Alister McDermott grew up on the Gold Coast of Queensland enjoying a range of sports with cricket just one of his passions.

While he was still at school he secured a contract with Queensland, initially making his debut in T20 cricket before making his way into the One Day team and First Class side where he would make his debut against the West Indies.

An Australian u-19 representative, McDermott was part of a winning World Cup team playing under the captaincy of Mitch Marsh in a side including the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa.

Alister had success at senior level also playing in the Brisbane Heat’s BBL02 Championship winning team, claiming a One Day Domestic title for Queensland and an influential 6 wicket haul in a Sheffield Shield winning team, including the big wicket of Ricky Ponting.

Along with the successes he enjoyed, Alister has had to overcome set backs, including being left off the Queensland contracted players list, working his way back into the squad before experiencing a career ending injury.

He is now thriving in his studies to become a teacher and in his coaching work at the Alister McDermott Cricket Academy and Wynnum Manly Cricket Club.

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Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage – 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.

1. Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage 50:16
2. Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing 47:06
3. Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey 40:14
4. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket 34:22
5. Tammy Bartaia – Bollywood Dreams 15:02