White Cap And Bails

Adventures of a Much Travelled Umpire.

In this sequel to his autobiography, Dickie takes a humourous, nostalgic look at the county clubs and the Test match arenas which have created such dramas in his life and provided him with so many friends.

Prompted by reference to his astounding collection of memorabilia, 'White Cap and Bails' has given Dickie the opportunity to reflect on the ambience of the great cricket grounds. He describes the very special behind-the-scenes characters who work as well as play for the clubs and provide the life-blood of the game. Dickie still has time to make challenging points about the future of the game and to give his opinion on the great players and matches, but all in all this is an infectious, anecdotal, roundabout ride through the world of cricket.

Turning his attention, for instance, to derby's Chesterfield ground with its beautiful lake, Dickie remembers Laurie Johnston. In a county match he was out first ball in the first innings, and out first ball in the second innings. As he made his lonely way back to the pavilion he was followed by a pair of ducks from the lake.

Dickie first takes his readers round the county grounds before flying them off to the great clubs in Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, South Africa and the other major cricket playing countries. He tells his hilarious stories in his unique style, and the end result is a total involvement in Dickie's wonderful world.