Something Changed: Beefy, Boadicea, Brixton, Bunting and How Cricket Helped Change the Nation

Through the prism of cricket and the transformative year of 1981, Ben Dobson explores how sport can influence as well as reflect society. He considers the remarkable synergies between two of the era’s most iconic figures – Margaret Thatcher and Ian Botham – assessing their impact on the future of Britain and its people. "Make no mistake: this is a very good book... Ben Dobson is an accomplished and stylish writer who has set himself a daunting task."

Through the prism of cricket and the transformative year of 1981, Ben Dobson explores how sport and popular culture can influence as well as reflect society. Taking an innovative approach, he considers the remarkable synergies between two of the era’s most iconic figures – Margaret Thatcher and Ian Botham.

From the author of the widely acclaimed Too Good to be Forgotten: Three Wise Men from Football’s Golden Era.

This compelling book:

• Examines the role sport plays in the mood of the nation and wider society
• Revisits the 1970s and 1980s eras of English cricket, and particularly the transformational summer of 1981
• Brings to life a fascinating period in the evolution of Britain’s politics and culture
• Tells the tale of two cultural giants – one political, the other a sporting icon – Ian Botham and Margaret Thatcher – and the intriguing parallels in their careers, fortunes, fundamental beliefs and how their character traits and achievements would impact the future of Britain and its people
• Shows how those times are mirrored in Britain’s current political landscape and national mood, giving the book a modern resonance

This engrossing book is a must-read for all cricket fans and anyone interested in social history. Journey back to a time when cricket helped shape our future.

• | Author: Ben Dobson
• | Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd
• | Publication Date: Jul 07, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781836801627
• | ISBN-10: 1836801629