When the superstars played with the amateurs: interview with author Scott Oliver

Is there any other sport that allows recreational players to rub shoulders with superstars? Scott Oliver has traced down these delightful stories in a new book called Sticky Dogs and Stardust and we speak to Scott to understand his passion for this type of story and how these experiences can reveal so much about a cricketer and their love for the game. 
Among the several superstars to have played in club cricket in England, the book tells the stories of all-time greats such as Adam Gilchrist, Malcolm Marshall, Viv Richards, Garry Sobers, Wasim Akram, and Shane Warne - and also reveals what these cricketers' presence meant for their amateur team-mates. 
Support 81allout on Ko-fi
*
Sticky Dogs and Stardust by Scott Oliver is available to buy in hardback and ebook formats. You can get 10% off the standard price at ⁠thenightwatchman.net⁠ with coupon code 81ALLOUT. Hardback (£15.30 + shipping when you use 81ALLOUT): ⁠https://www.thenightwatchman.net/buy/sticky-dogs-and-stardust⁠ Ebook (£4.49 when you use 81ALLOUT): ⁠https://www.thenightwatchman.net/buy/sticky-dogs-and-stardust-ebook⁠ 

Talking Points:

The allure of the big star playing the small game
The thrill of seeing a youngster with the potential for greatness
Seventeen-year old Adam Gilchrist finding himself in England
The remarkable story of Viv Richards in his pomp at Rishton CC
The sight of great fast bowlers like Marshall and Donald terrorizing amateurs
The cult of Garry Sobers at Norton CC
The cricketers who disappointed their clubs 
The passing of an era - and how cricket's current economy doesn't allow for superstars to be part of an amateur setting 

Participants:
Scott Oliver (@reverse_sweeper)
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Books republished by 81allout:

War Minus the Shooting - Mike Marqusee
Cricket Beyond the Bazaar - Mike Coward
The Summer Game - Gideon Haigh

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related:

Sticky Dogs and Stardust review - Martin Chandler - Cricketweb.net
List of Scott Oliver's articles