Contributed
Dellmar

Title: Cricket Spectacular - A Pictorial Review 1979-2003
By Dellmar

Cricket Spectacular is a pictorial review of what is arguably the Caribbean's most popular sport. The collection chronicles the period 1979-2003 and highlights the accomplishments and even the losses of the West Indies and other cricket teams, through decades worth of pictures from veteran photographer, Headley 'Dellmar' Samuels.

But this isn't just a book of pictures. The collection provides statistical details and cricket facts which make for interesting reading for any fan of the sport. Complete with actual commentary of the events, the collection gives a colourful glimpse into the past. Cricket enthusiasts will be grateful for this inclusion. For instance, the set begins with coverage of the 1975 Prudential World Cup where, according to the commentary provided:

Bizarre incidents

There were a number of bizarre incidents; not in the least of which saw Roy Fredericks hooking a Dennis Lillee delivery out of the ground, only to tread on his wicket while completing the stroke. The same Roy Fredericks also caught Jeff Thompson off a no-ball and in trying to effect a run out, missed the stumps completely and watched the ball disappear into the crowd that was, by then, invading the field.

The crowd presence, which is also an important element of the game, is also represented throughout the pictorial. In one section, there is a shot of the fans in which vibrant displays of the Jamaican flag make the picture come alive. In another, a band of supporters sporting the traditional burgundy of the West Indies uniform show their excitement at being able to witness the spectacle below.

The landscape layout of the pictures is fitting and efficient to its purpose of using the pictures to tell a story, since one does not need to even turn a page to view a sequence of shots covering the same incident. There is a set of photos with the caption of the first, reading: "Dilip Vengsarkar gets attention from West Indian players after being hit in the face by a Malcolm Marshall delivery". The photo features the injured batsman crouched on the ground while holding his face and is followed by another featuring the same batsman leaving the field in agony.

Encourage reading

There are many who generally prefer pictures to words. As a result, the commentary is printed in a font large enough to encourage reading, even for those who are not fond of it. The collection does readers justice by giving them the feeling that it has been compiled for them. The only negative reaction that could possibly be triggered would be regret at having not actually having been there to see it all in person.