Author(s): Peter Meares

General

"I love this book" Peter FitzSimons. Without doubt, we Aussies love our sport. We've got passionate opinions about the contest, the players, the refs and umpires - and about the commentators. Love 'em or loathe 'em, their calling of a game or race can lift something ordinary into the extraordinary, while their quick-thinking asides are often as timeless as the event itself. In Back to the Studio, Peter Meares talks to more than 40 of Australia's leading commentators to find out just what it's like on their side of the mike. It's all here: snappy quips, classic one-liners, first calls, funniest memories, best moments - and most embarrassing gaffes. Sure to delight every sports fan who's ever thought they'd like a crack at the job and wondered what it takes to make it to the top. Commentators featured in the book are: Ian Baker-Finch; Richie Benaud; Warren Boland; Gordon Bray; Ian Chappell; Greg Clarke; Gerry Collins; Dennis Cometti; Peter Donegan; Darrell Eastlake; David Fordhaml George Grljusich and Benny Pike; Wayne Grady; Tony Greig; Chris Handy; Ian Healy; Quentin Hull; Tim Lane; Phil Liggett; Bruce McAvaney; John McCoy; Jim Maxwell; Norman May; Drew Morphett; David Morrow; Les Murray; Jack Newton; Kerry O'Keeffe; Sandy Roberts; Steve Robilliard; Fred Stolle; Ray Warren; Peter Wilkins; Garry Wilkinson;Roger Wills; Debbie Spillane; Kerryn Pratt; Anne Sargeant; Lisa Forrest; Karen Tighe; Kelli Underwood; Paul Vautin and Max Walker.