"If great batsmen like them couldn't handle my bowling, the Poms weren't going to either."

Quote of the day

"I had played against Ian and Greg Chappell and if great batsmen like them couldn't handle my bowling, the Poms weren't going to either." Lightning-quick Jeff Thomson describes his Ashes debut at Brisbane in November 1974.

Random Ashes fact

In 1974/75, the deadly duo of Thomson and Dennis Lillee helped Australia rout England 4-1. Thomson claimed 33 wickets in his first Ashes series, consistently bowling at over 95 mph.

Magic numbers

There are 23 more days to go before the Ashes begin. England batsman Ian Bell was 23 (and 101 days) when he made his Ashes debut at Lord's on July 21, 2005. Unfortunately his age was greater than his average in the series, which was just over 17.

Quote of the day

"Brett lee was bowling at 95 mph, but I didn't feel any fear. I thought, 'You are going to have to kill me to get me out because I'm not going anywhere.' I wanted the Ashes that much." Ashley Giles, 2005.

Random Ashes fact

The first-ever Test between England and Australia took place at the MCG on March 15, 16, 17 and 19, 1877. Australia won by 45 runs, but England fought back to square the two-Test series.

Magic numbers

There are 24 more days to go before The Ashes series starts in Brisbane. 24 is the number of wickets Andrew Flintoff took in 2005. That haul meant he was England's most prolific bowler in the series, although Simon Jones claimed 18 victims in four Tests. Of course Shane Warne took 40 wickets and ended up on the losing side.

Ashes book launch

After months of hard work, I'm delighted to say that the Ashes book I have co-written with Sam Pilger is now available to order ahead of publication on November 8.

As Andrew Flintoff's England prepare to defend the Ashes in Australia, Match of My Life - The Ashes relives 12 classic matches from past series through the eyes of the men on the pitch.

The book features exclusive contributions from six English and six Australian greats, including 2005 Ashes winner Ashley Giles, Geoff Boycott, David Gower, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and Merv Hughes.

Giles recalls hitting the winning runs at Trent Bridge, scoring a Test-best 59 alongside Kevin Pietersen to help England clinch the Ashes at The Oval and taking 10 wickets in the greatest ever Ashes series.

Each player gives a vivid first-person account of his outstanding match, including memories of the stellar performances, controversy and legendary team-mates and opponents that have shaped Ashes history.

Geoff Boycott relives the dogged century at Trent Bridge that helped win England the 1977 series, Bob Willis recounts his incredible eight-wicket haul in England's seemingly impossible victory at Headingley in 1981 and David Gower remembers captaining England to glory in the 1985 series.

For Australia, Glenn McGrath reveals the ecstasy of taking his 500th Test wicket at Lord's in the first Test of last summer, former Australian skipper Mark Taylor recalls how he helped turn 'the worst team in Ashes history' into 4-0 series winners in 1989 and Justin Langer remembers his match-winning double century at Melbourne in 2002.

England have had few successes in Australia, but Ray Illingworth explains how he masterminded their victory in 1970/71 and John Emburey reminisces about the last time England won Down Under, in 1986/87.

These gripping and often humorous accounts provide an evocative insight into many celebrated Ashes moments as the nation gears up for another enthralling battle with the Aussies.

In Match of My Life - The Ashes, England are represented by Ashley Giles, Geoff Boycott, David Gower, Bob Willis, Ray Illingworth and John Emburey.

The Australian line-up comprises Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, Mark Taylor, Jeff Thomson, Merv Hughes and Neil Harvey.

Match of My Life - The Ashes edited by Rob Wightman and Sam Pilger is published by Know the Score Books on November 8, 2006. It is available from all major bookshops and www.amazon.co.uk, priced £16.99. ISBN: 1905449631