1980
Norman Preston's last Almanack as editor, having started in 1952. He passed away on March 6, 1980, shortly after this year's edition went to press. His last issue included the new revised laws of cricket, an article on the Packer case, and a detailed report on England retaining the Ashes. EM Wellings, who had returned to England after seven years abroad, wrote on the "Lower Standards". He said: "When I left England, Boycott was our best batsman. When I returned he was the only one of true class." Tiger Smith, the former Warwickshire wicketkeeper - and the oldest surviving Test cricketer at that time - passed away at 92. Derek Randall was picked as one of the Cricketers of the Year, because "unlike so many grim faces we see today, he is a happy cricketer".
Editor Norman Preston
Pages 1239
Price £5.75
Almanack essays
Moving the goalposts
Notes by the Editor
E. J. (Tiger) Smith
Oldest living Test cricketer up to time of his death, 1980
How Essex rose to glory
At last, a first-class trophy, 1980
Lower standards
England's batting is getting worse, 1980
My life reporting cricket
Sick cameramen, recruiting Bradman and more, 1980
The cricket society
Not just a northern enclave, 1980
The man who made all seasons
The Packer affair
ACB brushed their friends aside to meet their own ends, 1980
Series included
England in Australia, 1978-79
India in England, 1979
India in Pakistan, 1978-79
Pakistan in Australia, 1978-79
Pakistan in New Zealand, 1978-79
The Prudential World Cup 1979
West Indies in India and Sri Lanka, 1978-79