SLOW start, good build-up, some excellent timing and exquisitely finished off, with moments to make you smile.

No, I'm not talking about a spell at the crease by former England cricket skipper and opener Michael Atherton, but his autobiography, Opening Up, now out in paperback.

With Atherton's insight into his world of cricket so well put together it is as though he is out on the Old Trafford track scoring a memorable century. In fact, Atherton wielding a pen instead of the willow is a fine exception to the typical three styles of writing by sportsmen about their own lives.

Firstly. you get the "controversy" where the author - the player or ghost writer - throws in a juicy morsel on which to sell the book.

Then there is the "Ali" where the sportsperson makes out they were the greatest and becomes wrapped up in self-glorification.

Finally, there is the "bland", where you just wish there were one or two of the ingredients from the other two styles to spice it up.

Fortunately, Atherton's effort is a break from the norm - even though he could have been forgiven for falling into the second style, with his batting a class act and so often the main-stay of the England innings. There was a time when you felt if Atherton fell early, England didn't have the chance to score big or hold on.

However, the former Lancashire star avoids the glory and, befitting his shy manner, sticks to the facts, giving the reader a careful, well thought-out insight into his time in the game.

His dealing with the allegations of the famous "ball tampering" incident and his constant run-ins with Raymond Illingworth and the selectors are perfect examples, with Atherton trying to give all sides of the story. For those who missed the first innings hardback, the second innings paperback is a must.

Updated: 08:58 Wednesday, May 28, 2003