What is a googly? : the mysteries of cricket explained

Have you ever spent an Ashes summer, followed the IPL on television or even watched the local village cricket team with friends who know - or pretend to know - a lot more about the game than you do?

Are you a cricket 'widow' who would perhaps like to converse more fluently (or even at all!) with a cricket-loving mate?

Do you get your silly mid offs confused with your short legs? and why do cricketers rub the ball on their trousers?

This layman's guide will answer all your questions as it demystifies the jargon, explains where cricket came from, what happens on the field, what the tactics are and the do's and don'ts of being a spectator.

If you've ever made a fool of yourself in the pavilion, wondered who's winning (or even just how long the match is going to go on), then Rob Eastaway has written the book for you!