In the Shadow of Packer

England's Winter Tour of Pakistan and New Zealand 1977/78

David Battersby

• Publisher: Pitch Publishing
• eBook ISBN:
  9781785312243
• Year: 2016

Relive a defining moment in cricket history: England's tumultuous 1977/78 tour of Pakistan and New Zealand.

Following their Ashes victory, England embarks on a punishing winter tour, shadowed by Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket. Riots erupt in Pakistan amidst political unrest, while Mudassar Nazar etches his name in history with the slowest Test century ever. Skipper Mike Brearley suffers a broken arm, handing the reins to Geoff Boycott. Young Ian Botham finds his stride, and Mike Gatting debuts.

Arriving in New Zealand, England faces a determined home side, succumbing to their first-ever Test defeat. In the Shadow of Packer unveils the drama on and off the pitch, capturing a pivotal era in cricket's evolution. Perfect for cricket enthusiasts and sports history aficionados.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Dedication
• Acknowledgements
• Foreword by Bob Willis
• Author’s Foreword –The Times They Are A Changing!
• Introduction – The Build-Up To Departure
• 1. A New Dawn – England take the Night Flight for Pakistan
• 2. England take on Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium
• 3. The Hyderabad Test and the Sialkot one-day international
• 4. The Pakistan leg of the winter tour comes to an end
• 5. England arrive in New Zealand for the second leg of the winter tour
• 6. England historically sink at the Basin!
• 7. The tour concludes in Auckland
• Appendix A: The tour results in Pakistan & New Zealand
• Appendix B: Questions to Mike Brearley, Bob Willis and Bob Taylor
• Appendix C: Interview with Mark Burgess
• Appendix D: Interview with Mudassar Nazar
• Appendix E: Where are they now?
• Appendix F: Tour memorabilia
• Bibliography
• Photographs