A comprehensive account of the history of the Ashes Tests, from their informal beginnings in the 1860s to the sure-to-be-legendary Australian 5-0 victory of 2006. It tracks the development of the contest from a money-making tour exercise to one of the world's most enduring and feisty sporting rivalries. A book for the fanatic, it includes statistical data on every Ashes series, as well as describing the key moments and players. Packed with photos, it highlights legends of the game, from W.G. Grace to S. K. Warne, as well as those unfortunately (or best) forgotten. The Ashes is full of lively anecdotes and fascinating eye-witness accounts, and includes a foreword by Matthew Hayden.