ACS Overseas First-Class Annual 2010

Preface The aim of the ACS Overseas First-Class Annual is to make available each year the full score of first-class games played throughout the world. It covers all countries where first-class cricket is played with the exception of England and Wales, which are covered in Wisden . In other words, it is now possible for the serious follower of modern first-class cricket to obtain a printed record of every match score by making only two purchases each year: the ACS Overseas First-Class Annual and Wisden . Yet it was by no means an easy decision for the ACS to launch the Annual. Although the Association has a proven track record as a publisher in its particular field, it is, after all, an organisation wholly dependent on the voluntary efforts of its members; and an annual, as opposed to a one-off publication, represents a major ongoing commitment. Moreover, at well over 600 pages the Annual is a very much more substantial product than most of the Association’s output. It is, therefore, heartening to be able to report that the first edition, published in September 2009, received an overwhelmingly positive response. David Frith, the eminent cricket writer and historian, hailed it as “the best thing to happen in cricket publishing for a very long time”, while the President of the International Cricket Council, David Morgan, congratulated the ACS on producing a publication that he described as “indispensable to anyone with a serious interest in the modern first-class game worldwide.” Individual purchasers were equally complimentary in their response: indeed, I should like to take this opportunity to thank all correspondents for contacting us and for the generous terms in which they did so. Comments included: “congratulations and thanks to all concerned” “excellent...this book fills in the gaps that Wisden, for the want of space, fails to do” “a brilliant publication” “I am absolutely delighted that this has been published” Some readers made suggestions for future editions. One comment that came up several times was that it would be very helpful if first-class debuts could be noted. Accordingly, in this edition a player making his first appearance is indicated by a diesis (‡) after his name; a novel symbol but one that may in time, perhaps, become as familiar as the asterisk and obelisk that denote captains and wicket-keepers. Some readers suggested that first-class averages should be included. This would, however, substantially increase the size and cost of what is already a very bulky book. Moreover, the ACS already publishes the ACS International Cricket Year Book . Published every March, this carries full seasonal and career averages (together with much other invaluable information) for first-class and major limited-overs cricket throughout the world. Minor changes aside, the format of the 2010 ACS Overseas First-Class Annual is much the same as last year. Readers may have noticed, however, that they are handling a somewhat larger volume than in 2009, reflecting an increase from 613 to 643 in the number of matches that fall to be included. 5