Ashes Frontline - Diary by Justin Langer & Steve Harmison

Green Umbrella ISBN 1905828535 (April, 2007) Buy It Now

It's a simple concept; take a hugely anticipated contest between two cricketing super powers, ask for two contrasting views from both sides of the fence and put them together in one publication for the armchair fans to read.
 
Simple it may be but you still have to get the right balance and the right personnel sharing their thoughts with the readers. Justin Langer has a proven track record and is no stranger to putting pen to paper, or finger to keyboard but Steve Harmison in comparison could be classed as a novice! "Ashes Frontline" published by Green Umbrella combines a day by day match report of all five Test matches and the thoughts of two leading cricketers' hell bent on retaining/regaining the coveted Ashes.

As expected, following a five nil drubbing by Australia, publications related to the series have been rather thin on the ground however this offering certainly goes some way to restoring the balance! It's well worth the shelf space.

The layout of the book is consistent throughout and apart from the introduction and epilogue, each Test match is given its own chapter. With sumptuous images from all the Test matches, the book follows a simple yet elegant design. Match reports are called "view from the boundary" and easily distinguishable from the comments made by Langer and Harmison. Harmison's thoughts are found on the left hand pages and Langer utilising the right hand side. This format is used throughout and certainly simplifies matters. Buy It Now

The main benefit from reading this type of book or diary is the inclusion of personal views from those contributing to the book. It has been well documented that Harmison struggled in the first Test at the Gabba and we have to look no further than the Brisbane chapter to find out how he felt following his first ball wide to second slip and conceding four fours in his first two overs. On the opposite page Langer describes the difference between the start of the 2005 series and the current series.

Contrasting views and results are shared in the final Test in Sydney with Justin Langer at the crease, with his best friend and partner Hayden, when the winning runs were struck. Langer then shares the emotions of the time not only with the whitewash secured but the realisation that it was his last hurrah. Harmison as expected shares his disappointment at seeing the Australian's celebrate as they had done in 2005, confident that the defeat would make the visitors stronger.

The book concludes with both players summarising the series in a frank and honest assessment of the highs and lows on and off the field. The book doesn't read like a diary and it certainly doesn't look like one either. "Ashes Frontline" offers a rare insiders view to both camps, well presented and easy to incredibly easy to read. The book is highly recommended and is sure to be a hit and despite who you follow, you can't help be sucked in to the opposition's viewpoint. Fascinating insight to the greatest cricketing series of them all. Buy It Now

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