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