The Cricketers' Who's Who 2005 and Playfair Cricket Annual 2005

Who's who and what's what

Like repeats of Morecambe and Wise at Christmas, the Playfair Annual and the Cricketers' Who's Who summer double-act offer little new but remain cherished by a loyal following.

Although not as cultish as Blake's 7 or The X-Files, these two books rely on the kind of fans who will stuff them in their backpack next to a lunch box, thermos and scorebook as they prepare for another rainy day at Derby. The two annuals lovingly reflect that dedication to the game - there is something warm and reassuring about them. They are badges of cricket worship.

It is the Who's Who's 26th year of revealing the important, and not-so-important, facts about every English county player. The best read is the players' opinions on cricket - fewer games, more Twenty20 is the gist. And there is a warning for Simon Katich's team-mates at Hampshire to bring the air freshener this season - his superstition is: "Likes to wear old gear".

Playfair is, as ever, Tardis-like in its ability to cram so much information into such a tiny space and editor Bill Frindall keeps it all concise, presentable and clear. Frindall is, however, more beard than Bard. He uses his preface as a soapbox to air his grievance about the awarding of official status to the Tsunami appeal matches and the forthcoming ICC Super Series. We've heard it all before and his comments do have a whiff of self-importance. Playfair does its job remarkably well but should leave the comment to papers, magazines and the Wisden Almanack.

Who's Who Click here to order a copy from CricShop
Playfair Click here to order a copy from CricShop