Episodes

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 ...

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 expe...

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 o...

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 P...

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 publi...

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....

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, leade...

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 per...

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 ...

In this special 10-minute episode of The Cricket Library Podcast, Matt Ellis catches up with one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket — Elsa Hunter. Elsa made history when she debuted for Malaysia at just 13 years old, and she continues to impress on the Australian domestic scene with the NSW Breakers and Sydney Sixers. A quick, uplifting, and inspiring listen from a player whose story is only just beginning.

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 ...

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 fo...

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 evo...

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 S...

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 Wa...

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Matt Ellis sits down with esteemed physiotherapist Patrick Farhart, who has worked with some of the most successful cricket teams around the world in a career spanning many years. The conversation opens with Farhart's journey into cricket, a sport his family initially knew little about. From playing club cricket to an unexpected call-up to the Australian cricket team's 1989 Ashes tour, Farhart shares engaging anecdotes that brilliantly illustrate ...

Xara Jetly is a passionate and accomplished cricketer who is making waves in professional women's cricket. At just 22 years old, Xara has already established herself as a key player for Wellington and has experience playing in the UK to hone her skil...

Richard Chee Quee, often remembered as a trailblazer in Australian cricket, carved a unique career on the field with his distinctive flair and talent. Chee Quee gained recognition playing first-class cricket as an opening batsman for New South Wales ...

Shane Jurgensen, former First Class cricketer and current head coach of the Wellington Firebirds, shares his journey in cricket and coaching with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library podcast. From his early days surrounded by cricket to playing for Quee...

Step into the world of Courtney Sippel, a rising star from Country Queensland, leaving her mark with the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL and Queensland in the WNCL. Delve deep with us as Courtney reveals the genesis of her cricketing passion, the relentles...

Surbhi Vaid is a young broadcaster on the rise, having worked as an on-air talent in the IPL and WPL. She sits down with Matt Ellis to share the origins of her passion for cricket, embracing the nerves that come with being on camera, working with Aus...

Tatenda Taibu had a meteoric rise in the cricket world, making his First Class debut as a 16-year-old and taking on the Zimbabwean captaincy at just 20 years of age. In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, Tatenda takes us back to the origins...

Alan Curr has an adventurous spirit that has taken him to all corners of the globe. In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, he shares the origins of his passions for the game, organising a game of cricket on Mt Everest, landing a job with Jap...

Alan Curr has an adventurous spirit that has taken him to all corners of the globe. In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, he shares the origins of his passions for the game, organising a game of cricket on Mt Everest, landing a job with Jap...