Why Ashes Series Called Ashes

The Liturgical “Reason Why:” Being a Series of Papers on the Principles of the Book of Common Prayer

Taming the Beast

Jack “Beast” Beasley has been dealt a tough hand in life: his family has been torn apart, and he’s been left to pick up the pieces, with his younger sister Michelle. Only two factors keep Jack from throwing in the towel: his love for his sister and his passion for cricket. Jack must confront his own demons and battle against his own frustrations, his fiery temper, and pent-up anger, getting him into regular trouble at school and on the cricket field. Jack’s dream is to be the best cricketer he can be, with aspirations of playing for the Richmond 1st X1, pushing through to first-class cricket and then his ultimate dream: wearing the famous Baggy Green cap and representing Australia as a test cricketer. In Taming the Beast, we follow Jack Beasley and the many ups and downs and twists and turns along his journey. Will all of Jack’s hard work pay off? Will his determination prevail? Will he be able to placate his inner demons? Will he “tame the beast”?

Line and Strength

From working the land in Narromine to winning cricket's World Cup three times, Glenn McGrath has always faced life with fierce determination and an unerring will to succeed, despite the odds. Now, following his retirement from international cricket, McGrath tells his complete story - on and off the field. The man known as 'Pigeon' won his baggy green cap in Perth in 1993 and went on to forge a brilliant career, eventually becoming cricket's most successful fast bowler with 563 Test wickets. McGrath entered Ashes folklore in 1997 when he destroyed England by taking 8 for 38 at Lords, and he even scored a Test half-century with the bat. With leg spinner Shane Warne, he formed the most devastating bowling combination in Test history. Glenn McGrath's most meaningful achievements, however, have been off the field. With his wife, Jane, he established the McGrath Foundation, a major funder for and supporter of breast cancer sufferers. Here, in their own words, the McGraths discuss their battles with the disease and Jane's tragic death. Line and Strength is the tell-all story of an Australian country boy who took on the world.