In more ways than the obvious, this work would not have been possible without the enthusiasm, dedication, patience and support of its contributors. Two of the contributions to appear here have been published elsewhere. I would like to thank the good people at Human Kinetics for permission to include Terry Roberts’ article, originally published in the Journal of the Philosophy of Sport 24 (1997): 67-78, and the very generous permission from Random House to republish Chapter 16 of CLR James’ Beyond a Boundary. London: Yellow Jersey Press, 2005.

Thanks is also due for the tolerance afforded me by my colleagues at the Institute of Philosophy at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, for whom the subject matter at times seemed a trifle burlesque. In particular, I would like to thank Prof. dr. Arnold Burms for his wisdom and support. Though his acquaintance with cricket falls short of two or three bemused minutes crossing the Parks during a stay at Oxford in the 1970s, his insights have nonetheless proven invaluable in forging a path for this book.

The dedication of this volume, however, is reserved for my children. May they take up the charge of renewing the tradition of this mighty game with a fervour all their own.

Jeremy McKenna
Leuven, August 2006