'If the cricket 'Establishment' co-opted C.L.R. James, and denigrated Mike Marqusee, it will be interesting to see how they react to Chris McMillan, a third Marxist, who has exposed how class and capitalism shapes the global game - for better or worse - like never before.

While no book is ever definitive, you'd be hard pushed to think of, or produce, a more comprehensive examination of cricket, past and present, in a global context and the role that capitalism and class plays, all too often, in hindering it ever becoming a 'people's game'.

A book that highlights the significance of sport - in this case cricket - in understanding the central role class plays in capitalist, and increasingly globalised, society. Whether you follow the game or not, this is essential reading for not only academics, but those running, broadcasting, and writing about the game also.'

Duncan Stone, Author of 'Different Class: The Untold Story of English Cricket', The University of Huddersfield, UK