Tahlia Wilson’s Dream Net Session: A Unique Lineup of Legends

Posted on June 8, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

The Duchess of Cambridge bats to The Duke of Cambridge’s bowling as they participates in a 2015 Cricket World Cup event in Christchurch during the eighth day of their official tour to New Zealand. PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Dream net sessions offer a chance for athletes to envision a gathering of their favourite personalities from different domains. During a recent episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, rising cricket star Tahlia Wilson shared her dream net session lineup. Her choices were unconventional yet intriguing. In this blog post, we explore Tahlia Wilson’s dream net session guest list and delve into the reasons behind her selection.

The First Invitee: Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge

Tahlia Wilson surprised everyone with her first choice: Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge. Wilson admires Middleton for her remarkable accomplishments and her role as a positive role model for everyone. What makes this choice even more intriguing is Middleton’s love for sports, particularly hockey. Wilson believes that Middleton’s never-say-die attitude and background in hockey would make her an excellent all-rounder in the net session. She would no doubt chime in with some good banter behind the stumps to add an extra element of fun to the session.

The Second Invitee: Benji Marshall

As a passionate West Tigers fan, Tahlia Wilson couldn’t resist inviting Benji Marshall, a legendary figure in NRL (National Rugby League), to her dream net session. Marshall has been Wilson’s favourite NRL player since she started following the sport. Despite the West Tigers’ recent struggles, Wilson cherishes the memories of their 2005 Premiership win. With hopes of organising a Thunder celeb match one day, Wilson aspires to see Marshall showcase his skills on the cricket field. Perhaps Marshall’s sporting background will provide an interesting twist to the session and captivate everyone’s attention.

The Third Invitee: AB de Villiers

To round off her dream net session, Tahlia Wilson turned to cricket and invited the remarkable AB de Villiers. Known for his unorthodox playing style and fearless approach, de Villiers has always been a favourite for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Wilson admires de Villiers’ unique way of playing the game and his ability to take on any challenge. She finds his technique and mindset fascinating, often watching videos where de Villiers explains his strategies and techniques. Having de Villiers present at the dream net session would undoubtedly provide invaluable tips and insights, making it an extraordinary experience for everyone involved.

The Dream Net Session: An Unforgettable Gathering

Tahlia Wilson’s dream net session lineup showcases her diverse interests and admiration for individuals from various fields. The convergence of Kate Middleton, Benji Marshall, and AB de Villiers promises a session filled with excitement, skill, and an exchange of ideas. This eclectic mix of personalities guarantees a unique experience, with each invitee bringing their own perspectives and expertise to the table.

Dream net sessions allow athletes to imagine extraordinary collaborations, transcending the boundaries of their respective sports. Tahlia Wilson’s dream net session guest list featuring Kate Middleton, Benji Marshall, and AB de Villiers reflects her admiration for influential figures who have made a significant impact in their fields. This lineup represents a fusion of talent, determination, and passion, creating an atmosphere ripe for learning, enjoyment, and unforgettable memories.

Coming Soon – Tim MacDonald: From Player to Mentor

Posted on June 6, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

Coming soon to the Cricket Library Podcast, we sit down with Tim MacDonald, who has forged a career that spans across various roles in the sport.

Join us as we delve into the origins of Tim’s passion for cricket, tracing back to the early days and the driving forces that ignited his love for the game. We explore the pivotal moments that led to his breakthrough into First-Class Cricket, the challenges faced, and the triumphs celebrated along the way.

Tim shares his experiences of making the move from Western Australia to Tasmania, shedding light on the transition and the impact it had on his career and personal growth. We also gain valuable insights into Tim’s foray into coaching, the joys and challenges of guiding aspiring cricketers, and the unique perspective he brings to the coaching arena.

Finally, we uncover the secrets behind Western Australia’s recent success on the field. We explore the factors that have contributed to the team’s achievements and the strategies implemented to foster a culture of excellence and growth.

Don’t miss out on this fascinating conversation, and be sure to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast and leave a review to help us to continue to start conversations that inspire a love of cricket.

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes – The Cricket Library

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!

