Cassell bags book from England bowling hero Jimmy Anderson

Octopus imprint Cassell has bagged a revealing new book from England’s "greatest ever bowler" Jimmy Anderson.

Co-written with Felix White, his co-host on cricketing podcast “Tailenders”, Anderson will take readers behind the scenes of his 16-year England career. There will be stories of dressing room rituals, life on tour, bizarre training camps and thoughts on his team mates. Cassell said it “goes far beyond a traditional sports autobiography”.

Trevor Davies, publishing director at Octopus Publishing Group, acquired world English language rights from David Luxton of DLA on behalf of M&C Saatchi Merlin. Jimmy Anderson: Bowl. Sleep. Repeat. will be published in June 2019.

Burnley-born Anderson surpassed Glen McGrath’s record for Test wickets by a fast bowler in 2018 and has now bagged more than 570. He said: “I’m really excited about the release of my book. I had a great time writing it with Felix and I can’t wait for people to read these stories for the first time ever.”

Davies added: “We’re terrifically excited to be working with Jimmy. Not only is he a hero to every cricket fan, he has played for England for 16 years and can bring a unique insight into life as an elite sportsman. From the outset he was determined to write a book for fans, which was completely different from the traditional sports biographies in being a candid, witty and entertaining look at life as an England Test cricketer.

“Publishing in 2019, ahead of the Cricket World Cup and The Ashes this Summer, he’s the perfect spokesperson for the ‘Year of Cricket’.”