Australian men’s cricket team captain Pat Cummins has signed a book deal.
The baggy green skipper has teamed up with HarperCollins to create a range of books designed to entertain readers of all ages, including an illustrated series for children, a picture book and a nonfiction book.
Due for publication in October, the illustrated series will be called Howzat Pat and will be aimed at children aged eight and older, following a trio of friends navigating friendship, fitting in, teamwork, leadership, caring for the environment and cricket.
Howzat Pat has been co-written with award-winning author and school principal Dave Hartley, and is illustrated by Serena Geddes.
The children’s picture book, which is based on his own family and their antics, will target children aged three and older, and will be released next year.
Cummins was the second youngest of five children.
“Life was busy with school, sport and family. Mum was a maths teacher, who was always curious about the world and loved reading,” he said.
“Dad was always reading too when he wasn’t watching the cricket or listening to Bruce Springsteen.”
Cummins said his parents always encouraged him to try new things and gain a well-rounded education.
“For as long as I can remember on family holidays on those long car trips, you would find us kids diving into a novel,” he said.
“I loved the adventure of a good book, just as much as I loved backyard cricket with my older brothers or being at the beach.
“Now that I have my own young family, I want to encourage that combined love of sport, adventure and reading in my son Albie and in all Australian kids, with my children’s publishing program.”
The nonfiction book is under development with award-winning writer Ben Mckelvey, focusing on contemporary leadership and decision-making, and will be out just in time for Christmas.
“In my life, and in my role as captain of the Australian cricket team, I have found myself in moments of challenge, with pivotal decisions that needed to be made, and I’ve looked to people for advice and guidance to help me through,” Cummins said.
“Last year, I decided to embark on writing a book that would allow me to explore some of the challenges, pitfalls and positives of leadership and decision-making.
“For this book, I have approached people I admire who have had significant experiences in their life or career, and have tapped into their hard-gained wisdom.
“I have found their stories fascinating, formative and in some instances reflective of my own life experiences.”