Simon Wilde: Chasing Jessop and an enduring Ashes cricket record

The Sunday Times cricket correspondent Simon Wilde discusses his latest book, Chasing Jessop, exploring the remarkable circumstances of England’s fastest-ever Test match hundred and longest-surviving record in the format. 

He explains how big hitting and a rampant newspaper market made Gilbert Jessop an early icon of international sport, why scoring methods deepened the mystery around his achievement, and what the relationship between cricket, media and technology said about the early Edwardian era.

He also reflects on the parallels between Jessop and his modern-day equivalents – and why his record has become more relevant after 123 years – before looking ahead to the latest instalment of England’s Ashes rivalry with Australia.

Outlines is a 26 Forty original and is presented, produced and edited by Eoin Connolly.

Instagram: @outlines_podcast
Threads: @outlines_podcast
Bluesky: @outlinespodcast.bsky.social
TikTok: @outlines.podcast