The Times Test Cricket

A History of the Ultimate Game, 150 Years in the Making

Mike Atherton, Richard Whitehead, Times Books

$65

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Times Books
25 September 2025

Public buildings: civic, commercial, industrial; Reportage & collected journalism; Sporting venues; Cricket; Gift books

An illustrated history of unforgettable tests, legendary players and record-breaking performances.

This is the story of Test cricket and how it came to dominate the global sporting calendar. With access to the The Times archives, this book features player profiles, photographs and match reports from the most dramatic Tests throughout history.

For almost a century and a half, Test cricket has provided some of the most dramatic highs and lows in the sporting world. Since the first exhilarating Test match between Australia and England in 1877, this unique format of the game, in which fortunes can change as quickly as the condition of the pitch, has challenged players’ mental and physical endurance. It has provided the stage for great players from Sir Donald Bradman and Sir Garfield Sobers to Sachin Tedulkar, Shane Warne and James Anderson, whose incredible performances have inspired generations of cricketers worldwide.

Written by sports journalist Richard Whitehead, with a foreword by former England captain Mike Atherton OBE, The Times Test Cricket tells the gripping history of unforgettable tests, legendary players and record-breaking performances.

Accompanied by visually stunning photography, player profiles, and match reports from The Times archive on the most famous Tests, this is an essential book for all cricket fans.

Chapters include:

· Foundation story (1877–1914)

· Between the wars (1921–1939)

· Boom and bust (1946–1970)

· Revolution in the air (1971–1989)

· The age of the superstar (1990–1999)

· The 21st century (2000–2024)

By: Richard Whitehead, Times Books
Foreword by: Mike Atherton
Imprint: Times Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 252mm, Width: 219mm, Spine: 20mm
Weight: 270g
ISBN: 9780008749262
ISBN 10: 0008749264
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 25 September 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Richard Whitehead is a former senior sports editor and author of a number of sports books with The Times, including The Times World Cup Moments, On the Ashes, England’s World Cup and 50 Greatest Football Matches.