Explore the enduring mystery surrounding one of cricket's most astonishing achievements in Chasing Jessop by Simon Wilde. This riveting investigation delves into Gilbert Jessop's legendary 1902 century at The Oval—an innings that secured a dramatic victory for England and set a speed record that has remained unbroken for over 1,000 Test matches. Wilde uses long-forgotten sources to scrutinize the circumstances of this historic feat, questioning the accepted narrative and exploring whether Jessop reached his hundred even faster than previously believed.

This book was recognized as THE WISDEN BOOK OF THE YEAR and praised by critics for its illuminating detective work into English cricket's statistics.

• Forensic investigation into Gilbert Jessop's record-breaking 1902 century.
• Examines why the exact circumstances of the innings remain shrouded in mystery, including missing scorebooks.
• Authored by Simon Wilde, drawing on long-forgotten sources.
• Paperback format, ideal for dedicated cricket readers.

• Author: Simon Wilde
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Print Length: 320 pages
• ISBN-10: 1526694255
• ISBN-13: 978-1526694256
• Dimensions: 12.8 x 2.2 x 19.6 cm
• Weight: 238 g
• Release Date: June 4, 2026

Chasing Jessop offers a fascinating and definitive account of one of cricket's most fabled innings, making it essential reading for historians and fans of the sport.