The 2005 Ashes series was the most eagerly anticipated for decades. Not since 1989 had the famous urn left the hands of the all-conquering Australians, and with England in the ascendant after a string of Test successes, hopes were high that the balance of power in world cricket would at last shift. The series did not disappoint. From the rip-roaring first day at Lord's, with seventeen wickets falling, it was clear we were in for something special. Although the visitors went on to win that match England bounced back with a spectacular win at Edgbaston, and further nailbiting finishes followed at Old Trafford, Trent Bridge and The Oval. In this sparkling account of an amazing summer, England's coach Duncan Fletcher reveals the strategies, the stresses and successes of one of the greatest series in the history of the game.