The Toughest Tour: The Ashes Away Series 1946 To 2007

When it comes to cricket, one of the most prestigious and intense battles that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide is The Ashes. The series, contested between England and Australia, has produced numerous iconic moments and legendary battles since its inception in 1882. However, in this article, we will focus on one aspect that truly separates the great from the rest - The Ashes Away Series from 1946 to 2007.

The Rivalry Rekindled

The series between England and Australia is steeped in history, with each team vying for supremacy and bragging rights. While home advantage does play a significant role in any sporting contest, it is the away series that truly tests a team's character, resilience, and ability to adapt to unfamiliar conditions.

From the first away series after World War II in 1946 to the 2007 series, England and Australia engaged in a fierce battle for the Ashes. Both teams traveled across oceans, away from the comforts of their home grounds, to face off in intense cricketing duels that left spectators enthralled.

The Toughest Tour: The Ashes Away Series: 1946 to 2007

by Huw Turbervill(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	730 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	284 pages

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Unforgiving Australian Conditions

Playing cricket in Australia has always been a daunting task for visiting teams due to the unforgiving conditions. The hard, fast pitches coupled with the searing heat and constant presence of hostile Australian crowds make it a challenging environment for any player.

To truly understand the toughness of these away series, one must acknowledge the great Australian teams that dominated international cricket during this period. Legends such as Sir Donald Bradman, Dennis Lillee, and Shane Warne made the Kangaroos a formidable foe in their own backyard.

From the late 1940s to the turn of the millennium, Australia's dominance at home was remarkable. They won series after series, making it a mammoth task for any visiting team to walk away with the Ashes urn. The pressure of performing in front of a relentless Australian crowd further tested the mental strength and resilience of England.

England's Redemption

For the English team, the away series against Australia presented an opportunity for redemption and a chance to prove their worth. The pressure to perform away from home, against a formidable opponent, added an extra dimension to the contest.

It took almost two decades for England to register an away series win against Australia. Led by the charismatic captain Mike Brearley, the 1977 team finally triumphed over their Australian counterparts, setting the stage for future battles between the two cricketing giants.

Over the years, England continued to strive for success on Australian soil. The likes of Ian Botham, Graeme Hick, and Andrew Flintoff emerged as talismans for the English team during these intense away series. Their performances personified the courage and fighting spirit required to conquer the mighty Australians in their own backyard.

Legends of the Ashes Away Series

Several legendary cricketers left an indelible mark on the Ashes Away Series from 1946 to 2007. Sir Donald Bradman, often regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, dominated the series with his extraordinary batting prowess. His average of 89.78 in Ashes contests is a testament to his unparalleled skill.

On the bowling front, players like Dennis Lillee and Shane Warne showcased their insurmountable talent, tormenting English batsmen with their deadly deliveries. Their performances played pivotal roles in securing the Ashes for Australia on numerous occasions.

England, too, had their share of heroes. Ian Botham's heroic all-round performances in the 1981 series earned him the title of "Ashes savior" and propelled England to an unlikely comeback victory. The swashbuckling nature of his play resonated with cricket fans globally and became part of Ashes folklore.

The Legacy Lives On

The Ashes Away Series from 1946 to 2007 will forever be etched in the annals of cricket history. The battles fought, the rivalries created, and the unforgettable moments shared between England and Australia have left an enduring legacy.

Though the away series is now contested under different circumstances, the grit, determination, and skill displayed by the teams during this period set a high standard for future generations of cricketers.

As fans, we continue to witness the passion and intensity of the Ashes, cherishing the memories of those iconic battles that unfolded on foreign soil. The thrill of the away series adds an extra layer of excitement to each contest, reminding us of the extraordinary toughness required to win the Ashes away from home.

The Ashes Away Series: A true testament to the spirit of cricket and the enduring rivalry between two great nations.

The Toughest Tour: The Ashes Away Series: 1946 to 2007

by Huw Turbervill(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	730 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	284 pages

FREE

The Ashes away series is without doubt the toughest test of an English cricketer’s career. From the ageing team of the first post-war tour, landing at Fremantle after three weeks at sea in a Ministry of War transport carrier, to the ‘whitewash’ of 2006-7, when England fell like rabbits caught in Shane Warne’s headlights, Australian soil has played host to some of English cricket’s most gruelling nadirs – but also some of its most glorious and infamous highs.

In this unique oral history, drawn from dozens of original interviews with the surviving tourists, the Telegraph’s Huw Turbervill chronicles sixty years of England down under, recreating the greatest moments of every tour since the end of the Second World War through the words of the players who witnessed them and who made them happen.

Whether reliving, with Alec Bedser, England’s dismay at Don Bradman’s shock reprieve on 28 in the first Test at Brisbane in 1946 (he went on to 187); wincing with Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson as he describes the moment he was bowled to the ground, unconscious, at the second Test in Sydney in 1954 – only to exact a furious and victorious revenge; or rejoicing with John Emburey and Chris Broad as England confound their critics to prove they really can bat, bowl and field, during the first Test upset of 1986, The Toughest Tour is a constantly entertaining, often heartfelt and sometimes shamelessly partisan account of six decades and sixteen tours of cricket’s most compelling rivalry.