The Ashes Files : Inside Cricket’s Most Intense Series – ‘powerful’ (Stuart Broad) – 9781399637794

Not many players have felt the highs and lows of Ashes cricket to the same extent as Finny – and his book proves it’ Jimmy Anderson’Raw and moving – a brilliant read’ Alastair CookFew cricketers understand the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being part of an Ashes series quite like Steven Finn. Whille he made over 120 appearances for his country, taking over 250 wickets, it was his battles with Australia that defined his career. Aged just 21, he played a key role in England’s historic 2010 Ashes win over their fiercest rivals – their first victory down under since the 1980s – and went on to be part of three Ashes winning sides. But there was a darker side to his career. In 2014, Finn was sent home from Australia during the calamitous 5-0 series defeat after he lost his confidence and his bowling action fell apart. He was adamant that it wouldn’t be the end of his England career though; after fighting to overcome his demons and regain his place in the side, he played a key role as England regained the urn in 2015. With the help of the candid diaries he kept at the time, The Ashes Files is a raw and eye-opening look at life as an elite international cricketer. It’s a story of elation and pain, hitting rock bottom and battling back, and what it’s really like to go to war with England’s oldest foe.