"McCrery must be admired for his courage in undertaking such a daunting task, his detailed research spread across so many cricketing nations and his meticulous attention to the smallest detail. This monumental work deserves a place in the library/memorabilia of every institution that ever fielded a First-class side in the early 20th century."

RUSI Defence Systems Journal

Whether you are a cricket fan or not, the obituaries, the service details of those who made such contributions to their sport ensure this is the most evocative of books.

The Bulletin of the Military Historical Society No.267

This book is clearly a labour of love for Nigel McCrery who has researched the lives, cricketing careers and untimely deaths in the Great War of the 275 first class cricketers from Britain and the rest of the Empire.
High production values make this a book to be treasured.

Western Front Association No. 106

A real labour of love and a book that should be treasured.

Stand To! Western Front Assc No.106

Whether you are a cricket fan or not, the obituaries, the service details of those who made such contributions to their sport ensure this is the most evocative of books.

The Bulletin of the Military Historical Society No.263

'It is a tribute to the men who should never be forgotten and the author does them proud.'

Derby Telegraph

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Cotswold Style Magazine

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The Gazette (Blackpool

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The Visitor (Morecambe)

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Nottingham Post

As featured in the Chorley Guardian this enthralling book looks extensively at the lives, sporting careers and deaths of 275 first class cricketers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War, including the fascinating story of four brothers, one of which received the Military Cross before he was killed in action.

Chorley Guardian

As featured in the Wigan Observer this incredibly moving book fittingly celebrates the brave and talented sportsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice during the great War, author Nigel McCrery showcases their outstanding contribution to victory.

Wigan Observer

As featured in the Worcester News this incredibly moving account of the first class cricketers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the terrible conflict of the Great War. Brigadier General Walter Long even wrote of their "phenomenal courage" before they were bowled out by fate.

Worcester News

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Lancashire Evening Post

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Lancashire Life Magazine

An immense amount of research has gone into the book, to garner details of the cricketers’ lives, their families, how they died and where they are buried. The fact that there are only nine without a photograph is testimony to the painstaking work that has gone into making the book as comprehensive as possible.

Association of Cricket Statisticians & Historians

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Eastbourne Herald

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Somerset County Gazette

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Essence Magazine

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Leamington Spa Courier

Nigel McCrery is no stranger to this type of subject having also written Into Touch – Rugby Internationals killed in the Great War. Both must have involved a vast amount of research as, in Final Wicket, each of the deceased is given a very thorough write-up with, in all but a few cases, an accompanying photograph...That said, he has done very well to obtain as many photographs as he has. Perhaps one of the book’s greatest assets is, where available, the plot reference of the grave is given. Sadly, many bodies were never recovered or identified but Nigel’s excellent research has ensured that mentions on memorials are also noted in the appreciations.

Further commendable details mentioned are the players’ ranks, battalion/regiment, date of death, age and counties/clubs represented. Their First-Class details are also mentioned at the end of each profile but the book expertly combines both the fighting and cricketing careers of these valiant men. Final Wicket is a most interesting and welcome addition to the subject of cricket and the Great War and Pen & Sword have produced a beautifully-crafted work.

Andrew Roberts Cricket Statstics

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The Sunday Telegraph

'... a fascinating thick tome chronicling the stories of 275 Test and First-Class cricketers...'

Leicester Mercury

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Cricket World

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Cambridge Alumni Magazine