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From Western Province stalwart to Proteas player, World Cup-winning coach with India, and now a new chapter with England! Eric Simons has enjoyed one of the most remarkable journeys in world cricket, and he joins The Biggest Man in Cricket for a fascinating conversation about a lifetime in the game. From his playing days at Newlands and coaching the Proteas, to joining forces with Gary Kirsten and helping India lift the 2011 Cricket World Cup, Simons shares incredible stories from inside some of cricket's most famous dressing rooms. We also delve into his long-standing relationship with MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming and Chennai Super Kings, and what it really takes to coach the world's greatest cricketers. His technical understanding of cricket is extraordinary, and throughout our conversation it becomes abundantly clear why he remains one of the most sought-after coaches in world cricket. Yet, despite his remarkable achievements, Simons has never been one to seek the limelight, preferring to let his knowledge, work and results do the talking. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From player to coach, Proteas coach to administrator, Corrie van Zyl has experienced South African cricket from almost every seat in the house. Across more than four decades in the game, representing the Proteas after South Africa’s return from isolation, coached at domestic and international level, helped shape the country’s high-performance structures and today serves as CEO of Western Province Cricket. With the iconic Newlands Cape Town as our backdrop, Corrie joins The Biggest Man in Cricket for a fascinating journey through a life dedicated to the game. Not every great cricket story is about headlines. Sometimes, it’s about a lifetime of service to the game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the latest edition of The Biggest Man in Cricket, Pieter Malan reveals that he has officially called time on his playing career as he prepares to move full-time into coaching. We look back on a career built on grit, perseverance and an unwavering belief that his opportunity would come, eventually culminating in a Test debut for the Proteas against England at Newlands. He opens up about growing up in the fiercely competitive Malan household alongside brothers Janneman and Andre, the setbacks and sacrifices along the way, the fitness and professionalism that became hallmarks of his career, and what kept him going when the dream of playing for South Africa seemed a long way away. From refusing to give up on the dream to now helping the next generation chase theirs, this is the Pieter Malan story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some conversations are interviews. Others become part of history. Dr Ali Bacher has lived almost every chapter of modern South African cricket. From captaining one of the country's greatest teams, through international isolation, the rebel tours and South Africa's return to world cricket, few people have witnessed more from the inside. In this extraordinary conversation, recorded inside Dr Bacher's Johannesburg home and surrounded by priceless cricket memorabilia, he reflects on the moments that shaped both his own life and the future of South African cricket. This isn't simply the story of Ali Bacher. It's the story of South African cricket. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, Allan Donald joins The Biggest Man in Cricket for one of his most personal and reflective interviews yet. From unforgettable battles with Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Steve Waugh and Michael Atherton, to his legendary years at Warwickshire, representing South Africa after readmission, and why the Royal Challengers Bengaluru family became such a special part of his coaching journey in the IPL, Donald opens up on the moments that shaped his career. He also shares why mentoring the next generation of South African fast bowlers, including Kwena Maphaka, has become one of his greatest passions. This is the story behind White Lightning - the competitor, the coach and the man. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For years, Wayne Parnell was one of South African cricket's most talked-about and scrutinised figures. He grew up in the public eye, faced criticism from every angle, and learned some tough lessons along the way. In this honest conversation, Wayne reflects on that journey, how fatherhood has given him a new perspective, and why his greatest purpose today extends beyond his own playing career. While the fire to compete still burns, he's equally passionate about helping shape the next generation of cricketers. This is a conversation about resilience, maturity, identity, family, and finding purpose beyond the headlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dave Rundle was one of the premier off-spinners in South African cricket during the late-80s and early-90s, representing both Western Province and South Africa during a distinguished playing career. After hanging up his boots, he became one of the country's most respected player managers, helping guide some of the biggest names in world cricket through the professional era. From managing Jacques Kallis from the very start of his international career to nurturing the next generation of stars such as Tristan Stubbs, Rundle shares fascinating insights into a role that extends far beyond contracts and commercial deals. Along the way, he shares hilarious stories from a remarkable journey in the game, reflects on cricket's evolution from the amateur era to the global business it is today, and reveals the relationships that have defined his career. Featuring a special guest appearance by some guy called Dale Steyn ... