New Zealand batsman Mark Richardson traces his remarkable journey from being a failed spin bowler - 'I woke up one morning and couldn't bowl to save myself' - to becoming an outstanding opening batsman in test cricket. The book will explore in a thoroughly unique manner the challenges, both mental and physical, Richardson faced in his struggle to reach the top in international cricket. It identifies the reasons he was motivated to succeed in a game that so often tormented him and that, remarkably, he sometimes never enjoyed playing. At the end of each topic/chapter, Richardson's views will be analysed by a leading sports psychologist. His findings will doubtless provide a valuable insight into this hugely popular and often enigmatic sportsman.

Author Biography

Mark Richardson was undoubtedly one of the most admired players in the New Zealand game. His Test average hovered for a long time around the 50 mark and During the India tour of 2003 he made his highest Test score of 145, and put on the second-highest opening partnership for New Zealand in an overseas Test. His after-match challenges to the opposition's slowest runner sometimes outstripped the games themselves for entertainment value. He announced his retirement, aged only 33. His test average of almost 45 places him in the very top drawer of New Zealand batsmen.