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Out of my Comfort Zone: The Autobiography

by Steve Waugh

4.07 of 5 stars 4.07 · rating details · 440 ratings · 27 reviews

Rarely does a truly great player reveal as much of himself and his sport as does Steve Waugh in his long awaited autobiography. "Out of my Comfort Zone" is a frank look into a unique life in cricket, a journey into Waugh's life on and off the field. He opens up on his personal life in a way few would expect and reveals the controversies and scandals, the clashes with other ...more

Paperback , 801 pages

Published July 29th 2006 by Penguin Books Australia (first published July 1st 2005)

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Aug 17, 2012 Saurabh Sharma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Steve Waugh’s persona on the cricket field was best summed up by the name conferred on him by the fans and media- ’ICE MAN’. With the bat in his hand he was the coolest one around, unruffled and unflappable in adversity. His demeanor, his body language never gave the opposition the tiniest of hint as to what was going beneath the stone cold countenance. However, as a writer Steve Waugh practically bares it all to the world, in this epic recollection of his professional and personal life. And, he Steve Waugh’s persona on the cricket field was best summed up by the name conferred on him by the fans and media- ’ICE MAN’. With the bat in his hand he was the coolest one around, unruffled and unflappable in adversity. His demeanor, his body language never gave the opposition the tiniest of hint as to what was going beneath the stone cold countenance. However, as a writer Steve Waugh practically bares it all to the world, in this epic recollection of his professional and personal life. And, he tells it in this brutally honest, incisive and at times funny autobiography.

In this memoir, spanning nearly 800 pages Waugh takes readers on a memorable and intimate journey through his progress from a limited, fringe player to one of the all time Australian greats. He talks about his insecurities, his shortcomings, his struggles and finally, his success. He is candid about both his team mates and his opponents and has opinions on virtually every cricketer he played with or against during his 16 year long career. For example, on one occasion he reveals that Shane Warne despite his flair and his colorful image wasn’t the same man when it came to socializing with his team mates or that Damien Fleming, former Aussie fast bowler, was usually averse to wear anything in the dressing room. About his twin brother Mark, Steve says that the junior Waugh never believed in ’Ugly Batting’ or grafting runs, something that lesser players did when the going got tough. There are several other such anecdotes that are enlightening, amusing and sometimes disturbing.

In addition, there’s lot more on offer here including Waugh’s reflections on the various games he was part of during his sterling career. From an Indian point of view it is interesting to note how his opinion changed about Indian cricketers after the unforgettable Test Series in 2001. For someone who found the Indians mentally weak and inept during previous battles, Waugh is appreciative of the new found combativeness that became a part of the Indian psyche under Saurav Ganguly.

Well, as I have already said, there’s a lot that Steve Waugh’s autobiography has to offer and I would rather have the readers discover it on their own than spoil it for them. So, get your hands on this masterpiece. It is a must read for anyone looking for inspiration, and for those who desperately want to get out of their ’Comfort Zones’ .
...more

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Apr 26, 2010 Swamy Atul rated it 2 of 5 stars

Excellent Captain.
Great Cricketer.
Okay Writer.
Waugh writes from the heart. Sad, I'm not a fan. If Rahul Dravid writes something 80% as good as this, I will declare it The Best Autobiography Evvvva! Sorry Steve. Like Dada said, you have to wait!

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Nov 16, 2010 Amanda Patterson rated it 1 of 5 stars

Waugh writes like he batted. He assumes that the writer who accumulates the most pages wins. He is not a skilled author and one doubts whether an editor was allowed anywhere near this tome. The writer can’t see the woods for the trees and the book runs on for far too long – much like the batsman, Waugh did himself.

This cumbersome book is 800 pages long. It shows a boring, self-obsessed man pouring out his long-winded strangled attempts at description on many many pages. Its interesting to note ...more

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Nov 21, 2010 Abdullah Farooki rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cricket

Having read a few other cricket biographies / autobiographies, I felt that the book was rather descriptive especially regarding what went inside the mind of Steve Waugh when he was on the cricket field. For a man who remained aloof and emotionally detached, the book does give a lot of insight behind the thinking process that went about playing his game and his captaincy. It was really hard to put the book down for even a minute! Very entertaining and insightful!

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Jun 04, 2007 Vijay rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Cricket lovers

Shelves: autobiography

Steve Waugh is closest to what I have as an idol. My interest in cricket grew with Waugh's career and is now in a semi-retired state.
Out of my comfort zone is a well chronicled autobiography from the iceman. Having youtube is a big help. I was able to search and play back some of the interesting moments that Waugh recollects. This is a treasure trove for any cricket enthusiast.

