The Wisden on the Ashes: The authoritative story of cricket's greatest rivalry is a detailed chronological journey through the history of this famous English-Australian contest. With Test reports, scorecards, "Great bowlers of the year" and other fascinating material from the archives, together with new editorial pieces, this is a remarkable record of cricket's most enduring battle. The book begins its journey with England's first tour of Australia in 1876 and the subsequent three series prior to the 1882 tour that led to a mock obituary being placed in the Sporting Times "In affectionate remembrance of English cricket, which died at The Oval on 29th August, 1882. ... The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia." Celebrating the players who made their mark on the game and the controversies that shook the sport, the book covers every series since then through to the most recent series. In 2005 England won a highly competitive series that helped raise the popularity of the sport, and 2009 sees a much-anticipated series back on UK soil, with England looking to regain the Ashes after Australia's victory in the 2006-07 series. Beautifully produced, this book will be a welcome addition to all cricket enthusiasts' collections, as well as an ideal gift purchase. A detailed journey through the history of the famous English-Australian contest. With Test reports, scorecards and other fascinating material from the archives, and new editorials, this is a remarkable record of cricket's most enduring battle. Deputy Editor of Wisden Cricketer's Almanack since 2005 and Editor of The Cricinfo Guide to International Cricket 2008, Steven Lynch is a leading cricket writer. Publishing ahead of the "summer of cricket" in England - the World Cup then the Ashes will both be held on home soil and receive huge media coverage. Builds on the increasing popularity of the sport following England's success in the 2005 Ashes series. Designed with recognisable Wisden branding, and embodying the Wisden reputation for authority and quality. Foreword by Sir Alec Bedser, a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1947 and former chairman of selectors for England, widely regarded as one of the greatest English cricketers of the twentieth century.