When the superstars played with the amateurs: interview with author Scott Oliver

Is there any other sport that allows recreational players to rub shoulders with superstars? Scott Oliver has traced down these delightful stories in a new book called Sticky Dogs and Stardust and we speak to Scott to understand his passion for this type of story and how these experiences can reveal so much about a cricketer and their love for the game.  Among the several superstars to have played in club cricket in England, the book tells the stories of all-time greats such as Adam Gilchrist, Malcolm Marshall, Viv Richards, Garry Sobers, Wasim Akram, and Shane Warne - and also reveals what these cricketers' presence meant for their amateur team-mates.  Support 81allout on Ko-fi * Sticky Dogs and Stardust by Scott Oliver is available to buy in hardback and ebook formats. You can get 10% off the standard price at ⁠thenightwatchman.net⁠ with coupon code 81ALLOUT. Hardback (£15.30 + shipping when you use 81ALLOUT): ⁠https://www.thenightwatchman.net/buy/sticky-dogs-and-stardust⁠ Ebook (£4.49 when you use 81ALLOUT): ⁠https://www.thenightwatchman.net/buy/sticky-dogs-and-stardust-ebook⁠  Talking Points: The allure of the big star playing the small game The thrill of seeing a youngster with the potential for greatness Seventeen-year old Adam Gilchrist finding himself in England The remarkable story of Viv Richards in his pomp at Rishton CC The sight of great fast bowlers like Marshall and Donald terrorizing amateurs The cult of Garry Sobers at Norton CC The cricketers who disappointed their clubs  The passing of an era - and how cricket's current economy doesn't allow for superstars to be part of an amateur setting  Participants: Scott Oliver (@reverse_sweeper) Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Books republished by 81allout: War Minus the Shooting - Mike Marqusee Cricket Beyond the Bazaar - Mike Coward The Summer Game - Gideon Haigh --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related: Sticky Dogs and Stardust review - Martin Chandler - Cricketweb.net List of Scott Oliver's articles