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Dec 30, 2014 Manny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Many summers ago I read this book, I think almost immediately after it came out. Steve Waugh is one of my favorite cricketers. I am inspired by his never-say-die attitude, extremely strong mindset, and also how he made the most of whatever batting and bowling skills he possessed. He was not a very gifted batsman. However, by sheer hard work he retired as the highest run-getter in Test cricket. This book gives an insight into his life and his rise in cricket. More importantly through this book yo ...more

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Jul 19, 2013 Aseem Deshpande rated it 2 of 5 stars

Not the best book in the family, either.

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Jan 17, 2014 Kristian Brockmann rated it 4 of 5 stars

A truly tremendous sporting account and one of the greatest accompaniments to summer that a sports fan could discover. Revealing, yes, insightful too, and Steve tells some hidden tales on leading Australia's greats in a game at times tough and always testing. From Border's days and the Chappel era we could all associate with days long and hot in the backyard and the awesome climb to the pinnacle of a baggy green cap and representing our nation. Most impressive though were the thoughtful moments A truly tremendous sporting account and one of the greatest accompaniments to summer that a sports fan could discover. Revealing, yes, insightful too, and Steve tells some hidden tales on leading Australia's greats in a game at times tough and always testing. From Border's days and the Chappel era we could all associate with days long and hot in the backyard and the awesome climb to the pinnacle of a baggy green cap and representing our nation. Most impressive though were the thoughtful moments where Stephen was inspiring the team with music, team huddles and tips on gameplay, which although seemingly incongruous evolved into his record as Australian cricket's most successful captain. The glory of a century at the crease gained some appreciation and an understanding of the achievement, developing over a long career. With a test cricketer's glory were invoked memories of days of cricket for Sydney, a premiership and days with mates in Meadowbank inspired by Australia's best.

And yet, through all of the honours of cricket, the times are told of a down to earth Aussie bloke with an everyday life and a real gem of an innings. His family with his brothers, folks, partner and children are the most important through it all. He's known too for being an all-rounder and with twin brilliance with Mark Waugh and their individual selections to Australia. I could really appreciate the celebrations with Southern Comfort, as it's a favourite, and developed a sympathy for the times he found with Lynette, a high school girlfriend, whilst managing the responsibilities of the sport. Their times together are treasured through marriage and family and the reader can understand his true character through an epilogue by Lynette and his revelations throughout the biography of what is a private life too.

When he writes, which seems fairly often, he writes well. A really easy to read story on a favourite topic and well recommended. Great for those who love the game and certainly worthy of a tremendous cheer from an avid reader. Bravo Stephen Waugh. Out of my Comfort Zone was one of the most relevant books I've discovered. And thank you, marvellous effort that! ...more

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Dec 19, 2012 Mayank rated it 4 of 5 stars

A stalwart, Steve Waugh epitomizes Aussie and the much revered Baggy Green spirit. This is a Cricketing biography in its truest sense and Steve Waugh talks about his struggles through injury and form issues and admits some of his fears. His experiences through India with the Udayan initiative and the other parts of the world, his confrontation with the board and absolute transformation to being 'The Invincibles' are engaging read.
He uses clever and very subtle humor when talking about cricketing A stalwart, Steve Waugh epitomizes Aussie and the much revered Baggy Green spirit. This is a Cricketing biography in its truest sense and Steve Waugh talks about his struggles through injury and form issues and admits some of his fears. His experiences through India with the Udayan initiative and the other parts of the world, his confrontation with the board and absolute transformation to being 'The Invincibles' are engaging read.
He uses clever and very subtle humor when talking about cricketing issues and also when talking about some of his peers and team mates. It is amazing that he cracks the greatest cricketing code with the simplest of formula: Work ethic and attitude and these define Steve Waugh.
What is really missed in the book is his equation with his brothers and specially his twin. It is often assumed that the twins weren’t close enough and here he leaves a lot of things unsaid and unwritten. In fact, the book very briefly brings the contrast in the two and also talks about the assumed sibling rivalry during childhood days. It appears that neither of them was exactly comfortable with their identity as twins. The Waugh brothers really played a defining role in the Aussie game and it would have been great had he shared his and his brother's reaction. However, towards the end of the book you feel that the brothers were a comfortable lot and their comfort level with each other made them men of fewer words.
He brings out his equation with his partner really well and also acknowledges contribution of his team mates, friends and family in his development. The dressing room practices of the team shared in the book are an interesting read.
Like a typical Steve Waugh innings, the book gradually picks up intensity and pace and once its settles it is a lengthy stay. We expect some breakthrough theory, some innovations from him every time when he talks cricket and the man keeps it simple and engaging.
...more

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Mar 23, 2013 Mudit Sood rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Australian cricketer Steve Waugh started his career as a bowler who could also bat at the lower middle order. Contrary to the 'stone cold' image in the public, he often struggled with his mind doubting his own capabilities in the game. He battled through his negative thoughts in his career to emerge out as one of the greatest cricketers of all time and also one of the most successful Australian batsman and captain.

