How Redders & Roger Got Me Into Almanac Cricket

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 08, 2024

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How Redders & Roger Got Me into Almanac Cricket

For many, cricket is a game of sixes, wickets, and boundary ropes. But for a select few, there's a deeper, more nuanced love affair with the sport: the love of almanac cricket. And for me, that love affair was sparked by two unlikely heroes: Redders and Roger.

The Mystery of Redders

Redders, as we affectionately called him, was a quiet, unassuming man in my neighborhood. He was always seen reading a worn-out book, its pages dog-eared and filled with annotations. It turned out, that book was the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.

One lazy summer afternoon, I found myself sitting on his porch, idly watching him flip through the pages. Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked him about the book. "This," he said with a twinkle in his eye, "is not just a book, it's a history. It's the story of cricket."

Redders then spent the next hour regaling me with tales of legendary players, forgotten heroes, and the fascinating minutiae of the game. From W.G. Grace's record-breaking feats to the rise of Don Bradman, he brought the past to life. He told me about "the greatest ever" debates, the iconic moments that shaped the sport, and the sheer beauty of the game's rich history.

Roger's Passion Ignites a Fire

While Redders introduced me to the almanac's magic, it was Roger, my grandfather, who truly ignited the passion. Roger was a cricket enthusiast who devoured every detail about the game. He had a vast collection of almanacs, dating back decades, and he would often spend hours poring over them, comparing scores, analyzing performances, and reminiscing about past glories.

He taught me to appreciate the subtleties of the game, the skill of the bowlers, the artistry of the batsmen, and the drama of every single ball. He showed me how to look beyond the score and see the stories that unfolded within each match, the strategies, the rivalries, and the triumphs.

Discovering the World of Almanac Cricket

My journey into the world of almanac cricket was a gradual one. At first, it was just a way to connect with Redders and Roger. But as I delved deeper, I began to appreciate the historical significance of the almanac itself.

More than just a record of scores, it was a window into the evolution of the game. Each year's almanac captured the spirit of the season, the personalities that shaped it, and the stories that made it so compelling.

I started to see the almanac as a treasure trove of information, a chronicle of the game's rich tapestry. It was a way to connect with generations of cricketers, to understand the game's roots, and to appreciate its enduring legacy.

A Lifelong Love Affair

Today, I'm not just a cricket fan, I'm an almanac enthusiast. I eagerly await the release of each year's edition, savoring the thrill of discovering the new stories it holds. Redders and Roger may be gone, but their love for the almanac lives on in me.

They sparked a flame that continues to burn brightly, a lifelong love affair with cricket, not just for its excitement and drama, but for the rich history and fascinating stories contained within the pages of the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.