The Australian Cricket Handbook 1962–1963 was published to coincide with the 1962–63 MCC Tour of Australia, one of the most closely contested Ashes series of the early 1960s.
Edited by Robert Gray and featuring a foreword by Australian captain Richie Benaud, this 94-page handbook functions as both an official tour companion and a compact cricket annual for the season.
The volume includes:
Full touring squad profiles of the MCC team led by Ted Dexter
Photographic plates of English and Australian players
Complete MCC tour itinerary across Australia
1962–63 Test match score sheets
Historical Australia v England records
Touring averages since 1921
Sheffield Shield results (1961–62 season)
Feature articles by Neil Harvey and Bobby Simpson
Statistical summaries including Alan Davidson’s figures
Reference to Don Bradman’s records
The 1962–63 Ashes series concluded 1–1, with Australia retaining the Ashes. The tour featured major cricketing figures including Richie Benaud, Alan Davidson, Neil Harvey, Bill Lawry, Fred Trueman, Ted Dexter and Colin Cowdrey.
Unlike standard match-day programmes, this handbook offers broader statistical and editorial content, increasing its appeal to collectors of cricket reference works and Ashes memorabilia.
Australian Cricket Handbook 1962–63 | MCC Tour of Australia | Ashes Cricket
Title: Australian Cricket Handbook 1962–1963
Subtitle: MCC Tour of Australia
Publisher: Associated Newspapers Ltd. (Sydney)Year of Publication: 1962
Editor: Robert Gray
Foreword: Richie BenaudSeason: 1962–63
Edition: First Edition
Format: Softcover booklet
Pagination: 94 pages
Illustrations: Black and white photographic plates throughout
Original Cover Price: 4/- (four shillings)
Condition: Very Good (VG) – 1962–63 First Edition Original softcover booklet in well-preserved condition. Covers bright and clean with strong colour retention. Light edge wear and minor corner softening consistent with handling. Small areas of age toning to edges; no heavy foxing. Spine intact; staples firm and secure. Internally clean with uniform light tanning typical of early 1960s paper stock. No inscriptions, annotations, or loose pages observed. Original price (4/-) present — not price clipped. A structurally sound and attractive example of a 60+ year old Ashes tour handbook, uncommon in this condition.
