The People’s Game is a comprehensive and culturally grounded history of Australia’s rise and dominance in international one-day cricket, charting the format from its early experimentation to its full embrace as a mass spectator sport. Written by Geoff Armstrong and Mark Gately, the book blends match history with first-hand interviews, behind-the-scenes accounts, and social commentary on how limited-overs cricket reshaped Australia’s sporting landscape.
 
Drawing on interviews with players, administrators, and commentators, the authors explore key tournaments, defining performances, and the personalities that helped transform ODIs into cricket’s most accessible and crowd-driven format. The inclusion of a foreword by Bob Hawke—former Australian Prime Minister and passionate cricket supporter—underscores the game’s national significance during the late twentieth century.
 
Richly illustrated with photographs from the Australian Picture Library (All Sport), The People’s Game captures the energy of packed terraces, coloured clothing, and the carnival atmosphere that made one-day cricket truly “the people’s game”.