Match of My Life - The Ashes by Sam Pilger
As battle is rejoined between England and Australia in the Ashes on 23 November 2006, Match of My Life - The Ashes relives 12 of the greatest past matches which have shaped the history of this incredible series through the eyes of the men on the pitch. Featuring the exclusive contribution of 2005 Ashes winner Ashley Giles MBE, who hit the winning runs in the test which clinched the series at Trent Bridge, scored a Test best 59 in partnership with Kevin Pietersen to see England to a draw in the final Oval test and took 10 wickets in the greatest series of them all, the book will include six English and six Australian greats. Each player selects his greatest match to remember in full, including memories of the classic clashes, great team-mates and opposition players and the moments of controversy. Geoff Boycott relives a typically dogged century at Trent Bridge which helped win England the 1976 series, Bob Willis recounts his incredible eight wicket performance to win England the famous 1981 Headingley Test and David Gower remembers captaining England to victory in the 1985 series. Aussie captain Mark Taylor recalls how he turned 'the worst team in Ashes history' into 4-0 series winners, while Justin Langer remembers his double century that won the Melbourne Test in 2002 and Glenn McGrath relives his 500th Test wicket at Lord's in the first Test of last summer. These outstanding memories will serve as a fantastic reminder of the history of the Ashes as the nation gears up to take on the Aussies once again. On the English side stand: Ashley Giles, Geoff Boycott, David Gower, Bob Willis, Ray Illingworth and John Emburey. The Australian line-up includes: Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, Mark Taylor, Jeff Thomson, Merv Hughes and Neil Harvey.