What Anglo-Australian cricket writer David Frith does however is to convey a sense of realism, honesty and plain speaking in his review of the 2005 Ashes series, stripping the series of hyperbole and over excitement.
History of England vs Australia
Every sporting event needs an historical context, and the beginning of "Battle for the Ashes" sets the scene of 2005 in descriptive, romantic detail. Following on from Ashley Giles' thoughtful foreword in which he describes that tense yet momentus last day at The Oval, Frith chronologicaly summarises the previous eight Ashes contests since England last won in 1986/87.
Then in present tense, the writer describes the two team's current form going into the series, and muses on the odds, omens and curios that many a cricket fan loves to divulge in. For example, the English media explained to Australian captain Ricky Ponting that "his team was well past the flush of youth," the oldest squad since the notorious "Bodyline" series which England won, whilst the writer recalls his own on the field battles with Adam Gilchrist's dad in club cricket.
Ashes Warm-UpIt is a pity therefore, after all the pre-series predictions and digging up of history that Frith should then dedicate a whole chapter to detailing the 1905 Ashes in the section "Jacker and Joe" referring to the England and Aussie captains Stanley Jackson and Joe Darling. Comparisons between past series and current rubbers are welcome if a little infuriating, and it is a trap that modern commentators, particularly ones of a certain vintage, too often fall into.
There then follows brief descriptions of the numerous 20/20 and one day matches, which apart from Bangladesh's slaying of the Goliath Aussies, Kevin Pietersen's match winning thrash at Bristol and the low scoring tie at Lords, only makes us want to read about the test matches a lot more quickly. Frith is not only whetting the appetite, he is taking the banquet away and leaving the reader to starve.
Ashes Test Matches
When the test matches do come around, Frith details the accounts on a daily basis, so that the nuances, details and subtle moments are described in peerless detail. The reader relives and is reminded of the various moments of tension and drama that took place, with Frith often addressing the reader via rhetorical question.
"Would it take two balls or two overs?" Frith asks of that momentus, nerve shredding last day at Edgbaston when England won by two tiny runs.
The writer describes this moment as matter of fact, unbiased, simple prose that clarifies and explains this perfectly. "He falls towards the off, and a split second later Geraint Jones plunges forward to take the catch. England have won by two runs. Pandemonium." Simple words can still magnify little crumbs of action brilliantly.
A Modern Classic
The calm but fluent tempo of the book continues with descriptions of action interspersed with choice quotes from the people who made the series, the players. The comparison with past and present continues with the untiring Brett Lee being compared to old time bowler Tom Richardson, Pietersen compared to South African great Barry Richards.
Yet the chapters keep the book very much in a modern context, from the constant media scrums, the faultless, microscopic coverage of Channel 4, and even the chanting from the Barmy Army band of England followers. What makes this an easy read is that the writing is interspersed with Patrick Eager's faultless black and white photography, keeping the work "in the moment," as well as republished full scorecards for the stattos.
Ashes Reflections
David Frith concludes the book with his own thoughts on what turned the series to England; Glenn McGrath's injury, many umpiring quirks, and other key moments. Stats are reproduced but not over-analysed, whilst he praises the important key competitors, Hoggard's accuracy, Jones' reverse swing, Ashley Giles' battle against adversity and press sniping.
What is laboured however are the constant rose-tinted backglances to previous series and supersitions, something which the cricket writers should take note when reviewing this year's contest. The 2005 Ashes series is set apart from all the others for its sportsmanship and drama and should stand alone like a piece of fine art. Frith's fluent and easy reading review of this moment in sporting history can therefore be enjoyed by cricket lovers and newer converts alike.
David Frith's Battle For The Ashes, was first published by Ebury Press in 2005. ISBN 0 091910846
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