Steve Smith's Men: Behind Australian Cricket's Fall

The author makes clear the difficulty of writing a book about the scandal so soon afterwards. The principal protagonists want to protect their information, in order not to spoil sales of their own accounts, when that time comes around. Nevertheless, this is a remarkably detailed and readable account, starting with a (perhaps excessively long) account of the Ashes contest which preceded the visit to South Africa.The individual chapters are more or less standalone essays. The one on Warner will surprise anyone who thinks of him as just a thug. Another one to praise is that which sets the scandal into context. I do not always agree with the author's clearly stated opinions, but I am always happy to read well-argued opinions contrary to my own.My only real criticism is the biased chapter on the De Kock confrontation. De Kock's reference to an infamous incident in Warner's wife's past was ugly, but (i) the author sanctimoniously overstates the ugliness and (ii) understates the prolonged abuse from Warner that provoked De Kock in the first place. The author refers to Warner's calling De Kock a 'fat, f***ing bushpig', but the reader is given the impression of this as a one-off comment, rather than a continuous narrative, as reported by many other witnesses. That apart, a most engaging read.

From charting the course of Steven Smith's career (when polar bears with skates would be encouraged to bowl), retelling the events of the Australian Tour of South Africa in 2018, digging deep into the psyche of David Warner (violent brawler, greatest T20 player, finding Candice Falzon & finding himself, the attack pit bull of the Australian, etc), articulating the culture of the Australian Team, Cricket Australia and the key figures surrounding Cricket Australia, to calling their bluff on appointing Justin Langer (Agent Provocateur), Geoff Lemon is in top form. Add sarcasm, wit (I walk the line - Johnny Cash) and other entertaining metaphors, makes this book, a must read for followers of Australian Cricket. Actually, scratch that. Followers of the great game of Cricket, World wide. There are so many parallels to the way Cricket is run across the world, it is not funny. #MaxwellBall #EdCowan #TheFinalWord

This book gave me a much better understanding of some of the players of the current cricket team and Lehman. Also the ugly management style of CA. The book also confirms that Steve Smith should never have been appointed captain. A great batsman but not a leader compared to Tim Paine.

Excellent account of the recent travails in oz cricket - particularly good when the writer gets really fired up. I though Gideon Haigh covered this territory in his book but this complements it well and stands on its own.

An extremely interesting analysis of what lead to the Ball tampering incident at Newlands, Cape Town. Totally proves the staying that a fish rots from the head.South Africa sport bodies be aware, be very aware.

Revelatory book on the Australian men’s cricket team’s scandal in South Africa 2018. Geoff’s writing is engaging and quick paced with an understanding of the game that’s nuanced but highly readable.

Incisive, long-form journalism around the “sand-paper gate” incident. An interesting read for cricket fans and also for those interested in organisational culture. I enjoyed it very much!

Great service no complaints

These days I very seldom read a book from cover to cover on first read but I did with this. Geoff Lemon is a wonderful wordsmith and his humour and love of the game shine through every page. The terrible debacle that overtook Australian cricket in South Africa simply hasn't been as well documented or analysed as Lemon does here. With his interesting and insightful portraits of the main protagonists and his dissection of the culture encouraged by CA, you can see the hubris and fall as almost inevitable. This is the best book about cricket that I have read in a long time.

As an Aussie, I was concerned that any book on this subject would be highly biased and written to please a specific audience. Although I was left squirming at the stupidity of Warner and Co, I felt that the author gave significant and relevant background to add context to the actions - but not to excuse or condemn. He left that last part for the reader to do - as any good book should. I am sure there will remain many differing views on the subject, but this book certainly helps to add to the discussion. Well worth the read.

An excellent analysis of not just what happened but how the culture led to the ball tampering occuring. Even the most hardened critic would have to give thought to the psyche of those involved on the field and question the roles of those off the field. The author humanises without excusing the events in South Africa and beyond giving the reader a more comprehensive understanding of the state of affairs within cricket Australia.

Superb book.I grew up loving and loathing the Aussie cricket machine and took some pleasure in the recent debacle. This book covers more bases than I expected and is written by a passionate, fearless scribe. I love my sports/ non-fiction books and this one is up there for me. A blistering chronicle of a tragi-comic episode, from the personal to the national. The chapter on Aussie cricket culture is just faultless.This book deserves wide acclaim. Can't wait for the Ashes.........

I have been a cricket fan for over 70 years.I have followed. the England team since the late 1940s and have always enjoyed the jousts with Australia.I was so disappointed at the latest behaviour of the Aussies and reading this book has shone so much light on the goings on in today·s sport.Mr Lemon has laid bare the events of the past few years in a most readable way and I found the book sad on the one hsnd but so evocative.A book to savour - not one to put down.Walter Carruthers.County DownIreland