* The trophy has changed hands regularly over the
decades, with the two countries greatest players giving
their all to establish the upper hand, although the urn
said to be contain the true Ashes resides at Lord s.
Along the way, Ashes spectators have witnessed some of
cricket s most glorious moments, from the sensational
high-scoring exploits of Don Bradman and Jack Hobbs to
the derring-do of Ian Botham in 1981 and the almost
unbearable tension of the incredible series of 2005.
There have been inspired bowling spells from the likes
of Shane Warne, Bob Willis and Jim Laker; huge scores by
Len Hutton, Bobby Simpson and others; and moments of
heart-stopping brilliance in the field. This book
provides detailed statistical and biographical
information on the 100 greatest cricketers 50 English
and 50 Australian to have battled for their country.
Each of them has ensured the legend of the Ashes will
never die. The book ties in with the forthcoming Ashes
series in England with Test matches taking place at
Trent Bridge, Nottingham, between July 10-14; Lord s,
London, July 18-22; Old Trafford, Manchester, August
1-5; Riverside, Durham August 9-13; and The Oval,
London, on August 21-25. This will be closely followed
by another Ashes series in Australia with Tests at the
Gabba, Brisbane - November 21-25; Adelaide Oval -
December 5-9; WACA, Perth - December 13-17; MCG,
Melbourne - December 26-30; and SCG Sydney - January 3-7
2014. A satirical obituary from 1882 mourned the death
of English cricket after a match in which Australia won
on English soil for the first time. The body would be
cremated, the notice said, and the ashes taken to
Australia.The great rivalry between England and
Australia known as the Ashes had begun.
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