Reeve’s supermen back in the spotlight
WARWICKSHIRE County Cricket Club’s legendary treble-winning season of 1994 is set to be commemorated in a new book to be written by renowned sports broadcaster and author Pat Murphy.
Due to be published as part of the Bears’ 25th anniversary celebrations in spring 2019 by Fairfield Books, owned by celebrated cricket historian and writer Stephen Chalke, the book will provide the inside story of one of the greatest-ever team achievements in British sport.
Written by Murphy, who covered the Bears throughout their run to the Benson & Hedges Cup, Britannic County Championship and the AXA Equity & Law Sunday League titles for BBC Radio 5 Live, the book will contain contributions from the key figures of Warwickshire’s historic season, including players and backroom staff.
“That 1994 experience with Warwickshire was one of the happiest times of my professional career, not least because Warwickshire had been in the doldrums for many years previously, apart from the 1989 and 1993 NatWest Trophy wins that paved the way for that historic season,” said Murphy.
“It has been terrific catching up with people from on and off the field during that period at Edgbaston, who were close friends, and the major dilemma has been what tales to leave out!
“I’m indebted to Warwickshire’s splendid club journalist Brian Halford, who kick-started the project with some invaluable input, and it has been a privilege to take this forward to publication.”
Captained by former England all-rounder Dermot Reeve, Warwickshire’s 1994 season is also remembered for Brian Lara’s record-breaking innings against Durham in the County Championship game at Edgbaston, when he scored 501 not out – still a world record today for an individual firstclass innings.
Neil Snowball, chief executive of Warwickshire, said: “Our 1994 team are rightly recognised as one of the greatest of all time and the players involved did a huge amount to shape the identity of the club and our culture of the Bear and Ragged Staff.
“Having covered the club so closely with the BBC and developed so many close relationships with players, coaches and club staff, Pat was the obvious choice to tell the backroom story of one of the greatest periods in our history.
“In due course, we will announce further details of how our members and supporters can pre-order the book, as well as announcing further celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of Warwickshire’s legendary treble.”
Further details on the book title, pre-ordering and exact release date will be released at www.warwickshireccc.com later in the year.