How to fix English cricket
This year’s Wisden almanack describes a game in desperate pursuit of both profit and purpose.
BySport books
Golf’s wealth wars
The influx of cash that came with the breakaway LIV series exposed the fault lines that run through all professional…
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The football club that data built
Brentford FC couldn’t outspend its Premier League rivals, so it decided to out-think them.
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In search of the meaning of sport
A new book shows how sport has shaped British history and society – but cannot explain why it matters as…
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Sarina Wiegman’s mystery playbook
In her book the Lionesses coach shows composure and compassion – but the art of football management remains a puzzle.
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From Duncan Hamilton to Lydia Kiesling: new books reviewed in short
Also featuring The Story of Scandinavia by Stein Ringen and Big Meg by Tim and Emma Flannery.
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From Clive Myrie to Danny Cipriani: new books reviewed in short
Also featuring The View From Down Here by Lucy Webster and So To Speak by Terrance Hayes.
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The cruelty of cricket
Nick Compton had talent and a famous name, but the unforgiving sport both hid and exacerbated his insecurities.
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The myth of England’s “fair play” fetish
In sport and politics, the English boast that they always play by the rules – but history tells a different…
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The meaning of Tyson Fury
He survived addiction and a suicide attempt to return to victory in the ring. Now the philosopher-fighter considers the “void”…
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Books of the year 2022
New Statesman writers and guests choose their favourite reading of the year.
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The tragedy of English football
The miracle of 1966 aside, Paul Hayward’s “biography” of England’s national team is a story of sorry failure.
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Football’s data delusion
A new book by Rory Smith looks at why the English Premier League is still searching for its Moneyball moment.
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Ed Smith and the courage of conviction
In his new book, the former England cricket team selector recalls what he has learned about doubt and decisions.
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The politics of working out
Two books explore how exercise has been shaped by science, culture and the quest for autonomy. But does keeping fit…
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The dark side of our age of fitness
What is the link between neoliberalism and working out?
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Sport and the English identity
From fox hunters to football hooligans, sport is England’s way of showing what it thinks it is.
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