Kepler Wessels Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast

England v South Africa – 1st Test – Lord’s – PA/Alamy

Kepler Wessels has the distinction of representing both Australia and South Africa in International Cricket.

In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, Kepler Wessels joins host Matt Ellis to share his reflections on the origins of his passion for cricket, breaking into First Class Cricket at age 16 whilst still at school, moving to England and the influence of Tony Greig in getting him to Australia to play World Series Cricket.

We hear about Kepler’s test debut, where he made a big hundred, and we clear up who was to blame for the run-out of Greg Chappell in that innings.

He shares his mindset for taking on and conquering the almighty West Indies pace attack of the 1980s.

We get some insights into the Sheffield Shield final in the 1985/6 season and his dismissal of Mark Waugh in that game.

Kepler speaks of the surprise of returning to play international cricket for South Africa, the thrill of beating Australia in their first game of the 92 World Cup and the disappointment of bowing out in a rain-affected semi-final.

He shares the plan they hatched to dismiss Allan Border in the famous Sydney Test Match of 1994 and the elation of scoring a century at Lord’s at the back end of his career.

Kepler updates us on what he is up to now, including his work at Kepler Wessels Training.

Of course, we don’t let him get away without asking who the three people he would most like to join him at the cricket nets.

Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a review to help us to continue to start conversations that inspire a love of cricket.

Kepler Wessels Career Statistics

CompetitionTestODIFCLA
Matches40[a]109[b]316337
Runs scored2,7883,36724,73812,503
Batting average41.0034.3550.5841.53
100s/50s6/151/2666/13215/90
Top score179107254146
Balls bowled90901,4161,327
Wickets0181336
Bowling average37.0044.1531.11
5wi000
10wm000
Best bowling2/162/254/24
Catches/stumpings30/–49/–268/–151/–

These statistics showcase Kepler Wessels’ impressive career across various formats of the game, highlighting his significant contributions with the bat, occasional bowling, and safe hands in the field.

Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey The Cricket Library

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/
  1. Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey
  2. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket
  3. Tammy Bartaia – Bollywood Dreams
  4. Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
  5. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes

Note: [a] Includes one match for ICC World XI. [b] Includes one match for Africa XI.

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