Slats: The Michael Slater Story

Description

A cricketer as exciting as any on his day tearing apart opposing teams with skill, grace and a smile on his face. Raised mainly by his father after his mother left the family, in sports-mad Wagga Wagga, Michael Slater made his mark early in school boy cricket and hockey. Just after entering the Australian Cricket Academy he was hit by a car whilst out riding a pushbike and spent the next 12 months struggling to overcome his injuries. In 1990 at the age of 20 he was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (a form of reactive arthritis affecting the spine) a fact he kept to himself until it forced him into retirement in June 2004. Controversy, and the media, dogged him as his marriage to his childhood sweetheart broke down and he received accusations of drug-taking, adultery and a nightclub lifestyle. No matter what else he was up to Slats has always been a batsman to watch. He shares the complete story of his life including his struggles with his insecurities and mental health, his relationships with the Waugh brothers, Tubby Taylor, Gillie, Boony, the selectors, red ferraris, his childhood sweetheart and the ACB.

Michael Slater scored 152 in his Test debut for Australia at Lords. He was a gutsy, unselfish, opening batter when the Australian cricket team was at its peak. In June 2004, after struggling with reactive arthritis for almost 15 years, he retired from professional cricket. Michael now works as a commentator. Jeff Apter is a Sydney-based journalist and author; this is his third book. He spent five years as the Music Editor at Australian Rolling Stone and currently contributes to The Bulletin, GQ and Vogue. His previous books include TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS: THE SILVERCHAIR STORY, which was published in 2003.