The Art of Losing

Why the Proteas Choke at the Cricket World Cup

Nonfiction, Sports, Cricket
Cover of the book The Art of Losing by Luke Alfred, Random House Struik
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Luke Alfred ISBN: 9781770223851
Publisher: Random House Struik Publication: November 8, 2012
Imprint: Zebra Press (Random House Struik) Language: English
Author: Luke Alfred
ISBN: 9781770223851
Publisher: Random House Struik
Publication: November 8, 2012
Imprint: Zebra Press (Random House Struik)
Language: English

Since South Africa’s readmission to world cricket in 1991, the Proteas have played in six World Cups (and four World T20 tournaments) and have been knocked out in all of them. The reasons range from the weather and misreading the Duckworth–Lewis table to being outwitted on the field itself. In the most recent tournaments, though, they have shown a scandalous lack of nerve in the pressure-cooker of international knockout cricket. Drawing from interviews with the major protagonists and behind-the-scenes officials, The Art of Losing recreates the drama of these matches. With fresh anecdotes, stories and insights, it also attempts to explain why World Cup failure has become a habit. Does the problem lie with coaching, with communication issues, or with a lack of independent thinking among the players? Is it the product of a pampered professional environment, or of the South African schooling system? The Art of Losing will ruffle feathers but will also attempt to explain the ‘choker’ tag that has become so widespread. Is it fair? The Proteas, after all, win a high proportion of their one-day matches and have some of the best cricketers in the world. Why, then, do they invariably fail to clear that final hurdle?

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Since South Africa’s readmission to world cricket in 1991, the Proteas have played in six World Cups (and four World T20 tournaments) and have been knocked out in all of them. The reasons range from the weather and misreading the Duckworth–Lewis table to being outwitted on the field itself. In the most recent tournaments, though, they have shown a scandalous lack of nerve in the pressure-cooker of international knockout cricket. Drawing from interviews with the major protagonists and behind-the-scenes officials, The Art of Losing recreates the drama of these matches. With fresh anecdotes, stories and insights, it also attempts to explain why World Cup failure has become a habit. Does the problem lie with coaching, with communication issues, or with a lack of independent thinking among the players? Is it the product of a pampered professional environment, or of the South African schooling system? The Art of Losing will ruffle feathers but will also attempt to explain the ‘choker’ tag that has become so widespread. Is it fair? The Proteas, after all, win a high proportion of their one-day matches and have some of the best cricketers in the world. Why, then, do they invariably fail to clear that final hurdle?

More books from Random House Struik

Cover of the book My Brother's Keeper by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book 'n Affair om te vergeet by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book “But I Digress …” by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book Allegiance by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book Wildlife of South Africa by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book The Great Agony & Pure Laughter of the Gods by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book The Unexploded Boer by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book Zulu Zulu Golf by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book Pale Native by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book Reflections in Prison by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book Eric the Brave by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book Touch my Blood by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book Troepie: From Call-Up to Camps by Luke Alfred
Cover of the book The Hidden Epidemic by Luke Alfred
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy