Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2018

Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2018 is the 155th edition of the annual cricket reference book, edited by Lawrence Booth. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:

Key Themes

1. Celebration of Women's Cricket:

   • The cover features Anya Shrubsole, the first woman to be featured on the cover of Wisden, marking a significant milestone in women's cricket.
   • The book celebrates England's spectacular win in the Women's Cricket World Cup, highlighting the growing prominence of women's cricket.

2. Sexism in Cricket:

   • Tanya Aldred's piece, "Too Ugly To Be Raped," addresses sexism in cricket, reflecting on the challenges faced by women in the sport and the need for greater inclusivity.

3. Men's Cricket Milestones:

   • The book also reflects on England men's cricket, including their passage to their 1,000th Test, a significant milestone in the history of English cricket.

4. Digital Age and Cricket:

   • The book acknowledges the rapid changes in the digital age and how they are impacting cricket, both in terms of technology and societal changes.

Plot Summary

The Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2018 is a comprehensive annual publication that covers various aspects of cricket. It includes detailed statistics, match reports, and analyses of the year's cricketing events. The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of the sport, such as international cricket, domestic leagues, and biographies of notable cricketers.

Critical Reception

1. Progressive Editorship:

   • The book is praised for its progressive editorship under Lawrence Booth, which has helped to modernize the traditional perception of Wisden as a fusty and elitist publication.

2. Inclusive Content:

   • The inclusion of Tanya Aldred's piece on sexism in cricket is highlighted as a significant contribution to the book, reflecting the Almanack's efforts to address broader social issues within the sport.

3. Coverage and Depth:

   • The book is noted for its extensive coverage of cricket, including a new section dedicated to T20 cricket, which has been beefed up to cater to the growing popularity of the format.

4. Time Capsule:

   • The book is described as a time capsule, reflecting the uncertainty and rapid changes in both cricket and the world at large. It serves as a snapshot of the sport during a transformative period.

Conclusion

The Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2018 is a significant publication that not only celebrates cricketing achievements but also addresses broader social issues within the sport. Its comprehensive coverage, inclusive content, and progressive editorship make it a valuable resource for cricket enthusiasts and a reflection of the evolving nature of the sport.