Beer and cricket have gone hand in hand since the birth of the game, and will continue to do so thanks to a new book from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
The book 'The Beer Lover's Guide to Cricket' is written by MA columnist Roger Protz and is being launched just in time for the summer season.
The guide contains profiles of all the First Class County Grounds and the best pubs for real ale near each ground.
The inspiration for the book came when Protz paid a visit to the world-famous Bat & Ball pub in Hambledon, Hampshire, renowned as the birthplace of the modern game.
He said: "When cricket was first played on Broadhalfpenny Down across the road from the pub, the wicket was made up of two tiny stumps, bats were curved like hockey sticks and the ball was rolled along the ground.
"By the time the game moved from Hambledon to London, it had evolved to being closer to the game we know today, but the joy of a good pint while watching a few overs has never changed."
"Whether the sun is shining or rain stops play the book shows that spectators are never far from a good pub serving tip-top real ale."
The Beer Lover's Guide to Cricket includes details on:· Real ales served at pubs near the ground.· If the pub serves food· Public transport information· Car Parks· Accommodation at the pub.
Protz added: "The book includes profiles of the First Class grounds and their museums that trace the histories of the counties and details of such memorable games as the Edgabston Test of 2005, Ian Botham's demolition of the Australians at Headingley in 1981 and, with a history of the game in Scotland, a reminder of Douglas Jardine's infamous Bodyline tour Down Under in 1932-33.
"For any fan of beer and cricket, this book is a great all-rounder!"
The Beer Lover's Guide to Cricket is available in all good bookshops or direct from CAMRA priced £16.99. Call 01727 867201 or go to www.camra.org.uk/books