The Dictionary of Cricket by Michael Rundell 1995

The language of cricket is as complex as the game itself- Readers of this definitive and delightful mixture of history, etymology, and social comment will be able to amaze their friends with astute asides incorporating such terms as featherbed (a very easy-paced wicket offering no encouragement to the bowlers and providing favorable batting conditions), Kookaburra ball (a hard, resilient type of cricket ball widely used in Australia), and boot hill (a very close fielding position in front of the wicket, such as silly point or forward short leg). Providing full and clear definitions of each item, supported by extensive and entertaining examples of its use, The Dictionary offers coverage of historical and present-day cricket terms; quotations from a wide variety of sources, including newspapers from around the world as far back as the 18th century; technical, historical, and legal information relating to a term; and--invaluable for recent converts--ample line drawings to illustrate key concepts, particularly those relating to rules of play or techniques.