The Sound of Summer

Book excerpt: For more than four decades, Jim Maxwell has called the cricket for the ABC. Since 1973 he has covered 285 Test matches, including over 50 Ashes Tests, six tours to the West Indies, seven to the subcontinent, and five World Cups. His distinctive voice, dryly understated humour and immense knowledge of the game have been part of the fabric of Australian cricket for generations of listeners. It's not too much to say that Jim has been the sound of our summer. In his long-awaited memoir he reflects on his life and career, on key cricket moments that he's witnessed, and on the many and varied characters he's met along the way. The Sound of Summer is a deep insight into one of our best-loved commentators, and a fascinating, warm, nostalgic and uniquely informed view of the game he loves.