, it’s engaging, modest and likeable, with the section on the Olympics especially fascinating

—— Simon Evans , Choice

An album of fascinating snapshots of Hemingway

—— Simon Shaw , Mail on Sunday

Paul Hendrickson writes with a great deal of passion…

—— Nudge

A terrific and fresh approach to the man

—— Daniel Woodrell , Financial Times
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