1985

This was the first edition to be published under John Wisden & Co.'s own imprint, rather than that of Queen Anne Press, which had overseen the previous five Almanacks. As the West Indian fast bowlers ripped through teams all round the world, the editor said their bodyline tactics brought a "chilling" dimension to the game. He added that it had become a genuine concern that the batsmen had become as much a target as the stumps. This was displayed by the photograph - of Pat Pocock evading a Michael Holding bouncer at The Oval - entitled the "unacceptable face of Test cricket". Elsewhere, there is an article looking back at the 40 years of the game since the end of the Second World War, in which "change has been dramatic and controversial".
Editor John Woodcock
Pages 1280
Price £9.95

Notes by the Editor

The four-day lobby and more, 1985

Bob Willis - an assessment

England await another courageous man of speed, 1985

Chappell, Lillee and Marsh

Performers of miraculous cricketing deeds, 1985

Forty years on

Cricket's post-war resumption, 1985

How Headley's genius paved the way

The first great black West Indian batsman, 1985

The equipment revolution

New bats mean new batting styles, 1985

England in Fiji, New Zealand and Pakistan, 1983–84

Report | Matches

England in Fiji, New Zealand and Pakistan, 1983–84

Report | Matches

The Australians in the West Indies, 1983–84

Report | Matches

The New Zealanders in Sri Lanka, 1983-84

Report | Matches

The Pakistanis in Australia, 1983–84

Report | Matches

The Pakistanis in India, 1983–84

Report | Matches

The Sri Lankans in England, 1984

Report | Matches

The West Indians in England, 1984

Report | Matches

The West Indians in India, 1983–84

Report | Matches