Not Just for Openers is Keith Stackpole’s personal account of life at the top of the batting order — and beyond. The title itself reflects both his role as an opening batsman and his broader reflections on cricket and life.
 
Stackpole explores the unique mental and technical challenges of facing the new ball. He discusses:
Preparation against fast bowling
Reading conditions
Building innings under pressure
Partnerships and running between wickets
 
The 1970–71 Ashes Series
A highlight of the book is Stackpole’s detailed recollection of the Ashes battles against England. He describes:
Tactical battles
Dressing room atmosphere
His personal form and milestones
The psychological warfare between teams
This period marked the peak of his international career.
 
Australian Cricket in Transition
The late 1960s and early 1970s were transformative years for Australian cricket, leading toward the World Series Cricket revolution. Stackpole provides perspective on:
Leadership under Bill Lawry and Ian Chappell
Changing professional standards
Media influence
Player dynamics
 
For collectors and cricket historians, Not Just for Openers is valuable because it:
Documents Australian cricket just before World Series Cricket
Provides primary-source insight into the Ashes of the early 1970s