The first time I held this book in my hands it sent goosebumps down my body. I The Australian cricketer Steve Waugh started his career as a bowler who could also bat at the lower middle order. Contrary to the 'stone cold' image in the public, he often struggled with his mind doubting his own capabilities in the game. He battled through his negative thoughts in his career to emerge out as one of the greatest cricketers of all time and also one of the most successful Australian batsman and captain.

The first time I held this book in my hands it sent goosebumps down my body. I could feel this enormous (800 pages) strong volume breathing of life in my hands just like a horcrux would do. The book is so carefully crafted right from the outer cover to the magnificently easy to comprehend language and the pictures taken out of Steve's personal tour albums throughout the world. It had a very distinct personal touch to it, the kind which establishes a direct contact between the reader and the legend himself. 'Out of My Comfort Zone' chronicles the life of Steve Waugh right from his childhood till the last test he played, ending with a chapter by his wife Lynette. The book starts off with an 'explosive' foreword written by batting maestro Rahul Dravid, followed by one written by Steve's friend Tim May. It takes you through his childhood, the formative years of his cricketing career, the breakthrough, the two decades of Aussie cricket, his struggles with himself, his long struggles with the Australian cricketing body, his view about different countries, sledging, the different events in the cricketing world which took place during his career, his philosophies about life in general and most importantly you'll get to witness first hand from Waugh himself - the transformation of the Australian cricket team which was in disarray in the middle of the 80s (before the world cup) under the leadership of Allan Border to becoming the best cricketing side in the early 2000s under his own leadership.. The entire book was peppered with happenings from his personal life (marriage, kids etc).

Many people in India have criticized this book for being too harsh in his comments about the living conditions and the poverty of the country. I believe he gave an honest picture of the country. Imagine a young guy who lived his entire life in a highly developed country like Australia coming out and playing in a developing country like India. He'll definitely witness massive changes in his surroundings and this is what he has portrayed in the book. He doesn't criticize the country, he just gives a first hand account of what the country looked like to him when he stayed there for the first few times. And I believe most of us Indians would agree with his views. It's just that we're either too embarrassed to accept it or we're too ignorant about the realities of our country. On the brighter side, reading about his work for Udayan in Kolkata was very heart touching.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The detailed tour analysis and the tid-bits (the other side of the cricket away from the field) taken out of the countless tour diaries maintained by Steve Waugh throughout his career makes this book which dwarfs the Oxford dictionary in size an engaging read. It'll give a cricket enthusiast a word by word 'visual' of almost 20 years of pure Australian cricket. A must read!

Link to my blog: http://confusonomics.wordpress.com/20... ...more

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Apr 26, 2012 Saravana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bio-auto-bio

If you are a cricket fan,go and grab this book now or else you are not exposed completely to what cricket is all about.The book that reveals the heart of a man who was one of the architechts of the Australian success in Cricket.Stephen Rodger Waugh is one of those very few cricketers whose life is a lesson itself...

He is a genius,not by birth ,but acuqired it through sheer grit,perseverence and hardwork.The book is foreworded by our very own Rahul Dravid who sums up everything in his last few wo If you are a cricket fan,go and grab this book now or else you are not exposed completely to what cricket is all about.The book that reveals the heart of a man who was one of the architechts of the Australian success in Cricket.Stephen Rodger Waugh is one of those very few cricketers whose life is a lesson itself...

He is a genius,not by birth ,but acuqired it through sheer grit,perseverence and hardwork.The book is foreworded by our very own Rahul Dravid who sums up everything in his last few words
"When I hit the winning runs in Adelaide,Steve found the ball and handed it to me.I still have it and it is signed by him."
His entire career can be divided into three periods, his early days where his place was insecure and as he fought against his mind and talent to fit into the Australian eleven,the days he shone with the bat and ball and went on to become the Australian captain,the days when he became the helm of Australian cricket,which reveals the true person in him.

