BOOKS

Shane’s spin

Leg spin legend Shane Warne has led a dramatic life both on and off the field. However, unlike his bowling, which deceived batsmen no end, his approach towards the controversies and the drama that have surrounded him during his cricketing days and later, has been straightforward—take it on the chin and get on with it. His latest book touches upon the highs and lows of his cricketing career and personal life, from the initial match-fixing controversies of 1998 to the whirlwind romance and engagement to international celebrity Elizabeth Hurley.

He details his coaching and captaincy philosophy: Win a game, you get to party! And in the typical Warne way, he admits missing the razzmatazz that had become the bane of the IPL in the initial seasons. There is more about India, and the epic battles against the Men in Blue, including the famous 2001 Test in Kolkata. He puts the blame for Australia’s defeat squarely on Steve Waugh, for asking India to follow on—a decision he claimed was based on ego and not cricket tactics.

But this book is not about catharsis; far from it. Not too many regrets either. Rather, it is a book about one of the most colourful and less-than-perfect genius bowlers who bowled the perfect deliveries more often than not. It is enjoyable and racy, exactly the way Warne’s life is.

NO SPIN: MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Authors: Shane Warne
with Mark Nicholas

Publisher: Penguin Random House
Pages: 411

Price: Rs 699