The Establishment Boys

“While much has been written about the Packer Revolution, this excellent book redresses the balance. The Establishment Boys tells the story of those who stuck with the Board… a well-written book… the author has found a relevant gap in the game’s history and filled it admirably, revealing a deep understanding of the game and a sharp eye for the technical aspects of batting and bowling.”

“An important book about the Australian Test team during the tumultuous years of World Series Cricket from the author of Second Innings… In the last line of his book Barry Nicholls writes: ‘It’s time to bring the Establishment Boys home.’ He has done just that.”

“Nicholls contends that the 24 official Australia Tests during the Packer schism have been overlooked. Some of the 23 players went on to greater things but others are barely remembered. This description of each series and ‘a what happened to’ is well worth a read.”

“I enjoyed the book which is well-written and packed full of new information and I’d cheerfully recommend it. It does more than merely fill a gap in cricket history - it’s a fine addition to the canon.”

Barry Nicholls is a former A-grade district cricketer who has written about the sport for three decades. He also broadcasted on ABC Radio for nearly 20 years. Barry has written nine books, including You Only Get One Innings: Family, Mates and the Wisdom of Cricket and For Those Who Wait: The Barry Jarman Story and The Pocket History of the Ashes. He has also contributed to Inside Sport, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac Australia and other publications.