We open our innings this month with a deep twin analysis of Australian cricket captain Steve Smith and South Africa’s inspirational leader AB de Villiers, who have both been influential in re-writing the rules for modern batting.

Still on cricket, Sam Pilger sits down with the elder statesman of the Aussie Test team, Adam Voges. Will Voges be able to repeat his sensational efforts of last summer which saw him surpass no less than Sachin Tendulkar and Sir Don Bradman?

In a completely random change of pace, we highlight the Professional Bull Riders scene in a special pictorial feature. Centred around Aussie Roy Dunn, Mess With the Bull, You Get The … is a thrill-seeking eight-second ride. Do your best to hold on!

From cricket to bull riding to Supercars, we take a look as the rise and rise of young Kiwi Scott McLaughlin. In a special feature story titled Nothing Too Serious, McLaughlin illustrates his desire to deliver Supercars success to Garry Rogers Motorsport before the rising star departs at season’s end.

And in a special treat for our readers, we’ve also published an extract of Cadel Evans’ new book The Art Of Cycling. Cadel takes you back to 2005; his Tour de France debut crossed-over with Lance Armstrong’s last win. We all have to start somewhere …

Finally, our grassroots sports awards - The Clubbies - are back, with an opportunity over the coming months for you to nominate your local sporting heroes for some fantastic awards and prizes.

The best sports feature stories in the country, competitions, stunning photography, Laurie Daley, Sharni Layton, Dane Swan … it’s all happening in our November 2016 edition – ON SALE NOW.