Two Summers at the Tests - John Arlott

“Two Summers at the Tests: England v South Africa 1947 & England v Australia 1948” by John Arlott is a compilation of the author’s two earlier works, “Gone to the Cricket” (covering the 1947 series against South Africa) and “Gone to the Test Match” (focusing on the 1948 Ashes series against Australia). Originally published separately, these accounts were combined in 1952 to form this single volume, offering a vivid narrative of two pivotal post-World War II cricket summers in England.

The first part chronicles the 1947 Test series against South Africa, marking the resumption of international cricket after the war and highlighting the challenges and excitement of the touring side’s performances across five Tests.

The second part details the 1948 Ashes, featuring Don Bradman’s unbeaten Australian team, dubbed “the Invincibles.” Arlott meticulously recounts key events, including Len Hutton’s unprecedented omission from the England side, Australia’s record-setting fourth-innings chase of 404 runs on the final day at Headingley to win by seven wickets, and Bradman’s poignant duck in his farewell Test innings at The Oval.

Throughout, Arlott’s prose provides insightful commentary on the matches, players, and atmosphere, drawing from his role as a BBC cricket broadcaster, though his style here reflects his early thirties and lacks some of the poetic depth found in his later writings.