At the end of a phenomenal England Test cricket career (ended by theatrics at Trent Bridge and (it seems) the dramatic end of Bazball, it's worth taking a look back, on this book blog, at only the second cricket book I ever read, 'On Fire', by the one and only Ben Stokes. The narrative backbone of the book relies on two monumental events in English cricket: the dramatic 2019 World Cup Final at Lord's and the miraculous third Ashes Test at Headingley.
Ben's narrative takes the reader inside England's dressing room and onto the pitch, breaking down the tactical decisions and raw emotions behind his match-winning performances. His writing (assuming it's not ghostwritten?) essentially mirrors his playing style; honest, intense, and unfiltered- but it appears less muscular, less bullish, although not shying away from the immense mental burden of these high-stakes off-field moments. The book offers a more vulnerable look at what it means to wear an England test shirt and its accompanying national expectations. Stokes also gives insight into his legendary teammates of 2019 and the collective culture built under Eoin Morgan's captaincy. He frames his personal redemption not as an isolated achievement, but as a byproduct of a supportive group dynamic. Reading this gives an insight into the mentality that grew Ben into becoming one of the most successful England test captains of all time.
Although only my second-ever cricket book, I was enamoured by the ball-by-ball tension, tactical insights, and the chance to learn about an England World Cup win I'm yet to watch. For your casual reader, I think this is a universal story about overcoming adversity, what sportsmanship really means, and the pride of being an England cricketer. As Stokes now faces a future out of the England test team set-up, and this book now being seven years old, can we expect a new book for the Christmas market covering 2019 - 2026; Bazball, the 2025 Ashes failure, and a rather chaotic end to a phenomenal all-rounder and cricketing career? I'd hope so!
www.vivalabooks.com
If you want to send me a cricket book to read, email: ryanoxleywriter@gmail.com
