This computer simulation of a cricket test series between England and Australia allows the user an unusual amount of control over the game. One of the ten different venues (five in England, five in Australia) may be selected, and the choice of ground dictates the tactics used when selecting teams.

The player has the option of using the (pre-Packer) teams already held in memory or selecting his/her favourite players. The game itself is essentially a more complex, computerised version of Owzat! but the refinements make for compelling play.

Bowlers may choose from a total of nine options governing line and length, and the batsman must respond with an appropriate stroke before the ball reaches the wicket. Fielding positions may be set and changed as needed, and there are full facilities for declarations and follow-on enforcement.

Weather will often play a major part, just as in the real thing, with a sudden downpour turning a docile batting strip into a 'sticky dog'.

The cassette inlay instructions manage to omit a couple of important batting strokes - notably the cut - but full details are contained within the program itself. Before any ball is bowled, a facilities menu may be accessed, giving full details of play to date.

All in all, The Ashes fulfils its functions admirably. Graphics and movement are, as you'd expect from a Basic program, a bit on the jerky side but are certainly adequate for the task, and the game itself can prove surprisingly compulsive to play.

As it stands, it is really a one-player game, with the same person taking the part of both batting and bowling sides. But the Interface 1 networking capability could enable some really enthralling two-player contests to take place. I found it one of the more enjoyable games I've seen for quite a while. Recommended.