Richie Benaud’s Blue Suede Shoes

The Ashes are on the line as England and Australia meet at Old Trafford in July 1961 for the fourth Test. For the majority of the match, England holds a slender lead, but the game dramatically shifts on the final day. With fortunes fluctuating intensely, the tourists eventually storm to a thrilling victory, capturing the essence of an Ashes classic. Richie Benaud’s Blue Suede Shoes vividly recounts this gripping tale, immersing readers in the edge-of-your-seat experience that millions of armchair viewers and listeners lived through.

At the heart of Richie Benaud’s Blue Suede Shoes are two captivating figures: England’s captain, the Cambridge-educated, risk-averse Peter May, and Australia’s captain, the charismatic and open-minded Richie Benaud. This juxtaposition highlights not only the clash between two cricketing philosophies but also a broader cultural divide. While Benaud and Australia embodied a new, meritocratic era, Peter May and England seemed to cling to an imperial legacy, contrasting sharply with the social upheavals of the Sixties.

The book’s enthralling narrative doesn't stop at the match itself. The sharply observed final chapters extend the story into the present day, chronicling the after-lives of key participants like Ted Dexter, Bill Lawry, and Fred Trueman. It also delves into the ongoing love-hate relationship between English cricket and broader social changes. Wrestling with the perennial question that plagues England supporters—why do the baggy green caps usually come out on top?—the book offers an insightful examination of six decades of fierce Ashes rivalry.

'This entertaining book is gripping reading for any cricket buff' Sunday Times

'An epic contest superbly retold . . . a fascinating slice of social history, it is a spellbinding read' Vic Marks

'You should go out and buy it now, because the book is brilliant’ Spectator

Authored by David Kynaston and Harry Ricketts, Richie Benaud’s Blue Suede Shoes is a compelling exploration of a defining moment in cricket history. Through meticulous research and riveting writing, Kynaston and Ricketts bring to life an era that shaped the future of English cricket. It's a must-read for any cricket aficionado, offering both a nostalgic look back and a thoughtful consideration of the sport's evolution.