The 1961 Ashes had it all, especially at Old Trafford. The ground where Jim Laker ran amok the previous time the Australians visited would be the scene of a staggering come-from-behind triumph under the bold leadership of Richie Benaud, spinning to win from out of the rough. Adam has Steve Cannane with him to interview Harry Ricketts, the co-author of a terrific new book focused on a match that helped earn the Australian captain the reputation as the best leader in the game. But it’s a portrait just as much about the England skipper, Peter May, and how a champion player would become a symptom of an antiquated class system by the end of his time in charge. A book that’s going to win a stack of awards, it’s out this week. Enjoy!

Buy a copy of Richie Benaud's Blue Suede Shoes here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/richie-benauds-blue-suede-shoes-9781526670274/

Read Steve Cannane's Review for the FT here: https://www.ft.com/content/d1e4e4e4-59a9-4f41-abdb-1059932cb7fe

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