In February 1996 Robert Winder, former literary editor of the Independent, took off for Karachi and Madras to experience the pageant of the 1996 Cricket World Cup. He followed the cricketers thyrough stressful days and eavesdropped on the fans and administrators, trainers, stewards, scorers and lunch-ladies. This book describes cricketing adventures, punctuated by diversions into the changing culture of the game. It explores the feelings of loss and nostalgia associated with the game, whilst examining the new cricket.