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's The Biggest Man in Cricket's one year birthday, and to celebrate we have invited cricketing royalty to our Bootleggers studio! From making her international debut for South Africa while still at school, to becoming one of the most dominant batters in world cricket, Laura Wolvaardt’s journey has been extraordinary. The Proteas captain reflects on the evolution of her game across all three formats, the pressures of leading her country, and the expectations that come with being one of the faces of women’s cricket. She also opens up on life as a global franchise cricketer, with experiences in the WPL in India, the Big Bash in Australia and The Hundred in the UK. With the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England fast approaching, Wolvaardt discusses belief, leadership and South Africa’s ambitions of finally going one step further on the world stage. At just 27 years old, Laura Wolvaardt is already a global superstar. She now looks destined to become one of the greats of the game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 20 features former Proteas allrounder Robin Peterson, who unpacks the Warriors’ return to silverware, his work in developing South Africa’s rising talent, and his journey as an attacking spin bowling allrounder for the Proteas. Robbie P also shares insights on his move into coaching and his success with the Mumbai Indians family, including MI New York and MI Cape Town. And, of course, there is a fair share of cricketing anecdotes, from bowling THAT over to the great Brian Lara, to the maverick Meyrick Pringle hiding dead animals in the St George's Park locker room... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From cricket’s isolation era to the heart of modern greatness, Vincent Barnes has seen it all - and shaped a lot of it too. We talk about how he turned a career cut off from the world stage into a coaching journey that helped produce absolute legends like Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel. There are also some proper behind-the-scenes stories, including chaos and laughs with Herschelle Gibbs before that unforgettable 438 game, the 'changing of the guard' from the Pollock to the Smith era, and how Makhaya Ntini went from background bowler to the attack leader. But this is not just nostalgia. Vincent breaks down what it actually takes to compete at the highest level, the mindset, the discipline, the standards and why so few truly make it. Now he is building the future through Schools SA20, passing it all on to the next generation. If you love cricket, this one is full of gems you will not hear anywhere else. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Biggest Man in Cricket is on the road this week, with former Proteas and Eastern Province allrounder Dave Callaghan opening the doors to his beautiful home in St Francis. 'Callars' talks candidly about the characters in that all-conquering EP team, from the larger-than-life trio of Meyrick Pringle, Vlam Michau and Rod McCurdy, to the brilliant - and oftentimes uncompromising - leadership of Kepler Wessels. From his career-defining 169* not out against New Zealand in 1994, to a surreal experience involving Hansie Cronje as news of the match-fixing scandal shocked the world. And, April being Testicular Cancer Awareness month, he talks openly about his battle with the disease, and how it helped shaped him as a person. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From his roots in Welkom to grinding it out for Free State, Dean Elgar ’s journey is built on hard work, grit and an unshakeable mindset. He opens up about his rise through the ranks, facing 158km/h thunderbolts from Mitchell Johnson on Test debut in Perth, battles with Virat Kohli, and playing a massive role in setting the Proteas on their way to World Test Championship glory. He reflects on filling some of the biggest boots in world cricket, the battles that defined his career, and what it really means to be a true team man. Now in the twilight of his career and enjoying his time with Essex in county cricket, he shares perspective on the journey, the sacrifices, and the moments that made it all worth it. This is a story of resilience, leadership and pride. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Cook name is woven into South African cricket history, but Ryan Cook has built a coaching career that stands firmly on its own. Mentored by Gary Kirsten and Adrian Birrell, his journey has taken him from the Bangladesh national team to the intensity of franchise cricket in the Indian Premier League and SA20, and now to leading the Netherlands on the world stage. Under his watch, the Dutch have become genuine giant killers at World Cups, including the Proteas at the 2023 ODI showpiece in India. In this episode, we get into the detail: the real challenges Associate nations face: How belief is built in environments with fewer resources. The balance between skill and character. Franchise cricket versus international cricket. And what Dutch cricket could look like five years from now. We also look ahead to the upcoming IPL season and what modern coaching at the highest level actually demands. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From first-class cricketer to elite international umpire, Marais Erasmus takes us inside the pressure, preparation and precision required at the highest level of the game. We unpack what it really takes to become an elite umpire, how technology like DRS has changed decision-making, and what it was like standing in the middle during the unforgettable 2019 World Cup Final. Marais also shares stories from the international circuit and opens up about managing big personalities like Virat Kohli, Stuart Broad and Babar Azam. Insightful, honest and packed with behind-the-scenes stories from one of cricket’s most respected umpires. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The legendary Peter Kirsten joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on cricket and life. From piling on runs for Western Province and Border to a hugely successful County stint with Derbyshire, 'Kirsy' talks about the challenges of playing during South Africa’s years in isolation, and the pride of wearing the Proteas badge after readmission to international cricket. He reflects on his 1992 World Cup heroics, the Kirsten family legacy, leadership under the late, great Clive Rice, and unforgettable meetings with Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. Episode proudly powered by Oppo! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.