This book tells the stories of the most significant professional cricketers from the Oxford area over the last 200 years. Written by Michael Stimpson, the former Abingdon cricketer, it is well researched and includes some fascinating accounts of both cricketers and those related to the game such as bat and ball makers and groundsmen. The 19th century saw players such as the underarm bowler Peter Bancalari, round arm bowler David Burrin, and the legendary “Brusher” Rogers. At the start of the 20th Century Elmer Cotton, the founder of the famous sports shop carrying his name,  is included alongside former Test players George Brown and Johnny Arnold and Oxfordshire’s great all-rounder Charlie Walters. More recently players such as Tim Hancock, Rob Cunliffe, and Jack Brooks feature and there is a chapter on Oxfordshire’s Head Coach Rupert Evans. The book concludes with mention of the current set of Oxfordshire qualified players now with first-class counties.

I thoroughly recommend this book as, in addition to the most interesting stories about the people involved, it gives an excellent insight into the development of cricket in and around Oxford over the last 200 years.

To purchase a copy it can be obtained directly from Michael Stimpson at a price of £14, email [email protected] or phone 07484284431.