Then Came Massacre : The Extraordinary Story of England's Maurice Tate

Sussex and England superstar Maurice Tate's story is one of triumph and fame, controversy and tragedy.In the 1920s and 1930s, the all-rounder was the world's most popular cricketer, famed for his brilliant bowling and broad smile - unlike his infamous cricketing father, whose costly error he more than repaid.In his day, Tate's enormous feet were the subject of a music-hall song, his extra pace considered 'magical'; he's now recognised as the first proper 'seam' bowler.He took almost 2800 first-class wickets and thrilled crowds with rapid-fire sixes and centuries.But along the way he suffered a nervous breakdown at the Bodyline series, and threw beer over Douglas Jardine.After a bitter sacking by Sussex, he became a pub landlord and died in poverty.Recently voted Sussex's greatest ever player, Tate doesn't figure in any more widespread Hall of Fame.It's time to remember this forgotten great of England cricket.