The Biggest Man in Cricket

It's The Biggest Man in Cricket's one year birthday, and to celebrate we have invited cricketing royalty to our Bootleggers studio! From making her international debut for South Africa while still at school, to becoming one of the most dominant batters in world cricket, Laura Wolvaardt’s journey has been extraordinary. The Proteas captain reflects on the evolution of her game across all three formats, the pressures of leading her country, and the expectations that come with being one of the faces of women’s cricket. She also opens up on life as a global franchise cricketer, with experiences in the WPL in India, the Big Bash in Australia and The Hundred in the UK. With the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England fast approaching, Wolvaardt discusses belief, leadership and South Africa’s ambitions of finally going one step further on the world stage. At just 27 years old, Laura Wolvaardt is already a global superstar. She now looks destined to become one of the greats of the game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From cricket’s isolation era to the heart of modern greatness, Vincent Barnes has seen it all - and shaped a lot of it too. We talk about how he turned a career cut off from the world stage into a coaching journey that helped produce absolute legends like Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel. There are also some proper behind-the-scenes stories, including chaos and laughs with Herschelle Gibbs before that unforgettable 438 game, the 'changing of the guard' from the Pollock to the Smith era, and how Makhaya Ntini went from background bowler to the attack leader. But this is not just nostalgia. Vincent breaks down what it actually takes to compete at the highest level, the mindset, the discipline, the standards and why so few truly make it. Now he is building the future through Schools SA20, passing it all on to the next generation. If you love cricket, this one is full of gems you will not hear anywhere else. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From his roots in Welkom to grinding it out for Free State, Dean Elgar ’s journey is built on hard work, grit and an unshakeable mindset. He opens up about his rise through the ranks, facing 158km/h thunderbolts from Mitchell Johnson on Test debut in Perth, battles with Virat Kohli, and playing a massive role in setting the Proteas on their way to World Test Championship glory. He reflects on filling some of the biggest boots in world cricket, the battles that defined his career, and what it really means to be a true team man. Now in the twilight of his career and enjoying his time with Essex in county cricket, he shares perspective on the journey, the sacrifices, and the moments that made it all worth it. This is a story of resilience, leadership and pride. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From first-class cricketer to elite international umpire, Marais Erasmus takes us inside the pressure, preparation and precision required at the highest level of the game. We unpack what it really takes to become an elite umpire, how technology like DRS has changed decision-making, and what it was like standing in the middle during the unforgettable 2019 World Cup Final. Marais also shares stories from the international circuit and opens up about managing big personalities like Virat Kohli, Stuart Broad and Babar Azam. Insightful, honest and packed with behind-the-scenes stories from one of cricket’s most respected umpires. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From a young boy on the Cape Flats to playing World Cups for his country and becoming the most decorated player in South African domestic cricket, Farhaan Behardien’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, 'Fudgie' opens up about learning his cricket in Cape Town before carving out a legendary career with the Titans, a player opponents hated facing, but a team-mate you’d go to war with every single day. We unpack the highs and lows of his Proteas career, the harsh realities of international cricket, and the resilience required to stay true to yourself at the highest level. Episode proudly powered by Oppo! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

South Africa’s Test wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne joins The Biggest Man in Cricket for a grounded, honest and inspiring conversation. 'Scholesy' reflects on earning the Jacques Kallis bursary to Wynberg Boys’ and breaking into a strong Western Province side by performing when it mattered. He speaks about his long-standing relationship with Ashwell Prince, making his Proteas debut, and two career-defining moments: hitting the winning runs in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, and again for Nottinghamshire as they won the County Championship. He also shares why he loves the current Proteas environment — a team that plays for each other and believes they’re never out of the game. Episode proudly powered by Oppo! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Shukri Conrad reflects on his remarkable journey, from his early days as a teacher to leading South Africa on the world stage. He opens up about the emotion of chasing the World Test Championship, sharing the personal touch he brought to the team, and the joy of celebrating that moment with family and friends. Conrad discusses the hard yards he’s done as a coach at every level, and how he’s created a Proteas culture where every player belongs, can be themselves, and thrive in an environment built on trust and authenticity. He speaks candidly about making tough selection decisions, balancing performance with people, and staying true to the team’s values. He also looks back on his playing career during segregated cricket, explores his coaching philosophy and personal identity, and shares how his supportive wife and role as a father continue to shape the man and mentor he is today. With honesty and warmth, he reveals the importance of his close-knit management group, and recalls a recent conversation with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, offering unique insight into leadership and culture across South African sport. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the latest episode, The Biggest Man in Cricket is on the road - a road which leads to an apple farm in Elgin in the Western Cape. Strap in for a nostalgic trip down memory lane with the one and only Adrian Kuiper, the big-hitting middle-order batsman whose towering sixes into the Newlands crowd is etched in many a youngster's memory. He talks about the great Benson & Hedges era, squaring up to Clive Rice's 'Mean Machine', being greeted by 80 000 spectators at Eden Park, Rebel Cricket, watching the scoreboard change to '22 off 1 ball' in 1992, and THAT over from Craig McDermott. Oh, whether he ever hit a cricket ball into a Fish Hoek-bound train for the biggest six in history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Biggest Man in Cricket sits down with former Proteas speedster Brett Schultz, one of South African cricket’s most unforgettable quicks. Mentored by Kepler Wessels in Eastern Province, his story is one of raw talent, relentless aggression, and an impact that far outweighs his short international career. From terrifying Sri Lankan batsmen to becoming a cult hero in the mid-90s, Schultz brought fire to the Proteas attack during a pivotal time in the country's cricketing history. Injuries may have cut his playing career short, but the legacy is loud. This is a story of passion, pace, and playing with purpose. A must-listen for cricket fans who love the heroes who gave it their all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the latest episode of the Biggest Man in Cricket, legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn talks about being a new father, his love of raw pace, striking fear into batsmen, cruising with Adam Sandler's bulldog, trying (and failing) to buy a be Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the very first episode of The Biggest Man in Cricket, host David Brooke sits down with a true titan of South African cricket – Ashwell Prince. From his gritty rise through domestic cricket to captaining the Proteas, Ashwell shares raw, unfiltered stories of resilience, leadership, and life after the game. This isn’t your average cricket chat. It’s about mindset, identity, and what it really takes to make it at the highest level — on and off the field. Expect laughs, goosebumps, and moments that will stick with you long after the final over. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.