Trescothick book on award shortlist

Former England opening batsman Marcus Trescothick has been shortlisted for the world’s richest sports book prize.

His book ‘Coming Back To Me’ is among six titles on the shortlist for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award.

Marcus Trescothick last played for England at the start of the 2006/7 Ashes tour of Australia

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In his autobiography, Trescothick describes his rise to the top, taking on the best bowlers in the world and his part in England’s historic 2005 Ashes victory.

He also reveals the truth about his retirement from international cricket.

“This is a varied, vibrant list featuring two football-related books; and one each from cricket, cycling, rugby union and the Olympics,” said William Hill media relations director Graham Sharpe.

“They are predominantly about sport, but touch on wider ranging issues, such as dealing with depression; doping in sport; and sport’s ability to unite nations.”

Joe Browes, Waterstone’s Sports Buyer, said: “This list reflects the great range and diversity of modern sports writing, and demonstrates that sports books are just as capable of tackling life’s big themes as any other literary genre.”

The Award, now in its 20th year, will be presented at Waterstone’s Piccadilly bookshop on Monday, November 24.

The full shortlist is:

John Carlin - Playing the Enemy; Nelson Mandela And The Game That Made A Nation
Janie Hampton - The Austerity Olympics: When the Games Came To London in 1948
Rowan Simons - Bamboo Goalposts: One Man’s Quest to Teach The People’s Republic of China To Love Football
Marcus Trescothick - Coming Back To Me: The Autobiography
Jeremy Whittle - Bad Blood: The Secret Life Of The Tour de France
Jonathan Wilson - Inverting the Pyramid: A History Of Football Tactics