Andy Flower and the curse of autobiographies

Living as we do in the age of celebrity, it is perhaps no surprise that many top-level sportsmen and women cash in by publishing an autobiography long before they retire thus providing at least one opportunity for an updated edition when they finally do.

So, Graeme Swann is by no means the first and will certainly not be the last cricketer to do this and being the straightforward and honest man that he is, his forthcoming autobiography ‘The Breaks are Off’ have certainly ruffled a few feathers.

In the extracts of the book to be published to date, Swann gives a pretty damning indictment of Kevin Pietersen’s leadership qualities and brief spell as England captain.

We’re not sure that this is a sensible route for Swann to take as such a move could threaten the team spirit and togetherness of the squad, which has been a major factor in achieving home and away Ashes wins, this summer’s thrashing of India and the subsequent rise to the top of the Test rankings.

And it seems that Andy Flower agrees with us, saying just a few days ago that:

"I personally don't think that it's a good idea for current players to be talking about their fellow players. The written word does come across very, very differently - when you can't judge a person's tone.”

Once again Flower is spot on with his assessment and it is perhaps fortunate that Pietersen’s reaction has been dignified and the morale and unity of the dressing room doesn’t seem to have been affected.

But there will come a time when such an episode leads to a falling out between two or more players and that could have a devastating effect on the future performance of the side, so it is to be hoped that other England players planning books heed the words of their coach and put the pen to one side until their time representing their country has ended.

But we won’t be holding our breath...

Where next?

Jack Hobbs by Leo McKinstry | Book review

Ten reasons to love Graeme Swann

Eight reasons to love Kevin Pietersen

Cricket Heroes: Andy Flower

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Comments

[wilo]

Actually I think KP's come out of all this rather well. As you say, he's been dignified, and seems to be behaving in a thoroughly mature and praiseworthy way about the whole thing. Whilst I've been a long-time fan of KP the player, I haven't always been such an admirer of KP the man, but my estimation of him has gone up several notches over this, to be honest.