I am honoured to contribute this preface to what is a marvelous book composed by Dr. Liu Jingmin of the Department of Physical Education, Tsinghua University. Typical of the work of so many in China, he has deeply studied a difficult subject and having learnt its fundamentals, he is sharing his knowledge for the benefit of many.
He has come to appreciate the game of cricket in the proper manner having been introduced it to by the Asian Cricket Council first as a coach, then as an umpire and now as a teacher. We are delighted to support this endeavour to spread「the noble game」of cricket in China.
As a series of duels between a batsman and a bowler, in a team context and in varying conditions, cricket is a game demanding as much skill, fitness and courage as most others and greater discipline, technique and intelligence than any. Success for the Chinese people in this sport is possible.
We believe cricket has a great future in China and those who grasp this book will truly find it to be one of 「the stones with which to cross the river」. The benefits of this great game await all those who take part in it.