Michael Klinger – Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast

Optus Stadium, Perth, Australia. 3rd Feb, 2019. Australian Big Bash Cricket League, Perth Scorchers versus Melbourne Stars; Michael Klinger is chaired from the ground after retiring by Cameron Bancroft and Andrew Tye Credit: Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News

Michael Klinger amassed over 11 thousand first class runs throughout his distinguished First Class career predominately for Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Gloucestershire.

When he retired he was the leading run scorer in the history of the Big Bash and has since only been passed by Chris Lynn and Aaron Finch. 

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, we ask Michael where his passion for the game began, his entry into Grade Cricket and playing in underage teams for Victoria.

He shares insights from his First Class career, including reflections on his time playing in Australia and overseas, captaining teams and winning titles at South Australia, Gloucestershire and the Perth Scorchers.

Needless to say we will also ask Michael who the three people he would most like to have a net with are.

Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a review to help us to continue to share stories like this one from Michael Klinger.

Michael Klinger Career Stats

CompetitionT20IFCLAT20
Matches3182177206
Runs scored14311,3207,4495,960
Batting average47.6639.3049.3334.45
100s/50s0/130/4918/448/33
Top score62255166*126*
Catches/stumpings2/–178/–72/–83/–

Adrian Griffith on Cricket, Identity & Life Beyond the Game The Cricket Library

Former West Indies opening batter, Adrian Griffith joins the Cricket Library Podcast for a fascinating and deeply reflective conversation about cricket, identity, purpose, and life beyond the game. Growing up in Barbados, Adrian rose through Caribbean cricket to become an opening batter for the West Indies cricket team during one of the most compelling eras in world cricket. He shares stories from his early journey into first-class cricket, touring Australia, facing elite fast bowling, and the pressures that come with representing the maroon cap at the highest level. One of the highlights of the episode is Adrian reflecting on his remarkable Test match against New Zealand, where he became the first West Indian cricketer to bat on all five days of a Test match — a rare and unique achievement in cricket history. Adrian also revisits the unforgettable Test against Australia where Brian Lara produced one of the greatest innings the game has ever seen, offering incredible insight into Lara’s brilliance and the atmosphere surrounding that iconic moment in cricket and the story behind his selection in the team. Beyond the playing field, Adrian discusses his transition into officiating as an ICC match referee and his current work with AGC, where he continues contributing to leadership, mentoring, and the development of people within and beyond cricket. While the conversation celebrates Test cricket, West Indies history, and unforgettable moments, it also explores a deeper theme — that achievements on the field do not fully define a person’s worth. Adrian shares thoughtful reflections on transition, identity, leadership, and building a meaningful life beyond cricket. Topics include: • The significance of the Maroon West Indies Cricket Cap • Touring Australia • Batting on all five days of a Test match • Test cricket pressures • Caribbean cricket culture • ICC match refereeing • Leadership and mentoring • AGC and life after cricket • Purpose and identity beyond sport If you love cricket history, long-form conversations, and powerful human stories from inside the game, this episode is for you.
  1. Adrian Griffith on Cricket, Identity & Life Beyond the Game
  2. Babette de Leede – World Cup & Global Cricket Journey
  3. Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner
  4. Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage
  5. Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing

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