The Challenges and Rewards of Umpiring Cricket: A Conversation with Peter Parker

Posted on May 29, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with renowned cricket umpire Peter Parker. Peter shares his journey from being a talented cricketer to becoming an umpire, the challenges and rewards of being an umpire in the sport he loves, and the thrill of witnessing spin bowling legend Shane Warne in action from the best seat in the house.

Peter also talks about some of the controversies he has been a part of as an umpire, and how he dealt with those situations by owning his mistakes and moving forward. He shares insights into the epic One Day International at the SCG when Michael Bevan hit a four off the last ball, and how he managed the pressure in that moment.

Through his stories and experiences, Peter highlights the importance of having a passion for the game, staying focused under pressure, and always striving to improve. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves cricket, whether you are a player, a fan, or just curious about the inner workings of the game.

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes – The Cricket Library

Jannatul Sumona: A Young Cricketer’s Journey of Sacrifice, Success and Inspiration

Posted on May 15, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

New Episode Alert!

Tomorrow morning, we are thrilled to bring you an exciting new episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, and this time, we have a special guest from the world of cricket. Get ready to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Bangladesh and ACT Meteors star Jannatul Sumona!

Jannatul Sumona, a name that resonates with passion, skill, and determination, has made her mark in the cricketing world. Join us as we delve into her emerging career, exploring the highs, the lows, and the lessons she has learned.

We’ll uncover her experiences representing Bangladesh, hear captivating stories from her time in Australia and gain insight into her approach to the game.

Whether you’re a fan of Jannatul Sumona, a cricket enthusiast, or love hearing inspiring stories of dedication and perseverance, this episode is a must-listen. Join us tomorrow as we learn from Jannatul’s experiences and gain a deeper understanding of her journey as a professional cricketer.

Don’t miss out! Tune in to the Cricket Library Podcast tomorrow morning to catch this incredible episode featuring Jannatul Sumona. Stay updated by subscribing to our podcast on your favourite streaming platforms or visiting our website.

Get ready to be inspired!

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes – The Cricket Library

Tahlia Wilson: From Backyard to Breakers

Posted on May 2, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

Tahlia Wilson of the Thunder in action as wicket keeper during the Women’s Big Bash League WBBL Semi Final match between the Brisbane Heat and the Sydney Thunder at North Sydney Oval, on November 26, 2020, in Sydney, Australia (Photo by Izhar Khan/NurPhoto)

Welcome to the latest series of the Cricket Library Podcast with your host, Matt Ellis.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Tahlia Wilson, the talented cricketer from New South Wales. Tahlia shares her inspiring journey from playing cricket in the backyard to being part of the Breakers Squad, scoring her first WNCL Hundred and winning a Big Bash title with the Sydney Thunder.

Tahlia shares her experiences of turning 21 while in the WBBL Bubble and dealing with setbacks in her career. She also talks about how playing hockey has helped her in her pursuit of excellence as a cricketer. Tahlia’s passion for the game and her dedication towards improving her skills make for an engaging conversation.

In this podcast, Tahlia also selects her three dream net session partners and reveals what makes them the perfect picks. Her insights and anecdotes will not only entertain you but also give you an insight into the life of a professional cricketer.

So, sit back and tune in to this exciting episode of the Cricket Library Podcast with Tahlia Wilson, as she shares her journey and gives us a glimpse into her world as a professional cricketer.

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.

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes – The Cricket Library

Double the celebrations for Bradman on his sixth wedding anniversary

Posted on April 30, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

DON BRADMAN 1932: Australian cricketer Don Bradman and his wife photographed at Wellington, New Zealand, from San Francisco with the Australian Cricket Team en route for Sydney. PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

April 30 was a significant date in the life of Donald George Bradman for a number of reasons. Certainly in the realms of his personal life, this day in 1932, marrying Jessie Menzies in Burwood (which interestingly the suburb where I took my wife for our first date but that is a tale for another day) would have to be very high on the list.

