This is the story of the birth of Test cricket, its growth on an international scale and how it came to dominate the global sporting calendar. With access to the rich history of The Times archive, this book is illustrated with player profiles, scorecards and photographs, as well as match reports from the most triumphant Tests throughout history.

For almost a century and a half, Test cricket has provided some of the most dramatic highs and lows in the sporting world. Since the first exhilarating Test match between Australia and England in 1877, the unique format of the game has challenged players to contend with changing climates and pitch conditions, and tests both their mental and physical endurance across 5 days in which fortunes can change quickly. It has forged some of the greats such as Sir Donald Bradman, Sachin Tedulkar, Sir Garfield Sobers, Shane Warne and Sir Jack Hobbs whose incredible performances have inspired generations of cricketers worldwide.

Written by sports journalist Richard Whitehead, with a foreword by former England international cricketer Mike Atherton OBE, The Times Test Cricket tells the gripping history of unforgettable tests, legendary players and record-breaking performances.

Accompanied by visually stunning photography, player profiles, scorecards and corresponding articles from The Times on the most famous Tests, this is an essential book for all cricket fans.

Chapters include:

· Foundation story (1877—1914)

· Between the wars (1921—1939)

· Boom and bust (1946—1970)

· Revolution in the air (1971—1989)

· The age of the superstar (1990—1999)

· The 21st century (2000—2024)