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Former West Indies opening batter, Adrian Griffith joins the Cricket Library Podcast for a fascinating and deeply reflective conversation about cricket, identity, purpose, and life beyond the game. Growing up in Barbados, Adrian rose through Caribbean cricket to become an opening batter for the West Indies cricket team during one of the most compelling eras in world cricket. He shares stories from his early journey into first-class cricket, touring Australia, facing elite fast bowling, and the pressures that come with representing the maroon cap at the highest level. One of the highlights of the episode is Adrian reflecting on his remarkable Test match against New Zealand, where he became the first West Indian cricketer to bat on all five days of a Test match — a rare and unique achievement in cricket history. Adrian also revisits the unforgettable Test against Australia where Brian Lara produced one of the greatest innings the game has ever seen, offering incredible insight into Lara’s brilliance and the atmosphere surrounding that iconic moment in cricket and the story behind his selection in the team. Beyond the playing field, Adrian discusses his transition into officiating as an ICC match referee and his current work with AGC, where he continues contributing to leadership, mentoring, and the development of people within and beyond cricket. While the conversation celebrates Test cricket, West Indies history, and unforgettable moments, it also explores a deeper theme — that achievements on the field do not fully define a person’s worth. Adrian shares thoughtful reflections on transition, identity, leadership, and building a meaningful life beyond cricket. Topics include: • The significance of the Maroon West Indies Cricket Cap • Touring Australia • Batting on all five days of a Test match • Test cricket pressures • Caribbean cricket culture • ICC match refereeing • Leadership and mentoring • AGC and life after cricket • Purpose and identity beyond sport If you love cricket history, long-form conversations, and powerful human stories from inside the game, this episode is for you.

What does it take to go from the Netherlands to the world stage of cricket? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Babette de Leede shares her incredible journey through international cricket—from her early days in the Netherlands to competing on the global stage at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Babette opens up on what it’s really like being an Associate cricketer, the challenges behind the scenes, and the mindset required to perform at the highest level. We also dive into her experience playing for Western Province cricket team in South Africa—how it changed her game, the intensity of that environment, and the lessons she brought back to international cricket. This is more than just a cricket story—it’s about growth, resilience, and chasing the game across continents. In this episode: The reality of Associate cricket Life as a wicketkeeper-batter World Cup aspirations Playing domestic cricket in South Africa The future of Netherlands women’s cricket Whether you’re a player, coach, or cricket fan, there’s something here for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the Cricket Library Podcast.

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, former South Africa national cricket team spinner Paul Harris joins us for a fascinating conversation on life at the highest level of world cricket. From bowling to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and challenging players such as Phil Hughes, to facing the raw pace of Mitchell Johnson as a batter, Paul reflects on some of the defining battles of his career. He shares what it was like to be part of the South African side that achieved the rare feat of winning a Test series in Australia against Australia, and offers insight into playing under the leadership of Graeme Smith during one of South Africa’s strongest eras. We also hear stories from life on tour—including rooming with Dale Steyn—and explore his transition into life after professional cricket. This episode is packed with elite-level insight, unforgettable memories, and honest reflections from one of South Africa’s most respected Test cricketers. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more stories from the world of cricket.

In this episode of The Cricket Library Podcast, Dutch international Paul van Meekeren takes us inside one of the most remarkable journeys in modern cricket. From a six-over thriller where he claimed four wickets against Ireland, to battling through shin splints in his very first international appearance, Paul opens up on the resilience it takes to survive and thrive as an Associate cricketer. We dive into the unforgettable high of becoming the first Dutch homegrown player to win the Caribbean Premier League, and relive the heart-stopping moment the Netherlands qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. He also relives the thrill of the Netherlands’ famous victory over South Africa at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Adelaide—one of the most unforgettable moments in Dutch cricket history. Away from the spotlight, Paul reflects on the simple beginnings—Saturday mornings, ice cream, and a childhood dislike of the helmet. This is a story of grit, perspective, and passion—an unfiltered look at life on the global cricket stage. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for more stories from the world of cricket.

