The fourth episode of a new series where the BBC’s Chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt discovers untold stories from the Ashes. David Gower breathes rarefied air as a legend of English Ashes cricket. A four-time winner – twice down under – Gower has played more Tests for England against Australia, 42, than all but Colin Cowdrey. Only the great Jack Hobbs made more runs for England against the Aussies than Gower’s 3,269. As captain in 1985, Gower led England to a 3-1 series win whilst making 732 runs in the process. Little did Gower, or anyone, know that 1985 was to be the last time England won a home Ashes series for 20 years, a desolate run that began when he was put back in charge for what turned out to be a calamitous 1989 contest involving a famous press conference, News at 10, a rebel tour and a large wine bill.

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