Jonny Bairstow was just eight years old when his father took his own life. He can’t explain why his father did what he did, especially knowing that both he and his sister Becky would be likely to be first through the door of his Yorkshire home to find him.

Since making his England debut in 2012 Jonny Bairstow has become one of the best cricketers in the northern hemisphere. An elegant batsman with an average of nearly 40, he has cemented his place in the England cricket team and looks set for a big future.

Jonny Bairstow was a supremely talented sportsman in his childhood. His footballing skills were noticed by Leeds Utd and he also enjoyed playing rugby. It was cricket that Bairstow was best at though, no doubt due to the countless days spent watching his father play for Yorkshire.

I have read dozens of cricket books but none as powerful as this one. If you want an insight into the professional game or discussions on the technicalities of Sachin Tendulkar’s batting, then this isn't for you. This magnificent book tells the story of a cricketer who is prepared to open his heart and talk honestly about one of the most difficult things anyone can go through.

There are two themes running through the book. The main theme covers Jonny's childhood and his cricketing career to date, whilst the second theme focuses on his father David's career. The book describes Jonny’s progression through Yorkshire's cricketing academy and Yorkshire's first eleven and his early career as a test cricketer. What comes across very strongly is the support he received from various people, most particularly his family.

‘A Clear Blue Sky’ is a very tough read. Reading about a young lad having to take on the duties of being the man of the house at such a young age is very upsetting, you can’t help but marvel at the inner strength required to get through such a tragedy and come out the other side to become one of the world’s premier all-rounders.

Written with multiple-award-winning writer Duncan Hamilton, this is an incredible story of triumph over adversity and a memoir that proves with determination and application any obstacle can be overcome.

In 2016 Jonny Bairstow made his debut century in Test Match cricket. There can be few more emotional moments in the history of cricket than when he punched the air and looked up to the heavens. His father would have been very proud.