The ideal Christmas gift for the cricket fan in your family. An illustrated history of unforgettable tests, legendary players and record-breaking performances. This is the story of Test cricket and how it came to dominate the global sporting calendar. With access to the The Times archives, this book features player profiles, photographs and match reports from the most dramatic Tests throughout history. For almost a century and a half, Test cricket has provided some of the most dramatic highs and lows in the sporting world. Since the first exhilarating Test match between Australia and England in 1877, this unique format of the game, in which fortunes can change as quickly as the condition of the pitch, has challenged players' mental and physical endurance. It has provided the stage for great players from Sir Donald Bradman and Sir Garfield Sobers to Sachin Tedulkar, Shane Warne and James Anderson, whose incredible performances have inspired generations of cricketers worldwide. Written by sports journalist Richard Whitehead, with a foreword by former England captain Mike Atherton OBE, The Times Test Cricket tells the gripping history of unforgettable tests, legendary players and record-breaking performances.
Accompanied by visually stunning photography, player profiles, and match reports from The Times archive on the most famous Tests, this is an essential book for all cricket fans. Chapters include: · Foundation story (1877-1914) · Between the wars (1921-1939) · Boom and bust (1946-1970) · Revolution in the air (1971-1989) · The age of the superstar (1990-1999) · The 21st century (2000-2024) * Publishing ahead of the next Ashes tour in Australia (November 2025-January 2026) * Also publishes for gifting market 2025 * Opportunity to place ads alongside Ashes coverage; Christmas gift guide; Times+ events * Follows on from success of The Times Cricket Grounds of the World * Broader focus than a book strictly on the Ashes; will appeal to export markets including India, South Africa and Australia, as well as UK market * Plays to strength of The Times' brand authority on cricket * Author Richard Whitehead well-connected within industry * Foreword by Mike Atherton OBE - The Times chief cricket correspondent, a broadcaster, and a former England captain * Publishing ahead of the 150-year anniversary of Test cricket in 2027. * Stands out from the competition by making use of archive material (articles and photos) from The Times and benefits from the authority of The Times on cricket coverage.