One unforgettable delivery, a genius athlete and a defining figure for many – but still the most teasing historical question remains… can single moments and instances shape eras?

This week on the podcast, ⁠⁠Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠, is joined by author Brendan Cooper to discuss his new book, ⁠Ball of the Century⁠, a remarkable exploration of Shane Warne’s iconic first Ashes delivery at Old Trafford on 4th June 1993.

He traces the story of the Australian leg spinner’s rise, the psychological hold he exerted over English cricket, and the wider cultural landscape of Britain and the Ashes during the 1990s. We discuss how sporting mythology, memory and the enduring power of Ashes folklore combined to transcend the boundaries of sport and transform Warne into a cultural icon.

Episode Links

⁠Ball of the Century⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brendan Cooper Links

Website: https://petersfraserdunlop.com/clients/brendan-cooper/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/BCooper147

Zeb Baker-Smith Links:

X/Twitter: https://x.com/aohistoryeditor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zebbakersmith/

Substack: https://substack.com/@zebbakersmith

Aspects of History Links:

Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com

Email: history@aspectsofhistory.com

⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspectsofhistory/