Playing to Win

Australia and the 1972 Ashes

By: Barry Nicholls

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Paperback | 28 July 2025

At a Glance

Paperback
226 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.4 x 15.6 x 1.32

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In the early 1970s cricket was on the precipice. Apartheid South Africa was barred from competition, and the 1970/71 Ashes series in Australia had been uninspiring - more a battle of attrition than an enthralling contest. Test-playing nations were opting for risk-averse and often tedious Test cricket.

In April 1972 the inexperienced Australians, labelled the worst team ever by the English press, arrived in England full of swagger. Their newly appointed captain, Ian Chappell, announced they were playing to win. The intriguing Ashes series that followed, and the simmering disquiet about how the game was being administered, transformed Test cricket. No longer would cricket be played to stultifying draws but instead with a desire to win - no matter what was at stake, including the Ashes.

Playing to Win evocatively captures the story of that northern English summer, a series that, thanks to Ian Chappell and his team, shaped the modern game.

Industry Reviews

'I'm delighted Barry Nicholls has seen fit to recognise the importance of the tour with this comprehensive book. I thank him on behalf of the players.' - Ian Chappell

'The 1972 Australian cricket tour of England was in many ways unique for the influence it had on Australia's cricket future. Barry Nicholl's description is vividly entertaining, historically accurate and perceptive in its analysis.' - Ross Edwards

'This experience [the Ashes tour of England] taught me more about life than I realised until many years later. A great five months!' - David Colley

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