Do you know the significance of the number 99.94 in the world of sport? If you are a cricket fan it’s easy to figure out. This number is the batting average of the world’s greatest batsman—Donald Bradman. It signifies that Bradman made an average of almost 100 runs in every test match that he ever played! Incredible isn’t it?
If you like trivia and want to know more, pick up a copy of Tell Me Why— 100+ fascinating facts about cricket.
You will find basic information about cricket and interesting anecdotes about memorable matches in this booklet. From the history of cricket to the rules of the game, Tell Me Why covers it all. It has something to offer for the novice as well as the cricket buff and tops information with action-packed pictures and  colourful illustrations.
Among other things, the booklet explains common shots that a batsman can play— like the drive, the cut, the leg glance and the reverse sweep. It also defines seam bowling, swing bowling and roundarm bowling.
Besides this there are player profiles of cricket greats— Donald Bradman, Clive Lloyd, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Garfield Sobers and C B Fry.
Page 40 gives the history behind ball tampering and the famous bowlers who were caught doing it (Mike Atherton, John Lever and Waqar Younis are some) and on page 52 there is an interesting account of how and where the game of cricket began.
Tell me Why is a monthly publication from Malayalam Manorama. If you love cricket and can’t find anyone to explain all its tricks, it is worth getting a copy of this booklet as it covers almost all questions about the game.

Tell Me Why, Cricket and World Cup, 100+ fascinating facts about Cricket (M M Publications, March, 2007, pp 98, Rs 15).

WHAT’S WHAT ON THE FIELD
*’Military bowling’ is bowling of a steady, medium pace.
*A ‘Chinaman’ is a ball bowled by a left-arm wrist-spin bowler from leg to off when bowled to a right-handed batsman.
*The bowling out of a non-striking batsman who leaves his crease before the bowler has released the ball is called ‘Mankad’.
*W G Grace is considered to be the father of modern cricket.
*Clive Lloyd’s nick name was ‘Big Cat’.