"The Timeline History of the Ashes" provides an easy to view, flowing Time Chart, which reveals a unique, historical review of The Ashes Series from the first Test at Melbourne in March 1877, to the glorious climax to the 2005 Series at The Brit Oval. It brings together a panorama of Test Match cricket between England and Australia through an informative and visually attractive historical, photographic and statistical record of one of the great sporting institutions. The Timeline is illustrated with a photographic and textual montage of Ashes Superstars from Grace, Spofforth, Hobbs and Bradman to Botham, Benaud, Lillee and Ponting. Key features will include an overall summary, portraits of the great players and outstanding Series, with detailed supporting records and statistics to provide an incomparable source of interest and comparative reference for traditional cricket followers and the younger generation. The Timeline visually reflects the changing and historical context of the different stages in the 128 year history and evolution of these memorable sporting occasions.
The emphasis is on the events, players, performances, but also on the values, arguments, prejudices and rivalries in the history of these unique contests. The most important idea is to inform and enthuse cricket lovers and attract new ones to the excitement and achievements in the greatest of all games.