The Cricketers of 1945 is the compelling, poignant, and above all human, story of the reawakening of English cricket in the immediate aftermath of the world's most destructive war.

The book brings to life the summer's Victory Tests, played on home soil between England and Australia, as well as the personal stories of the players and their families, plus those of some of the hundreds of thousands of spectators who flocked to the matches to celebrate the return of something approaching normal life after the ordeal and sacrifice of the war years.

This vivid account is illuminated by fresh archival research, encompassing the diaries and personal letters of both cricketers and cricket lovers, giving the reader a strong sense of what it was like to be alive at this unique time as much of the world awoke, or was still awakening, from the nightmare ordeal of the long years of conflict.

"For an elderly cricket enthusiast, Christopher Sandford has brought a wonderfully researched story of cricket during the last World War, where the tales of the continuance of the game and the daring-do of players in uniform is also an inspiring read for younger followers. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of cricket."

"It is an excellent book, and highly recommended."

"I recommend the book highly... for the picture of the time, with people determined to enjoy themselves as the sky was finally lightening."

"Don't you love the feeling of being so enveloped in a new book that you can be found in the same easy chair hours later, totally riveted? The Cricketers of 1945 is absorbing, lyrical and impossible to put down. For me, it entertains like no other cricket book this year."

"This is a delight at every turn. Sanford’s storytelling paints a picture of life in war-ravaged England that is hard to match. It’s not only the big names, but many of the so-called lesser lights featured in this revealing, moving, and at times humorous book. Life on the road was hardly glamorous, however the emerging star of Keith Miller shines on and off the field."

Christopher Sandford has published 30 previous books on subjects ranging from sport to music, film and political history. He writes widely for newspapers and magazines on both sides of the Atlantic. Sandford's book The Final Innings: The Cricketers of Summer 1939 was joint winner of the 2020 Cricket Society/MCC Book of the Year award.