Andrew Strauss : Winning the Ashes Down Under

In November 2010, Andrew Strauss faced the ultimate challenge for an England cricket captain: winning the Ashes on Australian soil, a feat that had not been achieved for 24 years. By the end of a series that gripped the nation, he had led his team to an overwhelming victory - inflicting an unprecedented three innings defeats on the old enemy. Winning the Ashes Down Under is the captain's story of a tour that exceeded all expectations. It not only reveals what went on behind the scenes as Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower put together their team of winners, but also paints a very personal picture of day-to-day life on tour. It is an inspiring tale of how hostile conditions, injury and intimidating reputations were overcome by leadership, planning, a slice of good fortune - and extraordinary performances from the likes of Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott with the bat, and James Anderson and Chris Tremlett with the ball. Ranging from reverse swing to the sprinkler dance, from referrals to sledging, from despair at Perth to triumph at Sydney, this is the definitive account of a series that will live long in the memory.

Andrew Strauss was born in 1977 and spent his early years in South Africa, Australia and England. He learned his game at Radley College and Durham University, and made his first-class debut for Middlesex in 1998 before becoming captain in 2003. Strauss wrote his name into the record books when he became only the fourth batsman to score a century at Lord's on his Test debut, in 2004. He was awarded the MBE in 2005. In 2009 Strauss was named England captain and was subsequently named Man of the Series in the Ashes victory. Andrew Strauss is married with two children.