For passionate cricket enthusiasts, there exists an insatiable curiosity to delve into the lives of their beloved players. It’s a desire to unravel their journey, to understand their perspectives on controversies they were embroiled in, and most importantly, to glimpse into their personal lives. This is precisely why autobiographies are such a compelling draw for cricket lovers. The pages of their favourite players’ books offer a glimpse into their innermost thoughts and experiences, inspiring and motivating readers in turn. However, in a sea of cricket memoirs, only a select few truly stand out. With so many options available, it can be really overwhelming to decide which ones are worth reading. Thankfully, Top 10s Only has done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve carefully curated a list of the Top 10 Best Australian Cricket Autobiographies, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the inspiring tales of your favourite players.
List Of The Top 10 Best Australian Cricket Autobiographies
Australian cricketers are some of the most accomplished cricketers in the world. They are highly skilled, strong, and competitive, and play an entertaining brand of cricket like no other team. Some of these best cricketers have an interesting life off the field too, which makes their autobiographies a good read. Here is a list of such top ten cricket autobiography books written by Australian cricketers.
1. “Beyond Ten Thousand” By Allan Border
“Beyond Ten Thousand” is one of the most famous Australian cricket players’ books. It was penned by Allan Border, one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen. Making his debut for the Australian team in 1978, he later became captain in 1984, leading his team to a historic victory in the World Cup in 1987. He was the first player to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket, and this feat was unbroken for many years. While he broke many records, his career saw a lot of controversy. During his stint, Australia went through a tumultuous time, which included the 1985–86 South African ‘Rebel Tours’, West Indies cricket dominance, the split of World Series cricket, and more. Throughout this period, Allan Border was the captain, and he remained determined and tough. He was instrumental in bringing Australia back to the top. This autobiographical book is a testament to his remarkable career, providing a gripping account of his experiences as a player and captain and serving as a revered masterpiece in the world of Australian cricket literature.
Publisher(s)
Souvenir Press Ltd.
Year Of First Publication
May 5, 1994
Formats Available
Hardcover
2. “A Farewell To Cricket” By Sir Donald Bradman
A Farewell To Cricket is perhaps one of the best Australian cricket legends’ memoirs ever written! For a cricket fan, there is no introduction needed for Sir Donald Bradman, but if for some reason you have missed books on him, this book is an absolute must-read that you won’t want to miss out on. The book contains sentimental family anecdotes that are poignant reminders of the immense pressure under which Don played and lived his life. The book is truly heartwarming, as it features touching tributes from Bradman’s grandchildren, son, and friends. These personal accounts provide readers with a rare insight into the remarkable character of Bradman, which had remained largely unknown to the public. Then there are all the aspects of his cricket, including the controversial Bodyline tactic (fast leg theory bowling) that was employed by the English cricket team while they were on the Ashes tour of Australia in 1932–33. The book is truly delightful, as it not only offers a comprehensive account of Bradman but also features amusing recollections and comments from his former teammates and opponents.
Publisher(s)
Bolinda Publishing
Year Of First Publication
October 31, 1996
Formats Available
Paperback and Hardcover
3. “Out Of My Comfort Zone” By Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh is counted among the top five all-time Australian captains. He was called ‘The Iceman’ for his inscrutable visage, cool temperament, and single-minded determination. He was the one who moulded the Australian team into one that dominates the world today. His autobiography, Out Of My Comfort Zone, is just like the way he played cricket. It is one of the best cricket autobiographies written by Australian players, with a stupendous effort that shows on every page of the book. It is one of those rare books where he reveals a lot about himself and his sport. It is a frank look at the journey of his life, off and on the field. He reveals scandals and controversies and opens up about his personal life in an unexpected way. The book details his clashes with administrators, players, and the media. There are many photographs in the book that were clicked by Steve himself and give a peek into the dressing room. It is not a run-of-the-mill book but one of the Australian cricket team’s biographical accounts that is definitely worth your time.
