Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2021

Considering the start of the cricket season kept being delayed, some wondered if there would even be an Almanack this year, but even in those dark days of WW1 and WW2, Wisden still managed to find its way onto the shelves [sort of], albeit in very shortened lengths, so there was hope. When the curtailed season did start on 4th August, despite all the mayhem going on, we knew.Coming in at around 300 pages shy of what we’re used to, though surprisingly, it’s still bigger than any Wisden pre-1980, the 158th edition of our ‘Bible’ contains everything you expect, there’s just not as much of it as you might like. The writing is its usual top-notch and the 'Notes by the Editor' doesn't pull any punches, as always, before we get to the meat of the whole thing; the stats section. The features on the history of cricket bats and the unfortunate demise of first-class University cricket are the best of an excellent bunch whilst the obituaries always make sad reading, and those non cricketers who get mentioned include Frank Bough, Nicholas Parsons, Nobby Stiles and Tim Brooke-Taylor. The photos show to what lengths some go to play a game.But, like most other devotees probably do, the first thing I always turn to is the section on my own team (Kent), which made better reading than usual, and I was also pleased to see Darren Stevens as one of the ‘Five Cricketers of the Year’, and being the oldest since 1933, and fourth oldest ever, to receive the accolade, so congratulations to him. Fortunately, there was enough domestic and overseas cricket played to be able to choose five and satiate us all.With the season underway and into its second round of matches, there isn’t really much more to say, only that the format for this season's Championship is a bit different but it does mean counties play others they might not have entertained for many years. You know you’re going to buy it anyway and spend days and weeks digesting every word inside and hope it will keep you going until the 2022 Almanack drops onto your doormat. It's just a shame we won't be able to browse the pages whilst waiting for the rain to stop.

Buy this for my husband's birthday each year as he is an avid cricket fan. This year it is quite a lot smaller due to the pandemic but still gratefully received to add to his collection.

It was bought as as a present. It has been a very desired present for the last 50 years so I don't think this copy will disappoint!

The product is as good as ever

Amazing service and excellent product.

A great Winter read.

I’m never terribly sure why anyone reviews the annual edition of this book. Everyone knows what it is, and how it’s laid out (notes from the author, articles from the great and good about certain cricketing topics, followed by page after page of statistics on the English and International cricket in the 2020-21 cricket year). This year is no different.You’re a certain type of collector/stats nerd if you buy and/or read this book. You’ll enjoy this as a stats nerd if you’re said stats nerd. If you’ve read previous editions before, and enjoyed them, you’ll enjoy this book. If you’re starting out on your cricketing journey, it’s expensive, perhaps have a skim through it first to see if it’s really for your cup of tea.