Honesty is one thing that any true fan of him expects from him and he does not disappoint his fans.The match fixing incident,the controversial catch in WestIndies,the indifferences with ACB and every other things that an ordinary cricket fan wants to know about the life on the field, is beautifully presented.The facts like one of his 'backyard pitches' near his home produced enormous turn that actually made mark waugh to make that mid-wicket shot his very own,Steve Waugh's description of his character of wanting to be the best but not wanting to get the attension,how Shane Warne predicted the Gibbs dropped catch at the 1999 world cup are just amazing.

It is sure for sure that the book elevates our stand as a true cricket fan one step higher and help us understand how onw has to out of his comfort zone to acheive greatness.. ...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Aniket Parikh rated it 3 of 5 stars

I decided to read this book as i love cricket.
This book goes on my bingo board as the free category.

My favourite quote from the book was, "I can't remember any really technical coaching." This shows that you don't really need to be technically perfect to be good cricketer.

Something i learned from this book is that you dont need to be really technically perfect as he made it so far in life without that much technical coaching.

A character i found interesting was John Buchanan. He was the coach ...more

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Oct 10, 2014 Chinmayapatil rated it 5 of 5 stars

The amount of detail offered here is mind blowing.

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Sep 20, 2014 Krishanth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shows the mental side of a strong minded cricketer. Reading the battle between Waugh and Ambrose, Waugh and Lara from Waugh's point of view shows how much he enjoyed the mental aspect of the game. His commitment to kids in 'Udayan'and his experience with 'Mother Teresa' shows the great human being in him. I also enjoyed watching some youtube cricket clips correspond to certain matches which Waugh recollects. Great read for any Cricket fan!!!

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Jan 21, 2013 Abhishek rated it 4 of 5 stars

The most exhaustive account of Steve Waugh! Considering I'm not a crazy fan of cricket, still I could really appreciate the way he narrated his story. He was the guy I grew up watching, and it was nothing short of absolute delight than to get a peek in his personal life!!

Just a heads up, the book is of more than 800 pages, so unless you are not interested, the book is not going to add value to you!!

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Oct 29, 2011 Rohit Jain rated it 4 of 5 stars

typical Aussie style...straight forward, in-your face autobiography from a tough nut aussie. Steve Waugh takes into 18 years long journey into why Aussie cricket is the way it is. His tenure as an Aussie cricket, captain, husband and father. Any SW fan needs to reads this book to get into mind of one of the most disciplined cricketer.

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Jan 28, 2008 Ainsley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Steve Waugh is one of my heroes. A real Aussie battler who is famous the (cricketing) world over for his mental strength. Steve Waugh was one of the most successful captains of the Australian Cricket team, and one of the (the most?) successful captains ever. Waugh chronicles his career, which was full of ups and downs. Inspiring.

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Aug 28, 2007 Bill rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Cricket Tragics

As a recovering cricket tragic I grew up idolizing former Australian captain Steve Waugh.

Naturally as a young boy I combined my two loves of cricket and reading - this book as well as all of Steve Waugh's tour diaries were the result.

All of Steve's diaries are filled with passion, insight and inspiration.

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Dec 08, 2012 Arjun Sreekumar rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of the best cricket autobiographies..... Engaging, entertaining, thoughtful.... Ranging from emotional to hilarious..... The book traverses a gamut of emotions that Waugh experiences over his playing career.... Well written... By one of the great cricketers and a great cricketing mind of our time....

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Jul 25, 2011 Bill rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography

This was a satisfying book, because a) I read the really fat hardcover version (though it's actually a pretty fast read) b) it has a typical no nonsense "ice man" style, which which is what you're reading it for and c) because it reminded me of all these cricket moments I forgotten.

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Aug 09, 2012 Aravindh Sundaragopalan added it

A very good fast read. I skimmed through some details which was out of context to me !.
Would recommend to anybody who has been following cricket for a while

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Aug 09, 2012 Akshay added it

Probably the best sports autobiography ever written . . . Perfect in all sense, my favorite cricketer's typical "never give up" memoir

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Jul 17, 2007 Hiten rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

Like his cricket - not very attractive, but very effective and educational about the man and the sport.

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Feb 25, 2012 Siddharth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Must read for people who follow cricket for the game and for more than the selector/bcci politics

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Jan 07, 2013 Abhinav Venkataraman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Steve Waugh! A classic person both on field and off field! amazing book!

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Jan 01, 2010 Edward Fedotov added it

Really good book, had me captivated throughout.

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Jan 18, 2013 Raja added it

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Scott Burke rated it 5 of 5 stars
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