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with one of Australia’s most prolific cricket writers, Ken Piesse. With a career spanning decades, Ken has written more than 90 books on the game and served as editor of the legendary Cricketer magazine. His work has chronicled the stories of great players, historic matches, and the rich traditions that make cricket such a unique sport. In this conversation, Ken reflects on: His journey into cricket journalism and publishing Memorable encounters with cricket legends. The art of telling cricket stories through books. The enduring charm of grassroots and country cricket. His latest book celebrating the history and characters of Victorian country cricket. It’s a fascinating insight into the craft of cricket writing and the passion that keeps the stories of the game alive. If you love cricket history, books, and storytelling, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the people who shape the game. Head to https://cricketbooks.com.au/product-c... to find all of Ken's work and much more!

What does it mean to truly love cricket? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with author and cricket tragic Nikhil Kulkarni to explore his deeply personal book, My Summer of Cricket. From a village in North Karnataka in India to the grand stadiums of Australia, Nikhil’s journey is one that will resonate with cricket lovers everywhere. This is a story of early morning radio commentaries, lifelong devotion, and the moments that define us as fans of the game. At the heart of the book is an extraordinary pilgrimage during the 2024–25 summer, where Nikhil attended every single day of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, travelling between the Gabba, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Sydney Cricket Ground to follow one of cricket’s greatest rivalries. In this conversation, we explore: 🏏 Growing up with cricket in India and finding a new home in Australia 🏏 The emotional pull of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy 🏏 Witnessing Sachin Tendulkar’s final Test match 🏏 The stories, people and moments that make cricket more than just a game 🏏 How cricket connects cultures, generations, and communities To close the episode, Nikhil faces “The Final Over” — six quick-fire questions to finish the innings. If you’ve ever set an alarm for a 3am Test match, followed a series ball by ball, or felt cricket shape your life, this episode is for you. About Nikhil Kulkarni: Nikhil Kulkarni is a Sydney-based tech leader, community builder, and lifelong cricket tragic who has followed the game across India and Australia for over three decades. His debut book, My Summer of Cricket, chronicles the dramatic 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, blending match-day moments and personal reflections from thirty years of fandom. https://mysummerofcricket.com/

What does it take to build a life in cricket at the highest level? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with Gavin Dovey to explore a remarkable journey through Australian sport. Now the CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, Gavin has spent decades working behind the scenes of the game we all love so dearly. Before moving into administration, Gavin served as team manager of the Australia national cricket team, offering a unique perspective on the culture, leadership, and pressure that comes with representing Australia. In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss: 🏏 Gavin’s love of sport growing up in Sydney in the 80s 🏏 What it’s really like managing the Australian men’s team 🏏 Lessons from working alongside players and coaches at the highest level 🏏 Growing and strengthening cricket in the Northern Territory 🏏 The unique role the Territory plays in the Australian cricket landscape 🏏 The future vision for cricket in the Top End Plus, Gavin faces “The Final Over” — six quick questions to finish the innings. If you love the stories behind the game, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and decisions that shape Australian cricket. Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast for more conversations with the players, writers, thinkers and administrators who have helped build the game.

Tammy Bartaia is an International actress, TV presenter and author. From the age of seven her dream was to become an actress. She studied screen acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art ( Nida) in Sydney, Australia. She is well known to cricket fans around the world for her role in the Bollywood film UnIndian starring Australian fast bowler Brett Lee. Tammy sat down with Matt Ellis to share what it was like working with Brett and the parallels between performing on set and cricketers performing on their stage, the cricket stadium. Tammy has a passion for Bollywood and has a deep connection to India through her time working on various projects, including the popular Hindi film Chola, which explores themes such as self discovery and the power of letting go of ego. Tammy always loved to write. It allowed her to use her imagination to create something special. -Even when there is no pen and paper in my hand, I always write in my mind," she says. Tammy is the author of the books: "The Young Woman with an Old Soul" and "A Pink House On Wheels."Tammy always loved to write. It allowed her to use her imagination to create something special. Join us as we open the window into the life of a gifted performer for whom the best is yet to come!

Anupam Sharma sits down with MJ Ellis & shares the origins of his deep love for cricket, reflecting on how the game shaped his early life and continues to inspire his storytelling. We hear how his journey into the film industry began, including a remarkable encounter with Bollywood icon Feroz Khan — a moment that changed the trajectory of his creative life. With a unique perspective on the intersection of sport and cinema, Anupam reflects on his experiences working with cricketing legends like Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar, revealing the humanity behind the heroes. He also shares insights into his latest milestone: the release of his powerful documentary, Brand Bollywood: Down Under, now streaming on Netflix — a film that explores the influence of Bollywood in Australia and the stories that shape our cultural landscape. This episode is a rich celebration of cricket, culture, and the stories that bind us.

