5 Ashes heroes who became renowned cricket writers

#4 Percy Fender

Percy Fender in full flow

Fender has often been regarded as the shrewdest captain not to have led England in Test cricket. He led Surrey with distinction but didn't lead his country in any of the 13 Test matches he played. He was a hard-hitting batsman who once scored a First-class century in 35 minutes.

A useful bowler as well, he picked up two five-wicket hauls in the 5 Ashes Tests he played. Three of them were in Australia and the other two in England. He was unfortunate to face one of the strongest sides in Test history and his performance, apart from those two five-wicket hauls, was ordinary.

But Fender's contribution didn't end there. He was known for his understanding of the game and was consulted by Jardine before the latter developed tactics for the infamous Bodyline series.

Fender was a fine writer. His tour books are among the best written on the game.

Fender was a colorful and important character in English cricket and deserved a biography but it was a long time coming. In 1981, a year before his death, Richard Streeton of The Times finally filled that void.

Here is a list of must-read books by Percy Fender:

Defending the Ashes, concerning the 1920-21 Ashes series

The Turn of the Wheel, concerning the 1928-29 Ashes series

The Tests of 1930, concerning the 1930 Ashes series

Kissing the Rod, concerning the 1934 Ashes series