The Cricket Library

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 requir...

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 ...

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...

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...

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, lifelon...

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 c...

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 Bre...

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, Anup...

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 journe...

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 ...

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 h...

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...

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...

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 d...

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 unexpecte...

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 younge...

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-winni...

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 coac...

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 s...