Includes the story of the 2021/2022 Ashes
THE ASHES : This Thing Can Be Done
Story of The Ashes Where All Tests Are ‘Drawn’
By Arunabha Sengupta and Maha
To be released: 10 March 2022
There have been many versions of The Ashes story but none quite like this. In a unique collaboration cricket historian Arunabha Sengupta, has joined with acclaimed artist, Maha, to tell in words and pictures the history of one of the world’s great sporting rivalries.
With more than 1000 illustrations THE ASHES: This Thing Can Be Done relates all the drama of the competition between England and Australia, both on and off the field, in an accessible graphic novel format. From the birth of The Ashes in 1882 through to the Invincibles Tour of 1948, from the miracle at Headingley in 1981 to Ben Stokes’ incredible performance at the same venue in 2019, the book provides punchy, well-researched commentary, alongside carefully crafted line drawings that capture all the key moments. The book will include highlights of the 2021/22 tour.
THE ASHES: This Thing Can Be Done doesn’t shy away from the controversial issues such as the infamous Bodyline tour of the 1930s and ball-tampering allegations, nor does it ignore the underlying social commentary and geopolitical situation at the time, especially where it impacted on cricket, from World Wars I and II to Apartheid and Black Lives Matter.
It also illustrates the memorable light-hearted moments including when David Gower and John Morris buzzed the Queensland ground in a Tiger Moth, and the appearance of the first streaker at a Lord’s Test.
THE ASHES: This Thing Can Be Done provides an entertaining and visually exciting history of The Ashes that will appeal to a wide and varied audience, from younger fans raised on social media to a more traditional readership intrigue by this fresh approach to The Ashes story.
An enormous undertaking - David Frith
Sengupta is a cricket historian with a tremendous capacity for research. The book captures all the great moments of The Ashes and many more - Stephen Chalke
Maha has done a great job. The artwork, the drawings and likenesses are fantastic. - David Squires
Sengupta's commitment and diligence in tracking down the truth behind the history of The Ashes is commendable ... full of surprising facts and details made all the more engaging by Maha's wonderful illustrations - Neil Robinson