1983

The editor noted the "increasing worry to know how best to make room for everything one would like to carry", with the ever-expanding records and Births & Deaths sections. Again, though, politics cast a shadow over the book, and Woodcock described 1982 as "a disturbing year". A number of England players, including Graham Gooch and Geoff Boycott, were banned for undertaking a rebel tour of South Africa, the counties were in financial difficulties, and the poor behaviour of crowds and players in the 1982-83 Ashes series reflected the "sad manifestation that is the bane of modern sport". However, there was one positive: the 1982 edition of Wisden was in the top ten best-selling lists for 14 weeks.
Editor John Woodcock
Pages 1331
Price £8.95

Almanack essays

Notes by the Editor

Appealing gets out of control and more, 1983