yes I have read that drival a lot of it was copied on to here too, I didn't choose to believe it all.
most of it was a plug for a fine British company.
tom very sensible commentary.
That is a bit harsh Buzz.
In fact, the chapter on bats was not Hayden's (or Gray Nicolls) idea at all.
It was suggested by Gideon Haigh - a bat nerd if ever there was one. He suggested to Hayden to write a chapter on bats...his preferences, other players perculiarities etc etc, because young (and old) cricketers love reading about bats!
The chapter is anything but an informercial for Gray Nicolls by Hayden, as it gives a huge plug and air time to Kookaburra. Hardly kow towing to his sponsor?
Anyways, while I agree that you can occasionally fluke a bat off the shelves that would pass muster of a pro, mostly this isn't possible.
Adam Gilchrist during commentary duties once stated "the willow used by international players is not available to the general public" (or words to that effect).
That is all I will say on the matter.