In this uplifting episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Sydney Sixers rising star Elsa Hunter joins us for a vibrant conversation during a crucial stretch of the WBBL season. Elsa shares her insights on the Sixers' strong team vibe, the calm and powerful leadership of new captain Ash Gardner, and what it’s like learning from icons such as Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and the squad’s international talent. She reflects on her journey from playing local boys’ cricket in Malaysia to becoming a WNCL champion with the NSW Breakers, opening up about finding joy in the game, coping with pressure on the big stage, and navigating the friendly but fierce Sixers–Thunder rivalry. Elsa also talks about the influence of different coaches, the importance of the mental side of cricket, and her dream of one day representing Australia. A warm, inspiring, and engaging chat with one of the brightest young talents in the game. Tune in and enjoy!

In this must-listen episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Matt Ellis chats with Dr John Orchard, one of the world’s most respected voices in sports medicine. With decades of experience treating elite cricketers, Dr Orchard shares stories from his journey in the game, the evolution of injury management, and the driving forces behind his newly released book, Cricket Sports Medicine. What you’ll learn in this episode: Insights into injury prevention, management, and recovery in elite sport What goes on behind the scenes when star players get injured The collaborative effort behind Cricket Sports Medicine — a first-of-its-kind comprehensive resource Why cricket-specific care needs a multidisciplinary approach. About the Book: Cricket Sports Medicine This groundbreaking text brings together leading experts from around the globe to provide a holistic, evidence-based guide to managing cricketers’ health. Covering everything from biomechanics and load management to lumbar stress fractures, nutrition, and mental well-being, it’s an essential resource for any healthcare professional working in cricket — from grassroots to international level. Whether you’re a cricket tragic, a sports medicine enthusiast, or someone working in athlete care, this episode is packed with wisdom, experience, and forward-thinking.

Faye Tunnicliffe is our latest guest on the Cricket Library Podcast! Delve into the world of someone dedicated to pursuing excellence and getting the best out of herself as a cricketer and human being. Faye shares with us the origins of her passion for cricket, her health and fitness journey, and learning to solve the Rubik's Cube. She delivers insights into her progression into the South African team and the personal growth that has helped shape her along the way. The world record holder for the longest net session opens up about the incredible achievement and reveals her invitation list for her dream cricket net. This is an episode that you do not want to miss! Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, we are joined by former Canadian cricketer Monali Patel, whose remarkable journey in cricket has taken her across continents. Monali shares how she discovered the sport as a teenager, her experiences representing Canada on the international stage, and what it was like to travel to Australia to play with the Northern Districts Cricket Club in Sydney. She also reflects on her transition into coaching and broadcasting, offering insights into her evolving role in the game. You can tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, passion, and the love of cricket.

In the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, award-winning cricket writer Malcolm Conn joins us for an engaging conversation about his many decades of covering cricket. Mal shares the origins of his passion for cricket growing up in the country, getting his first gig as a journalist, travelling the world covering the cricket, and taking us behind the scenes of one of the biggest stories in world cricket, for which he won a Walkley Award. He reflects on his early memories of watching Shane Warne bowl in Sri Lanka, Matthew Hayden's incredible 1st Class run tally on the 1993 Ashes tour without playing a test match and his approach to building relationships with players as a journalist. Finally, Mal shares with us who is on his invitation list for a dream cricket net session. This is an episode that you do not want to miss! Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

This week, we’re thrilled to bring you the inspiring story of James Knight—a master storyteller, literacy advocate, cricket tragic and bestselling author. In this heartfelt conversation, James reflects on his journey from bush cricket fields to discovering the rich tapestry of cultures through cricket. He opens up about his battles with depression and shares how his experiences have shaped a life dedicated to making a positive difference. We also dive into his latest book, The Spirit of the Warriors, and explore how he uses storytelling to inspire others and foster a love of literacy. Needless to say, we will ensure James shares with us who is on his invitation list to his dream cricket net session. Don’t miss this powerful episode about cricket, culture, resilience, and the extraordinary impact the summer game can have on those connected to it.