MY TURN TO SPIN,by SHAUN UDAL with PAT SYMES

Asked to pen a new book review with a Middlesex theme looked as if it might pose a problem this winter.  Then, overnight, like manna from heaven,and most unexpectedly to myself at least, a perfect candidate suddenly emerged.

Shaun Udal, in anticipation of his exit from the First-Class arena, has recently produced an autobiography somewhat different from the usual run-of-the-mill efforts.

Known universally as ''Shaggy'' he certainly pulls no punches,and I'm not speaking metaphorically here.  He talks frankly and honestly about an on the field altercation with a loud-mouthed Aussie during a Surrey League match in 2003 which led to a three year ban from recreational cricket.  A rather more violent confrontation on the soccer pitch saw a lifetime ban imposed.

So emotions run high throughout the book written with the able assistance of experienced Hampshire based journalist Pat Symes,who knows just how far to take things to make an impact.

Shaun talks lovingly of his Grandfather Geoffrey who nurtured his love of the game,and incidentally played once for Middlesex himself.  We learn of a county career that has seen many high and lows.  How ''happy'' Hampshire, often regarded as not tough enough to challenge for major honours, shrugged off the tag and won three Lord's Cup Finals.

He expresses his finest moment when as captain he lifted The C&G Trophy there in 2005.  We get intriguing insights into county colleagues.  The tragic 'Maco' (Malcolm Marshall), the much maligned 'Creepy' Crawley, the enigmatic Pietersen, the laid-back Gower,and the Judge himself, Robin Smith (discarded far to soon by England) and log-time county captain 'Pretty Boy' Nicholas are all examined and dissected with wit and perception.

Few know Shane Warne better than Shaun,and we learn much of the on and off the field activities of this cricketing legend.  Shane also writes the foreward to the book.

Shaggy was close to England colleagues Tufnell and Trescothick and speaks openly of how he encountered the mental anguish that confronted them both. 

A constant theme running through the book is one of frustration,as he criticises coaches and selectors alike for county bias,and picking far less able performers,in Shaun's eyes at least, before himself.  Yet, always popular and a true county stalwart, he eventually became the fourth-oldest England debutant and we learn of his euphoria as he bowls his country to victory in India.

Joy quickly changes to much sadness as he his told of his son's diagnosis with autism when he returns home.  He talks without bittnerness as how unjustified critiscism can affect family life, when his 14 year-old daughter is subjected to taunts and bullying in the playground when our old friend Bob Willis lables Shaggy ''unfit to wear the three lions of England'' whilst on tour in Pakistan.

An extrovert character often regarded with suspicion by those in authority,he despaired of International regognition,when told by Graham Gooch he did not rate him,and involved in a long-running dispute with another England captain Nasser Hussain,his story should act as an inspiration to all aspiring sportsmen and women.

Life on the county circuit has many ups and downs and Shaun talks with much humour of the numerous hilarious goings on up and down the country.  Assured of cult status on the South Coast,he now arrives at Lord's where many will look forward with great interest at how he fares in the twilight of his career.

At least the move provides him with the potential to sell a few more copies of his book.  A fascinating insight into the game at all levels and at the price you could do worst than slip it in your own Christmas stocking. And oh,where did that nickname come from.  Surely you all remember Scooby Doo's good pal.  Remarkably similar to our ''Shaggy'' apparently.

At the time of MTWD going to press with this review, publishers "Know the Score Books" have a limited number of signed copies available for £19.99:

http://knowthescorebooks.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=76

For those who prefer to shop on price, Know the Score currently have the book available at list price, £17.99, including postage and packing:

 http://knowthescorebooks.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=56

While Amazon are offering the book at £12.59 plus delivery:

 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shaun-Udal-Incredible-Story-Cricketer/dp/1905449429/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197613195&sr=1-1

Do check the online prices, as these might change between this review going up and you looking out for the book.

Or you might even prefer to buy your copy in a store or from your local, friendly merchant.  Here are the vital details:

MY TURN TO SPIN by Shaun Udal

Hardcover: 238 pages

Publisher: Know the Score Books (31 May 2007)

Language English

ISBN-10: 1905449429

ISBN-13: 978-1905449422

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