HarperCollins buys cricketer Jonny Bairstow's memoir

HarperCollins has bought the memoir of England and Yorkshire cricketer Jonny Bairstow.

Publishing director Jack Fogg bought UK Commonwealth rights from David Riding at MBA Literary Agents. The “fiercely honest and hugely uplifting” book will be co-written with Duncan Hamilton and published by HarperNonFiction on 19th October.

HarperCollins said the memoir "transcends sport" and centres on Bairstow's life away from the pitch. For the first time, he will talk in detail about the death of his father, Yorkshire and England cricketing legend David Bairstow, who took his own life when Jonny was a young boy.

Fogg said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be publishing Jonny’s memoir. Jonny has risen from incredibly difficult circumstances to become one of England’s most reliable and talented cricketers, and has shown an almost inhuman strength of character to get him there. His book is one of the few sports memoirs I’ve read that transcend the specifics of the sport and will be sure to be read and appreciated by fans and general readers alike.”

Bairstow said: “Working with Duncan on this book has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I am very lucky to have an extremely supportive and close family and friend network, without whose support and guidance I would not be where I am today.”

He added: “I hope that when people read this book, it will drive and inspire them to succeed in their own personal achievements, despite any obstacles they may face.”

Bairstow set new records for cricket last year and scored more Test runs than any other wicketkeeper in history.