Ever had a friend who loved playing cricket and never got out, no matter how hard you tried? Bluey’s Cricket tells the story of one such cricketer, Rusty, who loved to bat and was so good that none could get him out!

Based on the characters from the wildly successful animated series Bluey, this fully illustrated book explores cricket and how practice makes perfect. It first presents a shot that might get Rusty out, then shows the practice behind it, which helped him survive and thrive.

As the adults struggle to get Rusty out, Bluey wonders what all the fuss about cricket is. But the more she learns about Rusty, his family and sportsmanship, the more she sees that cricket is more than just a game.

Luckily, Rusty has good friends who help him improve his cricket. Although he was once scared of pacers, he improved his game so much that they were later scared of him!

With language as simple as the animated series, the book is easy to read. It connects instantly because the characters are known worldwide, while also talking about the game we all love.

You can join Bluey, Rusty and the others as a spectator while learning about tactics used by cricketers around the world: why fielders are placed in specific areas, what’s special about a crack on the pitch and how pace can trouble batters who feel invincible against slower bowlers.

By the end of the book, you’ll not only know more about the game, but also understand why cricket continues to evolve as a team sport across the globe.

Do you have a friend like Rusty who excels at cricket or in other areas, such as studies, video games, reading or collecting knowledge? If so, ask them about their backstory. Who knows, it might even be better than Rusty’s.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 10th, 2026