Once Upon a Time in the Ashes is the podcast that focuses on those English and Australian cricketers who played in just one Ashes test. They may have played in other test matches for their country, but in Ashes cricket one test and one test only. Tune in for some fascinating stories.
Like our previous guest, Murray Bennett, Dave Gilbert played his one Ashes Test at the Oval in the 6th Test of the 1985 series. Dave reveals how he went from a 10 year old boy in the crowd at the SCG during the 1971 Ashes to playing on the biggest stage for his country. It’s a cricketing journey that takes in New South Wales, the Essex and Lancashire leagues, Tasmania and Gloucestershire, via kangaroo courts and tied Tests.
Murray Bennett was selected for the 1985 Ashes tour to England under the captaincy of Allan Border. He played his one Ashes Test in the final game of the series at the Oval. This was his third and final Test for Australia, following two against the West Indies in 1984-5. From St George, Sydney to Ramsbottom, Lancashire, this is his story.
It's a delight to welcome Jonathan Agnew of Leicestershire, England and TMS to the show. Jonathan played his one and only Ashes Test at Old Trafford in 1985. His Test debut againt the indomitable West Indies side during the 'Blackwash' series of 1984; his late call up to the tour of India the following winter; and some memorable and daunting moments at the MCG. All this and much more. It's an episode not to be missed.
Arnie Sidebottom fulfilled many a child's dream by playing football for Manchester United and cricket for Yorkshire. He played his one and only Test for England against Australia in 1985. He's joined on the podcast by his son, and fellow Test cricketer, Ryan, and his captain during that Ashes series, Mr David Gower.
Paul Parker played his one and only Test match for England in the 6th Test of the 1981 Ashes series. He joins us to talk about turning up late for Botham's Ashes and his stellar cricketing career for Sussex and Durham. The best of times, the worst of times and some very surprising stories along the way.
Mick Malone joins us to talk about the 1977 Ashes tour of England, that culminated in Mick taking 5-63 and scoring 46 with the bat at the Oval in his one and only Test for Australia. He also chats growing up in Scarborough, World Series Cricket and his time playing in the Lancashire League for Haslingden.
Graham Barlow is our latest guest as he takes us through his one Ashes Test at Lord's in 1977 and his wider cricketing and sporting life. Middlesex, Loughborough University, a Test debut in India and the Centenary Test in Australia. All this and much more.
Episode 10 is the tale of two Australian fast bowlers, Ross Duncan and Pat Crawford. Ross played his one Ashes Test in 1971, in the 5th Test at the MCG, but his day in the Victorian sun was hampered by injury. Pat fared no better, managing 29 balls at Lord's in 1956 before breaking down. But that was just the beginning of Pat's story. The Australian writer and journalist, Gideon Haigh, guides us through the incredible ups and downs of Pat's life.
The legend that is Ian Chappell joins us to talk about his finest Ashes' moments and his wider cricketing career. The captaincy, the hundreds, the battles with the board. World Series Cricket and the Lancashire League. All this and much, much more. It's an episode not be missed.
Tony Dell, Australian Test cricketer 255 and Vietnam War veteran, joins us to tell the remarkable story of his life. Aged 20, he was thrust into the horrors of the Vietnam War and his experiences were to have a profound and devastating effect on his life. Ian Chappell, Tony's captain for his one Ashes appearance in 1971, and brother Greg, Tony's captain at Queensland, are on hand to share their memories and insights.
