New Book Celebrates Queensland History

The 400-page, hardback book, “150 Years of Queensland Cricket”, has been produced by leading Australian sportswriter Adam Burnett to celebrate the history of outstanding players and teams.
 
It is a unique and collectable look into cricket in the State, studded with ‘Maroon-Grown Heroes’ and fan favourites who chose to make the Sunshine State their home.
 
The publication covers all aspects of the development of the game in Queensland, delving into the early formative years from its inception in 1868, through to the growth and success of the men’s and women’s game in the State.
 
The Sunshine Coast-based Burnett said he had sought to bring a distinctive focus on the State’s recent cricketing history.
 
‘I took a fresh approach to exploring the past and present of Queensland teams as they evolved from amateur, State representative teams through to the present-day Bulls, Fire and Brisbane Heat,’’ he said.
 
“I set out to highlight the many outstanding Queensland players who have been heroes of the game, past and present.
 
“As the 150-year anniversary approached, it was evident there was a genuine enthusiasm for a coffee table style book featuring fresh, high-quality interviews and portrait photos.”
 
‘The book encompasses both a broad history and detailed player profiles of QC’s greatest living players – all accompanied by arresting new portrait images,” he said.

Included in the almost 100 new interviews were highlights such as:
 
·        Legends Greg Chappell, Allan Border and Ian Healy sharing the plight of Queensland's teams across the generations;
·        The behind-the-scenes Shield Final stories from victorious captains such as Stuart Law and James Hopes;
·        Reflecting on the evolution of Queensland cricket with pioneers from Ken Archer to Jodie Purves and Julia Price through to the creation and success of the Brisbane Heat;
·        and hearing what the game – and life – was like for esteemed cricketers such as Ross Duncan and Geoff Dymock through to Martin Love, Chris Lynn, Wade Seccombe and Beth Mooney.

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said the legacy of past greats, directors, staff, coaches, umpires, clubs, and volunteers was vast, with the book capturing key elements over the 150-year journey.
 
“There have been earlier official histories of QC and we believe Adam’s outstanding contribution will complement the existing record, as well as showcase our recent past for current and future generations,’’ he said.
 
“We congratulate Adam on his wonderful work to showcase Queensland’s rich and varied cricketing history.”
 
The book is on sale now through qldcricket.com.au and will also be available at selected Queensland Cricket events throughout the season.

Proceeds from book sales will go to the Queensland Cricket Foundation.