Yorkshire Grit: The Biography of Ray Illingworth
Mark Peel

Yorkshire Grit: The Biography of Ray Illingworth is a fascinating account of one of the most prominent figures in English cricket during the second half of the 20^th century. Raised in the harsh world of Yorkshire cricket, Illingworth’s all-round ability and tactical acumen made him an indispensable member of their great sides of the 1950s and 60s. Leaving Yorkshire in 1968 because of a contractual dispute, he not only went on to captain Leicestershire to unheard of success, he also became one of England’s finest captains and the first man since Douglas Jardine to regain the Ashes in Australia nearly 40 years earlier.

            Yet for all his success on the field, Illingworth’s attritional tactics, forthright views and refusal to compromise made him a controversial figure. His return to Yorkshire as manager was tainted by his clash with Geoff Boycott, while his time as England’s chairman of selectors and manager saw repeated clashes with captain Mike Atherton and other leading players.

In this first biography of Illingworth for nearly 50 years, Mark Peel reappraises a dominant personality who never shied away from controversy both in good times and bad.