Product details

Published July 28 2025
ISBN 9781915237606
Format Hardback, Hardback Signed, eBook
Pages 240 + 16 pages of illustrations
Dimensions 234 × 156 mm

The King of Spain and I

Surviving cricket, depression and the greatest ever Ashes

Price range: £7.99 through £25.00

The autobiography of Ashley Giles, a cricketer who survived the enemies of self-doubt, imposter syndrome and depression to achieve Ashes glory.

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Description

Ashley Giles has been at the heart of some of English cricket’s biggest moments this century, and will forever be remembered for the pivotal role he played in the greatest Ashes ever played. Documenting how the game roused itself in 2005, Giles brings an astute eye to the madness of an unforgettable summer, offering the inside track on a series that would irrevocably change the course of English cricket.

But Giles’ story is about much more than Ashes glory. Based on personal writings stretching back to his early days as a rookie at Warwickshire, this is a deeply intimate account of a sportsman on the edge, one who survived the enemies of self doubt, imposter syndrome and depression to first establish himself in the professional game and then – against the odds – become a constant presence in the dressing rooms of Pietersen, Flintoff, Vaughan and Hussain.

Ashley Giles headshot

About the Author

An integral part of England's 2005 Ashes-winning side, Ashley Giles played 116 times for his country across Tests and ODIs, and is part of an exclusive club of players to have both scored 1,000 runs and taken 100 wickets in Test matches. Since ending his playing career in 2007, he has worked in a number of coaching and leadership roles within county cricket and for the England men's teams. He is currently the CEO of Worcestershire CCC.