Morning Everyone by Simon Hughes

I wrote this around Christmas for Cricinfo but, for whatever reason, it never reached the site. So rather than have it sit in my inbox of fate (I'm a big I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue fan, so forgive any tenuous references to the gameshow in future posts), I thought I'd stick it up here.

I had eagerly anticipated the release of Simon Hughes' third book. His previous two - A Lot of Hard Yakka (1998) and Yakking Around the World (2001) - were both well received, particularly by this reviewer. He had a lot to live up to. Thankfully, he matches and exceeds both his previous efforts.

While his first two were essentially light-hearted, honest – and invariably hilarious - anecdotes of a life of a county cricketer in the 1980s, Morning Everyone focuses on Hughes' life as a sports journalist, and the Analyst on Channel 4; of hardened hacks, of unremitting subbers and shiny media types. It's unfailingly funny, magnified by his very British self-depreciation (often making mention to his hair, or lack thereof).

As a county bowler in the 1980s, he writes longingly about his dream to accompany Blowers, Johnners, CMJ and others in the exalted territory of the Test Match Special commentary box: "the Holy Grail of broadcasting, from a wannabe's point of view". His arrival on our screens Aside from endeavouring to conquer the world of cricket broadcasting on radio and television, his insights into the people we see on our screens, hear on the radio and read in the newspapers are often scathing but always entertaining. He said of Piers Morgan, the media magnet: "His commitment to a cause is pit-bullish." Mike Atherton's very holy shoes and general fashion sense come in for scornful derision, but it's clear the joke between the two is very much two-way.

The only person not to fall foul of Hughes' mockery is the man who inspired him most – which the book's title, surely, refers to: Richie Benaud. So much has been written of the cream-jacketed doyen, but rarely from the perspective of a colleague. Hughes portrays him as the complete professional, fastidious in his preparation (and indeed enunciation); foremost a cricket addict and junkie, unfailingly helpful and honest. The book is almost a eulogy to Benaud, without a hint of sycophantism either.

After the torrent of Ashes books released since September – 12 at the last count - Morning Everyone is a welcome change. "My name has never sold newspapers," the book starts, "but I've rubbed shoulders with the sportsmen who have." That sentiment neatly surmises not only this book, but Hughes' unshakable enthusiasm and dedication to the game. Not a world-beating bowler, but his average as a writer is improving with every attempt.

Buy it at Amazon