We talk to the former Zimbabwe fast bowler - and the first black cricketer to represent his country - Henry Olonga.

We focus on the book that Olonga published in 2010 - Blood, Sweat, and Treason - and revisit the highs and lows of his career. We also look back on Olonga's and Andy Flower's iconic black armband protest at the 2003 World Cup, and how it would change his life forever.

Talking Points:

Growing up in Zimbabwe in the 1980s - and recognizing his cricketing potential
A bittersweet Test debut against Pakistan- when he was called for chucking
The purple patch - beating India and Pakistan in Test series, and shining in the 1999 World Cup
The tumultuous early 2000s - within the team and for the country as a whole
The racial tension in the backdrop of unrest over Zimbabwe's land reforms
The push for 'targets' to have more black players and administrators
The political build-up to the 2003 World Cup - and the decision to speak out
How Olonga's life turned upside down in a matter of a few weeks
The divine intervention in the Zimbabwe v Pakistan league match in Bulawayo
Escaping to England thanks to some generous benefactors
Writing the book - and ruminating on the value of speaking one's mind

Participants:

Henry Olonga (Twitter: @henryolonga)

Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee)

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Buy The Summer Game by Gideon Haigh (recently republished by 81allout)

India (hardback) | India (paperback) | India (e-copy)

Australia (paperback, e-copy)

USA (hardback, paperback, e-copy)

UK (hardback, paperback, e-copy)

Canada (hardback, paperback, e-copy)

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Related:

Townes Van Zandt – I’ll Be Here in the Morning