The Cricket Library

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.

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/

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!

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 the big stage, and navigating the friendly but fierce Sixers–Thunder rivalry. Elsa also talks about the influence of different coaches, the importance of the mental side of cricket, and her dream of one day representing Australia. A warm, inspiring, and engaging chat with one of the brightest young talents in the game. Tune in and enjoy!

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 for her dream cricket net. This is an episode that you do not want to miss! 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.

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 without playing a test match and his approach to building relationships with players as a journalist. Finally, Mal shares with us who is on his invitation list for a dream cricket net session. This is an episode that you do not want to miss! 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.

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 successful cricket teams are unveiled, discussing elements like leadership, openness, and communication. Patrick details his experiences with legendary cricketers and the impact of coaches like John Buchanan, shedding light on evolving coaching dynamics and team management strategies. He also delves into his profound learning experiences and the importance of work-life balance amid frequent travels. Diving into injury prevention, particularly for fast bowlers, Farhart shares his desire to make lasting contributions to cricket through systematic research and cutting-edge methodologies. Patrick gives listeners a window into what it is like working in the larger than life Indian Premier League as well as some insights into his current role at Cricket NSW. Of course we will ask Patrick who is three invites would be to a dream cricket net session. This is an episode that you do not want to miss! 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.

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 to play and love the game. His passion for life continues showcasing his artistic side as the frontman of the band ‘Six & Out’, further cementing his reputation as a versatile entertainer. In this captivating episode of the Cricket Library podcast, host Matt Ellis welcomes the former New South Wales cricketer to reflect upon his unique cricketing journey. The conversation promises an intimate exploration of Chee Quee's early fondness for the sport, shaped by iconic West Indies teams and rugged backyard matches with his brother Michael. Delving deep into the narrative of Richard Chee Quee's foray into cricket, the episode recounts nostalgic tales of his initiation into organised cricket and the eventual progression onto the first-class stage with New South Wales. Discussions resonate with recounting his remarkable performances, key influences that shaped his career, and his present-day passions beyond the field. The episode unearths the significance of heritage, brotherhood, and personal growth that extended from the green expanses of cricket grounds to the lively setting of music stages. The shared moments with his brother, the identification with the West Indies, and confronting adversity both on the field and through societal biases have shaped a multifaceted life. The insights gained from Chee Quee’s reflections reveal a universal truth: our beginnings often shape our paths, but it is our choices that write the story. Through it all, Richard's constant has been entertaining and uniting people, whether through sport or music, leaving an indelible mark not only in the archives of cricket but also in the hearts of music enthusiasts. 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.

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 to keep sharing stories like this one.

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. You can read his full story in his book Keeper of the Faith. 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.

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 career. His wisdom and experience inspire us as we delve into the highs and lows of a remarkable cricketing journey. But that's not all! David shares his dream net session lineup, featuring a mix of a cricketing legend, a hilarious comedian, and a baseball icon. Make sure you tune in to find out who is on the invitation list. Listen now to be inspired, and subscribe for more great conversations that will keep your passion for the game burning. Don't miss out – your cricket library is waiting to be enriched! 👉 Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast platform and join us in celebrating the magic of cricket! 🏏 #CricketLibraryPodcast #DavidHussey #CricketJourney #SubscribeNow

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 Richard to give us the names of who is on his list to invite for 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.