Feb 07, 2008 08:07 PM
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Steve Waugh's persona on the cricket field was best summed up by the name that had been conferred on him by the fans and media-'ICE MAN'. With the bat in his hand he was the coolest one, unruffled and unflappable in adversity. His demeanour, his body language never gave the opposition the tiniest of hint as to what was going beneath the stone cold countenance. However, as a writer Steve Waugh practically bares it all to the world. In an epic recollection of his professional and personal life, which spans over 800 pages, Waugh tells it all in an extremely honest, simple and at times funny autobiography titled- OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE.
Over the 800 pages Waugh takeshis readers on a memorable and intimate journey through his progress from a limited, fringe player to one of the all time Australian greats. He talks about his insecurities, his shortcomings, his struggles and finally his success. He is candid about his team mates and his opponents. He has opinions on virtually all the cricketers he played with or against during his career that spanned over 16 years, for example, on one ocassion he reveals that Shane Warne with all his talent and skill wasn't the best when it came to hanging out with other team mates. Similarly, about his brother Mark, Steve says that he never believed in'Ugly Batting' or grafting for runs, something that lesser players must resort to when the going gets tough. There are several other such examples that are often enlightening and sometimes disturbing.
In addition, there's much more on offer here including Waugh's reflections on the various games he was part of during his sterling career. From an Indian point of view it is interesting to note how his opinion changed about Indian cricketers after the unforgettable Test Series in 2001. For someone who found the Indians mentally weak and inept during previous battles, Waugh is appreciative of the new found combativeness that became a part of the Indian psyche under Saurav Ganguly.
Well, as I have already said there's a lot that Steve Waugh's autobiography has to offer and I would rather have the readers discover it on their own without me spoiling it. So, get your hands on this masterpiece by one of the all time greatest cricketers and captain- Steve Waugh. It is a must read for anyone looking for some inspiration, and for those who desperately want to get out of their'Comfort Zones' .
