The first chapter had me hooked. Straight away, just as Gilly�s one day batting style, he opened up with a skyrocketing six. From there on you just could not wait till you got to the last page and find out what the underlying punchline was.
As you delve further into the book, you find yourself wondering why we hadnt heard of Adam earlier as he takes us through his amazing accomplishments from such a young age.[ Secretly you wish he stunk at junior cricket to validate your lack of talent so that you might overthrow the shackles of crud-ness and one day become the next big thing]
For those who havent read every Steve Waugh Tour Diary, you will enjoy the journeys, the insights, the off-field stories and issues that plagued every touring team. You will also immensley enjoy understanding the direct correlation of team harmony to team performances, and just how imperitive it is to gaining those desired results.
His views and insights on probably the most defining series of his career, the 2005 Ashes, will blow you out of the stadium. Gilly, just like Jamie�s AFL shorts, bares all about the tour. All the issues, the insecurities, the doubts, the problems, everything! You cannot put the book down, and its not until you battle through with him by pouring over the burdensome pages of pressure, you really feel you know who this wingnutted man really is. Just how human and falable the man can be. Its only then you develop a greater respect for one of the most loved characters we have seen in the modern era.
Throughout the book we gain invaluable insights on the cricketers who have graced our TVs for the last 15 years. We learn about their personalities, how well they got on with the team and their relationship with Gilly. He delves into his surprising relationship with Warnie, how he really feels about walking in the World Cup semi final and the racist slur by Harbhajan and many others pending and hushed about stories
Interestingly we define Gilly by his batting exploits. A reacurring theme is Gilly's battles to overcome that stigma and to be known as a keeper first. However, its interesting just how little keeping really comes up in the book.... in comparison to Gilly�s batting.
For those looking for tips and hints and coaching skills to becoming a better keeper. No luck. For those tonkers who really want tonk that touch harder, go watch Gavin. You wont find anything of the sorts in this one...unless you have a spare squash ball lying around.
It is a read that will tease and satisfy your appetite. At times you wish he could delve into other issues, but as the great team man he is, he protects those he�s loyal to.
So what are Gillys true colours? The last line of the book sums it up well. Gilly, the man who Ive adored, not only for his prestigious skill, but by virtue of the person he is, has just stumped my initial impressions with this intimate and insightful read.
I dub it with 4 Ranger Wides out of 5