From the very first time he watched Sachin Tendulkar bat as a 12-year-old boy, Adam Carroll-Smith was transfixed. He dreamed of not just bowling to the 'Little Master', but actually knocking his off-stump over, too. The only problem was, he was never much of a cricketer. But determined not to let a small detail like that get in the way - and eager to settle an old score with a childhood chum - Carroll-Smith spends a hilarious summer trying to achieve the unthinkable, fending off the attention of over-zealous fans, crazed Italian spiritualists and his meddling best friend - not to mention the dozens of blazered officials and luminous-jacketed stewards stood between him and his hero.

One of his emails to Sachin's sponsors was: "Dear Sir/Madam, My name is Adam Carroll-Smith and I am emailing you to see if you may be able to help with a unique project I am undertaking this summer. In a nutshell (figuratively speaking, of course), I am attempting to fulfil a childhood ambition to bowl one ball at the great Sachin Tendulkar. It really is as straightforward as that.

As one of Sachin's sponsors, I wondered if you might be able to help put me face-to-face with the Little Master. I promise I shall endeavour to buy some (I am not a wealthy man and by 'some' I mean roughly Sterling pounds 10 to 15 worth, though at a push I could go to 20) of your fine products in return (even though I must admit they are not to my normal taste). Many thanks, Adam." Response: None. I think it was the sly dig at the quality of their products at the end.

This well-written book is a well-produced publication.

The book marks former national newspaper sports reporter Adam Carroll-Smith’s literary debut. Adam has covered cricket and football in England for the past two years. He is 27 and lives by the sea in Portsmouth.