Book Review: Not Out At Close Of Play - Dennis Amiss with James Graham-Brown

It took several years of hard work for Dennis Amiss to cement a place in the Warwickshire side, yet he ended his career with 102 centuries and 212 fifties.

It took him many years to be seen as an international player, yet he ended his Test career with an average of 46, having played some memorable knocks along the way. The highlight was his mammoth, unbeaten 262 against the West Indies at Kingston, yet there was another double hundred against the keenest, nastiest attack in the world game to savour too. The latter came after he had been written off as someone who 'couldn't play fast bowling', rather making a mockery of the statement.

Like any other sportsman there were periods of famine, of course, but Amiss had enough high points to be regarded as one of England's finest post-war batsmen. Certainly, to his great pride, he ended his international career with a higher average than Colin Cowdrey or Tom Graveney, something which most would savour as an accomplishment.

This book was due for publication last year but Covid-19 saw it deferred to this one. I am grateful to The History Press for sending me a copy, as I love their cricket output and the subject's story was long overdue, despite an autobiography in the 1970s.

He was a player I enjoyed watching in my youth and what shines through from this excellent book, well-written by former Kent and Derbyshire all-rounder James Graham-Brown, is his innate modesty and humility. It wasn't easy to become a county player, nor to make it in Test cricket. Although he hinted at talent in his middle order days, it was only when he moved to open the innings that his career kicked into overdrive.

Maybe the nerves kicked in as he waited his turn to bat in a strong Warwickshire side, but moving to open alongside the burly John Jameson served the player and his county well. Perhaps an understatement, when one considers a career total in excess of 43,000 runs. 

The psychological side of cricket is nicely explored in this book. The transition of levels was not easy and like many others before and since he gave his wicket away too easily in his youth. When it clicked, he became a run machine, yet constantly worked at his technique to counter fresh challenges. 

He played in the Packer World Series against the greatest and fastest in the world, becoming a pioneer in the use of helmets in the process. He also went to South Africa on a 'rebel' tour, but again the rationale for doing so is clearly explained. The money on offer was too good to turn down and anyone with a family to support would likely have done the same.

Post-career Amiss has given many years of service to his beloved Warwickshire in off-field roles, including a long spell as Chief Executive Officer. He has served them admirably and is rightly revered as a county legend. He oversaw a period of county domination under Dermot Reeve, and covers subsequent drug scandals without ducking them. His insight into the signing of Brian Lara is fascinating, the signature on paper a day before he plundered England for 375 runs in Antigua. 

Amiss comes across as thoughtful, knowledgeable and witty, with a self-deprecating and dry sense of humour which makes reading it a joy. I especially loved the story of Indian spin legends Bedi, Prasanna and Venkat bowling to him on the edge of the square on the tour of that country in 1972-73, just to give him some practice. Not something one would see today! 

I would recommend this without question. It even comes with a foreword by Sir Geoffrey Boycott, a sign of respect if there ever was one.

Not Out At Close Of Play: A Life in Cricket by Dennis Amiss with James Graham-Brown is published by The History Press and available from all good book shops.