From a cricketing perspective, two years earlier, on April 30, he and Bill Woodfull were beginning to pile on the runs against Worcestershire, with Woodfull 95 not out & Bradman 75 not out overnight. Woodfull would go on to make 133, and The Don peeled off 236 before both were dismissed to the leg spin of George Brook.

This was Bradman’s first game on English soil having played 4 Tests prior in Australia and despite being dropped after his first test match had the more than solid returns of 431 runs @ 61.57 with two tons already to his name. Needless to say, this innings was just the beginning of what would be a record breaking Ashes campaign for Bradman netting 974 test match runs including his career best 334 at Leeds, double centuries at Lord’s and the Oval as well as a ton in the second innings of the first test at Nottingham.

Celebrating important life milestones is something that I strongly encourage and Bradman demonstrated this in style on April 30 in 1938. On the two previous Ashes tours when Australia had played Worcestershire, the home side had won the toss and batted, subsequently got rolled and then watched Bradman pile on the runs. This time around, they liked their chances bowling first and had the visitor’s 1 for 9 early doors. The only problem with this theory was that it brought DG Bradman to the crease who crunched 258 off 290 deliveries ensuring his sixth wedding anniversary would be one to remember.

Matt Ellis from the Cricket Library speaking on ABC Radio about Bradman’s success.

Interestingly, 1938 was the Ashes series where Bradman had lobbied for the players to have their wives on tour. This off-field stability certainly appeared to work wonders for Bradman who returned to Australia with some incredible numbers; 118, 143, 225, 107, 186 and 135 in consecutive innings to help South Australia to a Sheffield Shield title.

It is fair to say that Bradman took a liking to the conditions at Worcester, scoring 236 on his first visit to the ground, followed by 206 on the following Ashes tour and the 258 just mentioned. Double tons for fun, I guess that is a very Bradman thing to do.

Thankfully for the home side, on Bradman’s last Ashes tour, they were able to restrict the great man to 107. Arthur Morris also made a ton for the visitors with the Australians winning by an innings and 17 runs.

How will you celebrate your next anniversary? Maybe DG Bradman’s banquet of runs on his sixth wedding anniversary could be something to aspire to?

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes – The Cricket Library

Inside the mind of Aiden Blizzard: Who would he choose for his dream net session?

Posted on April 18, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

When it comes to cricket, every player has their dream net session, where they can face the best bowlers and learn from the best batsmen. Aiden Blizzard, a former T20 power hitter, shared his own dream net session and named four players that he would love to have join him. For Blizzard, this would be the ultimate opportunity to improve his game and learn from some of the best in the business. The players that Blizzard selected for his dream net session include his long-time friend and fast bowler Clint McKay, Afghanistani leg-spinner Rashid Khan, West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard, and former Australian cricketer Mike Hussey. Let’s take a closer look at each of these players and why they would make the perfect net session partners for Aiden Blizzard.

Clint McKay

For Aiden Blizzard, selecting his dream net session was an easy choice. The former left-handed power hitter knew exactly who he wanted to invite: his long-time friend and fellow fast bowler, Clint McKay. The two have a history together, having played together in the Under-16s Dowling Shield, for Victoria, as well as in the Mumbai Indians and Sydney Thunder. According to Blizzard, he and McKay have always had competitive net sessions, and he admires McKay’s skills and work ethic. Having McKay at the nets would not only provide a great challenge for Blizzard, but it would also be a chance for the two friends to catch up and reminisce about their shared experiences in cricket.

Rashid Khan

One of the players that Aiden Blizzard would most like to face in the nets is Afghanistani leg-spinner Rashid Khan. Blizzard considers Khan to be one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, and he knows from experience that facing his leg spin bowling can be a real challenge. According to Blizzard, Khan’s deliveries are very hard to pick, and he has a remarkable ability to deceive batsmen with his variations. Blizzard believes that having the chance to face Khan’s bowling in the nets would be a great learning opportunity for him, and it would help him to improve his game against high-quality spin bowling.

