Since the dawn of time, the number one hundred has possessed a magical, entrancing quality. We measure the passage of history with centuries. The Romans built an empire with them. In international sport, one hundred caps is the determinant of longevity. But in cricket, the century acquires an extra-special resonance. It is the ultimate reflection of the prowess of the batsman.
In The Art of Centuries, Steve James provides a brilliant analysis of all aspects of this golden tally. Using both his own experiences (no fewer than 47 first-class tons) and the insights of the great run-scorers down the ages from Jack Hobbs and Donald Bradman through to Viv Richards, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and a host of England captains both past and present, he explores the particular mental and physical efforts required to reach the landmark three figures. A century is a milestone, but can also be a millstone around the neck of a batsman.
With the same rich detail of his award-winning book The Plan, James takes you to the heart of cricket, and explains how the steady accumulation of runs can be a transformational experience. Working out how to score centuries truly is an art, and one that requires absolute mastery of talent, tenacity and technique.