Ian Gould may be better known these days as a fine umpire but he has performed in many facets of the game as a player and coach. He was part of the England 1983 World Cup squad which reached the semi-final stage, and enjoyed a fine county career as a wicket-keeper/batsman.

Although entitled Gunner My Life in Cricket, Ian could justifiably add other sports into the name of the book as it seemed possible that he might have been lost to cricket and played football at an earlier age. He also enjoys horses - but, wise man, with just the occasional, modest bet.

When I think of Ian Gould, it is always the catch he took as substitute for England against Australia at Melbourne in 1982/83 to dismiss Greg Chappell. Ian mentions that the same catch nowadays would be considered routine but I still reckon it was pretty decent. It helped England to eventually win the Test by just three runs.

Readers will learn much about the life of an international umpire in the first half of the book whilst Ian's career is covered in good detail afterwards. He starts with the furore of the sandpaper incident which saw three Australian players banned and where he was one of the officials. His account of life as an elite umpire, the preparation required and insights makes for fascinating reading.

Ian's account of his life is a frank and enjoyable one and there will be a few smiles at some of his japes during his playing days with England, Middlesex and Sussex. Ian also recounts a period of depression from which he has now fortunately recovered.

Written in an engaging and easy style, Ian writes candidly about his life and his book is bound to be enjoyed by many.