The Ashes—the fiercest and most enduring rivalry in cricket—returns to Australia in 2025/26. For fans gearing up to relive history, few things set the tone better than diving into some of the greatest cricket writing ever published. From classic accounts of famous series to insider perspectives from legends who’ve played in or commented on the contest, here are ten must-read books to get you ready for England vs Australia.
1. The Times Test Cricket: A History of the Ultimate Game, 150 Years in the Making
A stunning collection chronicling the evolution of Test cricket, including its defining Ashes moments. Featuring reports, photography, and reflections from The Times archives, it’s a beautiful celebration of cricket’s purest form and a must-own for collectors.
2. No Spin – Shane Warne
What better way to prepare than getting inside the head of the greatest Australian adversary of the modern era? Shane Warne’s autobiography offers a candid, colourful, and unfiltered look at his career, his controversies, and, most importantly, his incredible dominance over England.
đź“– Kindle | đź“š Paperback | đź“• Hardback
3. The Ashes Files: My Pride and Pain in Cricket’s Most Intense Series – Steven Finn
A fresh, honest and emotional look at Ashes cricket through the eyes of a man who lived both its triumphs and heartbreaks. Finn digs deep into selection battles, pressure moments and the personal strain of cricket’s toughest stage. Insightful and human.
đź“– Kindle | đź“š Paperback | đź“• Hardback
4. Richie Benaud’s Blue Suede Shoes: The Story of an Ashes Classic – David Kynaston and Harry Ricketts
Telling the story of the 1961 Ashes, this book captures the battle between two cricketing giants—Richie Benaud and Ted Dexter—and the moment Benaud’s tactical genius helped Australia clinch the urn. A timeless piece of cricket literature.
đź“– Kindle | đź“š Paperback | đź“• Hardback
5. Victory in Australia: The Remarkable Story of England’s Greatest Ashes Triumph 1954–55 – Richard Whitehead
A detailed retelling of one of England’s most celebrated series wins, led by Len Hutton and featuring the devastating bowling of Frank Tyson. Perfect for fans of cricket history and classic Test match drama.
6. On the Ashes – Gideon Haigh
Renowned cricket journalist Gideon Haigh combines sharp analysis with historical perspective in this deep exploration of what makes The Ashes so special. His writing captures both the mythology and the human stories behind the rivalry.
đź“– Kindle | đź“š Paperback | đź“• Hardback
7. On Fire: My Story of England’s Summer to Remember – Ben Stokes
England’s talisman revisits his astonishing 2019 summer — including the miracle at Headingley, one of the greatest Ashes innings ever played. Stokes’s honesty, intensity and competitive spirit jump off the page.
đź“– Kindle | đź“š Paperback | đź“• Hardback
8. Tuffers’ Ashes Heroes – Phil Tufnell
Full of wit and warmth, Phil Tufnell revisits the standout characters and greatest moments in Ashes history. From Botham’s heroics to Stokes’s brilliance, Tuffers brings personality and humour to every page.
9. The Ashes: It’s All About the Urn – Graeme Swann
Former England spinner Graeme Swann delivers a lively, humorous and insightful tour through Ashes history from a player’s perspective. Blending personal experiences with key moments from cricket’s greatest rivalry, Swann brings colour, attitude and plenty of behind-the-scenes anecdotes. A fun, energetic read that captures the passion and madness of England vs Australia.
đź“– Kindle | đź“š Paperback | đź“• Hardback
10. Wisden on the Ashes: The Authoritative Story of Cricket’s Greatest Rivalry – Edited by Steven Lynch
A definitive collection from Wisden, the “Bible of Cricket,” chronicling every Ashes series since 1882. Packed with match reports, analysis, and commentary from some of the greatest cricket writers ever.
🏆 Get Ready for the Ultimate Cricket Rivalry
From classic contests to modern memoirs, these books capture everything that makes The Ashes the pinnacle of Test cricket—pride, pressure, and passion. Whether you’re reliving Botham’s brilliance, Warne’s wizardry, or Stokes’s heroics, each story brings you closer to the spirit of the urn.
đź“Ť Want to plan your Ashes adventure?
Check out our full guide to the 2025/2026 Ashes in Australia — including fixtures, venues, and travel tips — here:
👉 The Ultimate Cricket Rivalry: Preparing for The Ashes 2025–2026 in Australia
Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Sports Tourist
