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Speed Demons: My Autobiography
Steve Harmison is one of the most feared, explosive, and downright destructive bowlers England has ever produced.
Yet he also stands as perhaps the most misunderstood cricketer of modern times.
To the outside world, the tearaway quick was capable of causing cricketing chaos but there is a deeper – and far more interesting – story to tell behind the paceman who spearheaded one of England’s finest ever bowling attacks.
And in Speed Demons, Harmison finally reveals the whole truth about a career plagued with a set of severe mental health issues that he felt he had to hide from England’s management in order to stay in the game.
For the first time, Harmison tells the whole story and explains how he and best mate Andrew Flintoff helped each other get through the perils of playing the sport they love under an intense global microscope.
Yet Harmison is a natural storyteller and he also describes in wonderful detail the highs as well as the lows, including the brilliance of the 2005 Ashes series, the ‘Harmison Arms’ and some of his hilarious tales about life on tour are likely to raise eyebrows and smiles across the cricketing world.
Uncompromising, brutally honest and passionate, Speed Demons lifts the lid on the politics of the England and Durham dressing rooms and brings the life of a modern cricketer into stark focus.
With 226 wickets in 63 Tests, Harmison’s statistics speak for themselves.
Yet now is the time to finally hear from the man himself.
Yet he also stands as perhaps the most misunderstood cricketer of modern times.
To the outside world, the tearaway quick was capable of causing cricketing chaos but there is a deeper – and far more interesting – story to tell behind the paceman who spearheaded one of England’s finest ever bowling attacks.
And in Speed Demons, Harmison finally reveals the whole truth about a career plagued with a set of severe mental health issues that he felt he had to hide from England’s management in order to stay in the game.
For the first time, Harmison tells the whole story and explains how he and best mate Andrew Flintoff helped each other get through the perils of playing the sport they love under an intense global microscope.
Yet Harmison is a natural storyteller and he also describes in wonderful detail the highs as well as the lows, including the brilliance of the 2005 Ashes series, the ‘Harmison Arms’ and some of his hilarious tales about life on tour are likely to raise eyebrows and smiles across the cricketing world.
Uncompromising, brutally honest and passionate, Speed Demons lifts the lid on the politics of the England and Durham dressing rooms and brings the life of a modern cricketer into stark focus.
With 226 wickets in 63 Tests, Harmison’s statistics speak for themselves.
Yet now is the time to finally hear from the man himself.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2017
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 15, 2018
Very interesting read (please be aware of spoilers ahead). He was a big fan of Pietersen even thought he'd be a great captain given the chance but wasn't. He didn't really get on with the England coaches during his tenure either.
He hates Geoff Boycott for slagging him and other players off constantly.
Didn't realise Michael Yardy and Monty Panesar effectively ended their international playing careers due to suffering mental health issues.
He doesn't think Jonathan Trott came across as having mental health issues either just didn't fancy the short ball and the pressures of the top level. Controversial but interesting stuff to read.
Didn't get on with his country and county team mate Collingwood come the end of his playing career either. All interesting things.
The level of mental problems his fought through must have been devastating to cope with and missing his kids growing up to the extent he feels disconnected to them now in retirement is heart breaking. I hope he finds his way back into the game because he seems lost without it. Great read.
He hates Geoff Boycott for slagging him and other players off constantly.
Didn't realise Michael Yardy and Monty Panesar effectively ended their international playing careers due to suffering mental health issues.
He doesn't think Jonathan Trott came across as having mental health issues either just didn't fancy the short ball and the pressures of the top level. Controversial but interesting stuff to read.
Didn't get on with his country and county team mate Collingwood come the end of his playing career either. All interesting things.
The level of mental problems his fought through must have been devastating to cope with and missing his kids growing up to the extent he feels disconnected to them now in retirement is heart breaking. I hope he finds his way back into the game because he seems lost without it. Great read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review