England Versus Australia: Pictorial History of the Test Matches Since 1877 Book

When the only noteworthy trait of an English Test team is a tendency to self-destruct, the latest edition of David Frith's lavishly illustrated chronicle of tests between the Poms and Oz is timely. This delicious book is more than a history of one of the oldest sporting confrontations. The past and its heroes are brought dramatically to life with more than 1,200 pictures covering every match. All the greats are there, from Australian bowler Fred Spofforth, who sides in 1879, through Grace, Rhodes, Bradman, Hobbs and Sutcliffe, to Compton, May, Trueman and Botham. There is the monochrome reminder of that torrid campaign of 1932-33, which almost severed diplomatic relations, as well as what may well be the first ever picture of an England/Australia match, taken at the Oval in 1880. The glorious contribution by Ian Botham and Bob Willis to the astounding victory at Headingley in 1981 gets the full pictorial treatment, as does the 1986-87 tour--the last time before this book was printed that England held the Ashes. As well as a reminder that at one time England was capable of beating the old enemy, this is more a superb pictorial record of one of the greatest of all competitions. Enthusiasts will want to sit back and enjoy. --Arnold WoodsRead More