FOREWORD BY ALASTAIR COOK

Who ever hoped like a cricketer?

Nick Compton has an incredible sporting ancestry. A literal golden boy, his grandfather Denis Compton played cricket for England and football for Arsenal.

Honed at an elite English boarding school, with a telegenic profile perfectly suited to the modern media environment, Nick appeared to be blessed with that rare ability to be able to stride out and face down the world's quickest bowlers, to survive and thrive in the danger zone of the hurtling new ball.

However, greatness in any field comes at a price and this gripping memoir explores the almost 'Faustian pact' he made in order to secure that time in the sun as a key member of an England team alongside such greats as Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen and Ben Stokes. It will show what 'Mistress Cricket' demanded from Nick as his side of that bargain. The family he left behind, the failed relationships both personal and professional and the utter physical and mental exhaustion which resulted from his drive to stay at the top.

"A fascinating, at times painfully honest, study of obsession, perfectionism and a mental health struggle." - Matt Dickinson, The Times

"A powerful and moving book, dominated by his obsession with cricket and the emotional difficulties he faced. The lessons it offers seem timely and resonant." - Donald McRae, Observer

"A compelling read." - The Cricketer