Legacy

by Compton, Nick

• ISBN13: 9781838958275
• ISBN10: 1838958274
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2024-08-02
• Publisher: Atlantic Books

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Nick Compton is a South African-born English former Test and first-class cricketer who most recently played for Middlesex County Cricket Club. The grandson of Sir Denis Compton, he represented England in 16 Test matches, scoring two centuries. In April 2013, the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack named Compton as one of their five Wisden Cricketers of the Year. Compton retired in 2018 and is now a professional photographer and broadcaster.

Table of Contents

Foreword Prologue Old and new Grandad The obsession To Harrow and beyond The impatience of youth ‘ You’ ve done nothing, mate’ A breakthrough A new beginning ‘ Just don’ t ever get out’ The Compton Cricket Club A dream realised This isn’ t going to be easy A series win and niggling doubts Proving my worth A sense of injustice ‘ They simply don’ t like Nick Compton’ A Middlesex recall A clean slate So near and yet so far Walking the Lord’ s plank An inevitable conclusion A lens on life The graft behind the craft A sum of its parts A legacy of my own Acknowledgements