The only surprise about this excellent tutorial book is that it has taken until now for a book to be published about the very different skills required for the shortest
version of the game.

I seem to remember players sometimes appearing to suggest that Twenty20
was a bit of a fun when it was first played in England in 2003 but not any longer. Now that it is the game's main money-spinner, the whole perception has changed and players have to adapt to its different concept and different skills are required.

The book's authors, Matt Homes and Darren Talbot, have produced a very easy-to-read format with five sections covering batting, bowling, fielding, wicketkeeping and fitness with many illustrations which complement the text. Within these sections are an introduction and appraisal of the wide range of shots and bowling skills now
perfected by the players. It is doubtful that the M.C.C Coaching manual would have its own section, for example, the Dilscoop!

All aspects of batting, bowling, fielding and wicketkeeping are very well covered in each section and the depth which the authors go to is very praiseworthy. How to play an array of shots, running between the wickets, how to bowl any number of different balls, the various fielding techniques make this an indispensable guide for any aspiring cricketer.

With fitness now vital in this most frenetic of games, the last chapter is devoted to this most important aspect and a wide range of tests and drills are recommended to complete this excellent tutorial guide.

Matt Homes and Darren Talbot are to be congratulated on this very well presented and easy to follow guide.