The Ashes series of 1954–55 marked a watershed moment in the history of English cricket. Under the leadership of Len Hutton, the national team’s first professional captain, one of the greatest
group of players ever to represent England won an Ashes series in Australia for the first time in more than 20 years. It is a feat that has been repeated only four times in more than 70 years since. But Hutton’s men had to overcome the additional obstacle of losing heavily in the first Test – only one England team has managed to win an overseas Ashes series after such a monumental setback.

The names of the cricketers who locked horns in 1954–55 resonate down the decades – Hutton’s team included Denis Compton, Frank Tyson, Brian Statham, Trevor Bailey, Godfrey Evans, Peter May and Colin Cowdrey. Among their Australian opponents were Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller, Neil Harvey and Richie Benaud. In the 1950s, these players were not just elite sportsmen, they were household names.

An Ashes series for the ages is brought thrillingly to life in this momentous slice of sporting and social history.

Richard Whitehead worked in newspapers for nearly 40 years, spending 21 of them in a variety of senior roles at The Times, including spells in the sport, books and obituaries sections. He has been writing obituaries for Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack since 2012. His previous books include The Cup: a Pictorial Celebration of the World’s Greatest Football Tournament, The Times on the Ashes and Warne in Wisden.

Monday 14th July 6.30pm
Tickets £5 (refundable on the purchase of the book)

‘Elegant and evocative … the definitive word on England’s most astonishing Ashes tour ever’ – Matthew Engel

‘A wonderfully full-bodied account, alert to every human and social as well as cricketing nuance’ – David Kynaston

‘A masterpiece of research and narrative skill’ – Leo McKinstry

‘An outstanding addition to cricket’s literature … Richard Whitehead marvellously recreates one of the great tours of the 20th century’ – Duncan Hamilton