CRICKETER Stephen J. Speak turned author to tell his remarkable story after more than 30 years in the game.

Cricket Mercenary provides a funny and fascinating insight into cricket across four continents.

It combines a unique narrative of meeting homeless cricketers to mixing with a variety of celebrities and even breaking a world batting record along the way.

He believes cricket is a pivotal tool in drawing cultures together. Stephen said: “When I was living in LA we taught a bunch of homeless guys how to play cricket and even flew them over to England to play here."

Stephen was inspired by his father and four uncles to write his book.

His father, James Speak, aged 83 and uncles, John Speak, aged 81, Frank Speak, aged 79, Albert Speak, aged 93 and George Speak, who has since died, were raised playing at Blackrod Cricket Club.

Following in the family’s footsteps, Stephen has travelled the world playing the game from grassroots to elite level, even representing Lancashire and the United States national team.

Speaking about his book, Stephen aged 43, who now lives in the USA, said: “The inspiration was the six Speak brothers who all played in the same team at Blackrod Cricket Club.

“They were very successful in the 60s and they were all really instrumental in building and developing the cricket club into what it is today.

“My uncle John was a bachelor married to cricket and I grew up on the cricket field, the whole family plays a part in the sport.”

The stories move along chronologically from his roots in the tough Lancashire leagues, progressing to Australia, Hong Kong and finishing in America, where he currently lives in Idaho with his 13-year-old son, Nefyn.

Cricket Mercenary is available to buy at tinyurl.com/cricketbolton