The Tour: The Story of the England Cricket Team Overseas 1877-2022

England cricket tours are a unique phenomenon that presents participants with a prolonged test of skill, physical stamina, and mental resilience. The book "The Tour" examines the delicate chemistry that makes for a successful tour and why others disintegrate so badly. It looks at all aspects of the history of England's cricketers abroad, including the burden placed on the captain, diplomatic incidents, and the special pressures of playing in countries such as India and Pakistan. Touring has never lost its romance, with serious scrapes and much fun.

Format: Hardback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

An England cricket tour is a truly unique phenomenon, brimming with its own set of pressures, challenges, and remarkable highlights. It presents its participants, who are typically accustomed to the support networks they enjoy at home, with an extended test of skill, physical stamina, and mental resilience. Now, in his acclaimed book England: The Biography, Simon Wilde delves into the intricate chemistry that underpins a successful tour, exploring why some tours disintegrate while others flourish.

Since the 19th century, England has been embarking on cricket tours around the world, facing off against their rivals in various foreign lands. Initially, these journeys were undertaken by boat, often spanning several months and exposing players to unfamiliar and challenging conditions. However, with the advent of air travel, journey times were significantly reduced, and facilities improved, yet the challenges remained. Players now face the added pressures of homesickness, isolation, hostile crowds, and an opposition determined to win at all costs. For some, the experience can be overwhelming, while others thrive in the heat and dust of battle.

The Tour takes a comprehensive look at the history of England's cricketers abroad, encompassing the responsibilities and pressures placed on the captain, who must combine on-field acumen with the diplomatic skills of an ambassador off it. Throughout the book, Wilde highlights numerous diplomatic incidents, such as Douglas Jardines' Bodyline tactics and Len Hutton's tour of the Caribbean, as well as the unique challenges of playing in countries like India and Pakistan during periods of unrest. Touring has never lost its allure, despite the occasional scrapes and mishaps, such as court cases and car crashes. There is always plenty of fun to be had, whether joining in with the Barmy Army or witnessing David Gower's famous spin in a Tiger Moth.

Wilde's book sheds light on how this seemingly anachronistic activity has evolved from an instrument of imperial soft power to a relentless cricket circus that knows no bounds. He explores the various adaptations and innovations that have been made to ensure the success of these tours, from the meticulous planning and preparation to the use of technology and social media to connect with fans and keep them engaged. The Tour is a captivating and informative journey into the world of England's cricket tours, offering a deep insight into the challenges, rewards, and enduring legacy of this iconic sport.

Weight: 808g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781471198489