Shoaib book extracts: Another marketing gimmick?

Adam Gilchrist, who retired from international cricket in March 2008, released his autobiography 'True Colours' just six months later

Gilly's pot shots
Adamu00a0Gilchrist, who retired from international cricket in March 2008, released his autobiography 'True Colours' just six months later. Excerpts from the book were released during Australia's tour of India in October 2008, and it felt like the legendary stumper was using publicity of the high-profile series to ensure a strong release. In the book, he questioned Sachin Tendulkar's honesty, asserted that Muttiah Muralitharan chucks, and that the Sydney Test episode (in 2008) was behind his retirement.

Hayden's turn...

Matthew Hayden stirred the pot in November 2010 with the release of his autobiography titled 'Standing My Ground', less than 15 months into his retirement from international cricket. Holistically speaking, there was lack of sensationalism in the book. In fact, Hayden admits to have sledged on numerous occasions, and mostly wrote about the adversity he had to face before becoming a regular in Australia's Test team. However, it was the controversial extract in which he wrote about Sourav Ganguly skipping the Nagpur Test in 2004 that was categorically released in the media.

Gibbs' To The Point

Herschelle Gibbs took the title of the book very seriously. It was easily the most outspoken autobiography in recent times. Gibbs opened up with illustrious tales about the politics in the South African dressing room, took pot shots at stalwart Jacques Kallis, narrated stories about sexual orgies, and even confessed to have consumed more than a dozen types of designer drugs. The book was released in November 2010 when Gibbs' international career was virtually finished.