Black Swan Summer: The Improbable Story of Western Australia's First Sheffield Shield

During the first season of Sheffield Shield cricket in Western Australia, an unrecognized team of inexperienced players achieved an incredible feat by winning Australian cricket's top prize at their first attempt. This remarkable story goes beyond the cricket competition, encompassing significant historical events such as Don Bradman's 100th century, India's first tour of Australia, and the country's political turmoil amidst World War II. Black Swan Summer, through personal recollections of the last three surviving cricketers from that season, vividly captures the essence of that hot and wet summer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2022
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

Black Swan Summer is a captivating tale that delves into the extraordinary events of Western Australia's inaugural Sheffield Shield cricket season. In this remarkable chapter, an unrecognized ensemble of inexperienced and unconventional players achieved an astounding feat by securing Australian cricket's most prestigious prize on their very first attempt. However, this narrative extends beyond a mere upset victory in a cricket competition. It serves as a chronicle of a summer filled with remarkable occurrences, including Don Bradman's historic 100th century, India's inaugural tour of Australia, and the country's descent into political turmoil, which went largely unnoticed amidst the fervor of the cricket matches.

The book intricately weaves together the stories of men who returned from the war to engage in the sport of cricket, the pervasive fear of communism, the influence of Mahatma Gandhi, the challenges of rationing, the legendary exploits of Keith Miller, the captivating performances of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, the technical mastery of Ray Lindwall's back foot, and the enigmatic presence of a boxer named the Alabama Kid. By drawing upon the personal recollections of the last three surviving cricketers from the 1947/48 season, the book vividly brings to life the scorching heat and humidity of that unforgettable summer.

Black Swan Summer is a captivating exploration of the intersection of sport, history, and culture, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal period in Australian cricket and society. It sheds light on the enduring connections between individuals, the impact of political events on the lives of ordinary people, and the enduring power of sports to unite and inspire. This captivating book is a must-read for cricket enthusiasts, history aficionados, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the human experience during a transformative era.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801502054