Podcast · Sport

The Cricket Library

by Matt Ellis · English · Sport

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

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 47 min
Latest: 28 May 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

28 May 2026 · 52 min

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…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E194 · 14 May 2026 · 41 min
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…
E193 · 30 Apr 2026 · 43 min
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…
E192 · 14 Apr 2026 · 50 min
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…
E191 · 31 Mar 2026 · 47 min
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.…
E190 · 18 Mar 2026 · 40 min
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…
E189 · 5 Mar 2026 · 34 min
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…
E188 · 28 Jan 2026 · 15 min
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…
E187 · 11 Jan 2026 · 57 min
Anupam Sharma - When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
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…
E186 · 25 Nov 2025 · 8 min
Elsa Hunter - WBBL Vibes
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…
E185 · 12 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Dr John Orchard - New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine
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…
E184 · 4 Jun 2025 · 42 min
Faye Tunnicliffe - Pursuing Excellence
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…
E183 · 24 Mar 2025 · 43 min
Monali Patel - From Passion to Profession
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…
E182 · 13 Feb 2025 · 55 min
Malcolm Conn - Behind The Headlines
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…
E181 · 2 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
James Knight - The Gift of Stories
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.…
E180 · 4 Oct 2024 · 55 min
Patrick Farhart - Unlocking Peak Performance
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 his passion for both cricket and physiotherapy. Throughout the episode, key insights into building…
E179 · 16 Jun 2024 · 41 min
Xara Jetly - The X-Factor
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 skills further. Known for her extraordinary fielding abilities and unique approach to the game, she aims to revolutionise women's cricket while inspiring younger generations. Xara is a digital marketing professional and an emerging social media influencer dedicated to engaging and inspiring her followers with authentic content. In this engaging…
E178 · 28 May 2024 · 1 hr 21 min
Richard Chee Quee - Breaking Barriers & Inspiring Change
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 from the early 1990s. He is celebrated for his vivacious playing style and impressive performances, including a noteworthy century against the West Indies in Newcastle and a match-winning hundred in the 1993/4 Mercantile Mutual Cup Final against WA at the SCG. Chee Quee has been equally impactful off the field, inspiring many multi cultural kids…
E177 · 21 May 2024 · 50 min
Shane Jurgensen - Journeyman
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 Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania, Jurgensen discusses the challenges and successes he faced. He also delves into his coaching philosophy, emphasising the importance of empathy and building genuine relationships with players. Jurgensen reflects on his time with the New Zealand Black Caps and their journey to winning the World Test…
E176 · 14 May 2024 · 37 min
Courtney Sippel - Bringing the Heat
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 relentless dedication it takes to secure a place in the QLD squad, her nuanced bowling strategies throughout the game, her journey to representing Australia A, and, of course, the dream lineup she'd pick for her ultimate cricket net session. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on the Cricket Library Podcast and share your positive reviews to help us…
E175 · 4 Mar 2024 · 52 min
Surbhi Vaid - Star on the Rise
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 Aussie legend Brett Lee, the positive impact of the WPL and of course Surbhi will reveal the three people that she would invite to a dream Cricket Net session. 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.
E174 · 25 Jan 2024 · 48 min
Tatenda Taibu - Keeping The Faith
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 of his passion for the game, the influence of Andy Flower, Zimbabwe's memorable T20 win against a star-studded Australian side, some of his individual achievements, leaving the game to pursue his Christian faith, playing in the IPL and what he is up to now. We of course make sure we ask him who he would invite to his dream cricket net session.…
E173 · 10 Dec 2023 · 46 min
Alan Curr - Adventures In Japan & Beyond
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 Japan cricket & the emergence of cricket in Japan. The conversation would not be complete without Alan telling us who he would invite to his dream cricket net session. Make sure you are following Japan Cricket on all of their social media platforms and read the full story of the cricket games on Mt Everest by getting yourself a copy of the book.
E172 · 27 Nov 2023 · 41 min
David Hussey - A Life In Cricket
Dive into our latest Cricket Library Podcast episode featuring the incredible David Hussey! Join us as we explore the origins of David's cricketing passions, his breakthrough into the Victorian team, the unforgettable double century against NSW in Newcastle, and the thrill of representing Australia on the international stage. Discover the secrets behind multiple Sheffield Shield triumphs and gain insights into the positive impact of T20 cricket. In our chat, David opens up about his transition from player to coach, shedding light on the invaluable lessons learned throughout his playing…
E171 · 9 Aug 2023 · 51 min
Jimmy Adams - Grateful
Join us for the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast as Matt Ellis sits down with former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams. Jimmy shares about his love of the game growing up in rural Jamaica, what wearing the maroon West Indies cap meant to him, the keys to his success with the bat on the sub-continent, scoring a test match double ton against New Zealand, his match-winning marathon 48 not out against Pakistan, the memorable 1999 series against Australia and of course we find out who he would invite to his dream cricket net session. Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library…
E170 · 24 Jul 2023 · 55 min
Richard McInnes - All The Good Stuff Happens On The Other Side Of Fear
Join us for the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast as Matt Ellis sits down with Richard McInnes. He shares his remarkable story, from growing up in country Queensland to working with some of Australia's best male and female cricketers. Richard gives insights into his time working with John Buchanan and the Australian men's cricket team, coaching in Bangladesh and as coach of the Australian Women's cricket team. He shares how his coaching philosophy evolved over time and his desire to create environments where his players could get the best out of themselves. Of course we ask…
E169 · 10 Jul 2023 · 47 min
Adam Hollioake Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast
Join host Matt Ellis as he sits down with former England captain and all-round great bloke, Adam Hollioake, in this highly anticipated interview. Get ready to dive deep into Adam's incredible journey as he shares the origins of his passion for cricket, the unique experience of being born in Australia and playing for England, and the unforgettable moment when he spotted his parents on the big screen at Headingley. In this engaging conversation, Adam opens up about his approach to captaincy, the profound impact of losing his brother Ben, and the cherished memories they created together.…
E168 · 26 Jun 2023 · 48 min
Baggy Green 377 - Adam Dale
In the latest episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Matt Ellis sits down with former QLD and Australian fast bowler Adam Dale. In this much-anticipated interview, we delve into the origins of his passion for cricket, his journey from Victoria to Queensland, his success at the state level, his time representing Australia, his miracle catch in the Mercantile Mutual Cup and his current work with QLD Cricket. Get ready for an insightful conversation that covers everything from on-field highs and lows to life after cricket! Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your…
E166 · 13 Jun 2023 · 47 min
Tim Macdonald: From Player to Mentor
Welcome to the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Tim Macdonald who has forged a career that spans across various roles in the sport. Join us as we delve into Tim's passion for cricket, tracing back to the early days and the driving forces that ignited his love for the game. We explore the pivotal moments that led to his breakthrough into First-Class Cricket, the challenges faced, and the triumphs celebrated along the way. Tim shares his experiences of moving from Western Australia to Tasmania, shedding light on the transition and its impact on…
E167 · 12 Jun 2023 · 15 min
Remembering Riding Mill Cricket Club’s Historic Dice Cricket Virtual Tour of Australia
Join us as we celebrate the third anniversary of the historic virtual tour of Australia by Riding Mill Cricket Club through the captivating world of dice cricket. Take a trip down memory lane with Matt Ellis as he vividly describes the essence of dice cricket and reveals this remarkable tour's exciting plans. This interview originally aired on ABC Radio on June 12, 2020, when the world was shutting down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

About The Cricket Library

The Cricket Library is a English sport podcast from Matt Ellis. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Matt Ellis
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 47 min
Latest episode: 28 May 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id541420758

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