Publisher(s)
Viking
Year Of First Publication
January 1, 2005
Formats Available
Paperback and Hardcover
4. “True Colours” By Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist is perhaps one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman to have played cricket. But did you know that he had many insecurities that he hid during his playing years? Despite his immense popularity, he was more than just a skilled wicketkeeper and batsman. He was one of those rare Australian cricketers who played the game with exceptional value and integrity, which made him even more admirable. His autobiography is one of the best Australian cricket player autobiographies. It is just like him—difficult to compare! It showcases this with intelligence, honesty, and humour. He describes his struggles early on to establish himself and also gives you glimpses of what many other than the Australian team have not seen. “True Colours” offers an insightful glimpse into the world of cricket and the camaraderie shared by Adam and his teammates, evoking a sense of nostalgia and admiration.
Publisher(s)
Macmillan Australia
Year Of First Publication
July 3, 2009
Formats Available
Kindle, Hardcover, Audiobook, and Audio CD
5. “Line And Strength – The Complete Story” By Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath is an exceptional fast bowler in contemporary cricket who is widely regarded as one of the best in the sport. His remarkable record of taking wickets is not the only reason for his success. His incredible accuracy while bowling sets him apart from his peers, making him almost unbeatable. But despite his stupendous success, he faced various physical and mental challenges. One of them was that his wife suffered from cancer, which finally killed her shortly after her husband retired. So this autobiography is a sensitive and touching book on how both struggled through it. The only grouse about this book is that it is non-chronological and can be quite confusing. But that said, it is well-written and describes his career in anecdotes. This is one of the best Australian cricket player autobiography books and is an inspirational tale of how one can achieve greatness with determination, hard work, and mental strength despite not being a child prodigy. It is a book that is a must-read for a cricket lover.
Publisher(s)
Yellow Jersey Press
Year Of First Publication
May 7, 2009
Formats Available
Kindle
6. “At The Close Of Play” By Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting is one of the best players in Australia to have donned the baggy green. He was constantly compared to Sachin Tendulkar and was in contention for being the world’s best cricket player during that era. Ponting was fondly called ‘Punter’ and was a cricketer who was labelled a brat and an arrogant player who was the leader of the Ugly Australians. In his autobiography, he gives a no-holds-barred account of the experiences that shaped him. He explains why this label was partly right and partly a misconception. The book is in Ponting’s trademark style, in your face and undiplomatic. So if you are a fan of Ponting, then this book is a great read. It gives insights into what made the team great, which was more shared camaraderie and respect than on-field excellence. This popular Australian cricket memoir is a quick read, and he keeps it simple and smartly divides the book into various talking points, devoting more space to some events than the rest. If you want a frank, humorous, and fearless account, this is the book to read.
Publisher(s)
Harper Sports
Year Of First Publication
October 21, 2013
Formats Available
Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover
7. “Underneath The Southern Cross” By Michael Hussey
Micheal Hussey was one of the most loved cricketers of Australian Cricket. He was popularly called ‘Mr. Cricket’ not because he had a batting average of over 50 in Tests, but because he was a lovable character. Cricket is said to be a gentleman’s game, and it is cricketers like Hussey who showed what it really means. He played with a sense of values and integrity, which cricket stands for. His autobiography is one of the best cricket autography in Australia that talks about behind the scenes of his cricketing career and his life. It contains details of his struggle to get into the main team, his achievements in ODI and more. This book shows his cricketing journey with many behind-the-scenes dramas and frank admissions. It is one of those Australian cricket autobiographies that is an interesting read and gives an insight into the pressures of players and also a peek into the Australian team while on tour.
