The Cricket Library

Matt Ellis
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  • Cricket
  • Every two weeks

The Cricket Library Podcast has the aim of providing a platform for people to share their stories of how the game of cricket has impacted their lives and the lives of others in a positive way. Guests range from people who have had a career in elite level cricket as well as cricket tragics from all walks of life.

  1. 1 day ago

    Adrian Griffith on Cricket, Identity & Life Beyond the Game

    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.

    52 min

  2. 14 May

    Babette de Leede - World Cup & Global Cricket Journey

    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.

    41 min

  3. 30 Apr

    Paul Harris - The Journey of a Proteas Spinner

    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.

    43 min

  4. 14 Apr

    Paul Van Meekeren - Associate Cricket To World Stage

    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.

    50 min

  5. 31 Mar

    Ken Piesse - A Life In Cricket Writing

    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!

    47 min

  6. 18 Mar

    Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey

    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/

    40 min

  7. 5 Mar

    Gavin Dovey - From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket

    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.

    34 min

  8. 28 Jan

    Tammy Bartaia - Bollywood Dreams

    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!

    15 min
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About

The Cricket Library Podcast has the aim of providing a platform for people to share their stories of how the game of cricket has impacted their lives and the lives of others in a positive way. Guests range from people who have had a career in elite level cricket as well as cricket tragics from all walks of life.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Ellis
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2012 Matt Ellis. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Cricket Library

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