Publisher(s)
Hardy Grant Books
Year Of First Publication
October 1, 2013
Formats Available
Kindle and Hardcover
8. “The Wrong ‘Un” By Brad Hogg
Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg was a left-arm spin bowler and lower-order batsman. He was also Australia’s second-most wicket-taker. He was part of the 2003 and 2007 World cup winning Australian teams. So what is his claim to fame? He is a Big Bash League cult hero who played cricket at the highest level, even at the age of 45. Brad Hogg played until BB7 and was in his prime after three decades of playing cricket. His autobiography is an interesting take on his career, which is unlike that of other champions. This is what makes “The Wrong’ Un” one of the top-rated Australian cricket memoirs. He describes his time as an employee of a shearing shed, as a postman, tree lopper, and football umpire, and how he even has a finance degree. The book is an inspirational story that is hilarious, unpredictable, rousing, sad, and memorable. “The Wrong ‘Un” is a story of the setbacks and success of one of the most popular players in the game.
Publisher(s)
Nero
Year Of First Publication
October 31, 2016
Formats Available
Kindle, Audiobook and Paperback
9. “The Journey – From Backyard Cricket To Australian Captain” By Steve Smith
Steve Smith is considered one of the best batsmen in the world after Sir Don Bradman. But his career is one with many twists and turns. The twists and turns started early in his life. He started as a leg spinner and went on to become the solid batsman he is now, who can win a game single-handedly. But his career hit a major roadblock with the ball-tampering episode that resulted in him getting banned for a year. His autobiography, The Journey, is an account of his cricketing life from the start to date and, consequently, has become one of the top 10 Australian cricket autobiographies. It is the story of his backyard cricket days to his becoming the captain of the Australian team. He writes about the events and influences of his cricket journey. The ups and downs and the valuable lessons he learned from his successes and, most importantly, his failures. This book is a great insight that reveals the life of Steven Smith, the man and the cricketer.
Publisher(s)
Allen & Unwin
Year Of First Publication
October 25, 2017
Formats Available
Paperback
10. “No Spin: My Autobiography” By Shane Warne
Shane Warne is one of the greatest legends of cricket, but on that day when the 22-year-old made his debut against India, Warne looked listless and got clobbered. His figures of 150/1 were not something that could foretell the heights that he would reach as the greatest leg spin bowler in the world. His autobiography is a depiction of his glittering career, which spanned more than two decades. “No Spin” is one of the must-read Australian cricket autobiography books that should be read by die-hard cricket fans. It is an incredible story that is narrated without any compromise and with an intimate and compelling voice. It gives a ringside seat to the readers of the best cricketing eras. He talks with honesty about some of the most challenging times as a player, and this is one of the must-read autobiographies as it is a testimony of the man he was and his brilliant career. No wonder it is counted among the best-selling Australian cricket biographies.
Publisher(s)
Ebury Press
Year Of First Publication
October 9, 2018
Formats Available
Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle and Hardcover
Awards
No Spin, penned by Shane Warne, was shortlisted for the 2019 Telegraph Sports Books Award.
In conclusion, these top 10 best Australian cricket autobiographies offer a unique glimpse into the world of cricket and the lives of some of the greatest players to have ever played the game. From their humble beginnings to their rise to fame, these autobiographies offer insights into the personal and professional journeys of these cricketers. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or simply someone looking for an inspiring read, these books are sure to provide you with plenty of entertainment, inspiration, and valuable life lessons. So go ahead, pick up a copy and immerse yourself in the world of Australian cricket.
If you enjoyed reading about these top 10 best Australian cricket autobiographies, be sure to check out our article on the Top 10 Best England Cricket Autobiographies for a similarly insightful and captivating read.
Happy reading!
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Cricket Player Autobiographies
1. Which cricketer wrote “True Colours”?
Adam Gilchrist is the author of True Colours.
2. What is Shane Warne’s autobiography called?
Shane Warne’s autobiography is called “No Spin.”
3. Which famous Australian sportsperson’s autobiography is ‘Out of My Comfort Zone’?
Out of My Comfort Zone is written by the famous Australian cricketer Steve Waugh.
4. Is there any autobiography book about cricket written by Australian cricket players?
There are many autobiography books written by Australian cricketers, including famous books like The Wrong Un by Brad Hogg, Beyond Ten Thousand by Allan Border, The Journey by Steve Smith, etc.
5. Who wrote “A Farewell to Cricket”?
“A Farewell to Cricket” is authored by Don Bradman.