Kieron Pollard

Aiden Blizzard also included West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard in his dream net session, as he admires Pollard’s skills as a hard-hitting batsman and a useful medium-pace bowler. Blizzard knows that facing Pollard’s bowling would provide a great challenge, as Pollard is known for his ability to vary his pace and length, making it difficult for batsmen to get him away. Additionally, Blizzard would relish the opportunity to try and get Pollard out in the nets, which is no easy feat given his impressive record in T20 cricket.

Mike Hussey

Mike Hussey is another player that Aiden Blizzard included in his dream net session. Blizzard has known Hussey for many years and describes him as the ultimate gentleman and one of the best cricketers he has come across. Despite being a fierce competitor on the field, Hussey is also known for his ability to have a laugh and enjoy his time in the nets. According to Blizzard, having Hussey at the nets would not only be a great learning opportunity but also a lot of fun. Blizzard has always looked up to Hussey for his cricketing intelligence and work ethic, and he knows that having the chance to face his batting and pick his brain about the game would be an incredible experience.

Keep your eyes peeled for the new season of the Cricket Library Podcast that will be hitting the podcast feeds in May!

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes – The Cricket Library

Celebrating the Summer Game: Matt Ellis talks about his cricket-inspired Haiku Poetry book on ABC Radio

Posted on April 17, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

In this engaging interview on ABC Radio, author Matt Ellis discusses his latest release, “For the Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems inspired by the Summer Game,” with host Geoff Mann. The book combines two of Ellis’ passions – cricket and poetry – to create a collection of haiku poems that capture the essence of the sport. During the interview, Ellis shares his inspiration for the book and discusses his creative process. Listeners will enjoy hearing about the intersections between cricket and poetry and the unique insights that Ellis brings to the sport through his artistry. Whether you are a cricket fan or a lover of poetry, this interview offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an author whose work is both imaginative and thought-provoking.

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes – The Cricket Library

Score More Runs or Your Money Back: The Bold Move That Showed How Much Faith Duncan Fearnley Had In Their Bats

Posted on April 17, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

@mattellis33
A cricket bat with a run scoring guarantee! Did anyone take up this offer back in the day? #Cricket #Crictok #duncanfearnley
♬ original sound – MJ Ellis

In the summer of 1981/82, Duncan Fearnley, a leading manufacturer of cricket bats, did something revolutionary. They offered a money-back guarantee on their cricket bats. The guarantee stated that if a customer scored fewer runs in the upcoming season with their Duncan Fearnley bat than they did the previous season with their old bat, provided it could be verified by their club secretary, they could return the bat for a full refund. This was an unprecedented and revolutionary promotion like no other.

The idea of a money-back guarantee on cricket bats was unheard of at the time, but Duncan Fearnley was confident in their product, and they wanted to prove it. The guarantee showed that the company believed in the quality of their bats and that they were willing to stand behind them. This offer was a massive risk for the company, but it also had the potential to be a game-changer for their business.

Duncan Fearnley cricket bats were used by some splendid cricketers, including Allan Border, Ian Botham, David Hookes, Greg Matthews, Graeme Hick, and Tom Moody, to name a few. These players recognised the quality of the Duncan Fearnley bats and trusted them to perform at the highest level.

As we conclude, one cannot help but wonder about the outcome of the Duncan Fearnley run scoring money-back guarantee. Did it become a successful marketing strategy? Did it achieve its intended purpose of boosting sales and customer satisfaction? From what we can tell, there are no other examples of this kind of promotion, do you think something like this would work in 2023?

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes – The Cricket Library

Mastering the art of cricket captaincy: Richie Benaud’s expert advice

Posted on April 15, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

My favourite quote on coaching was embedded in my mind as a youngster watching the 9 Wide World of Sports Cricket Coaching Video as a kid. I reckon the VHS player needed a good head cleaning after my brother and I watched this video ad nauseam.

Richie Benaud was a far greater captain than I will ever be but I tried to apply his wisdom when leading teams.

Here are the key takeaways that Richie shared on captaincy in the video.

“The art of captaincy is to get the best out of your team. I have often heard it said that a captain can’t do anything with an ordinary team. That’s rubbish. You can improve the way they’re playing and you can achieve that by good leadership.

+ Win the respect of your players

+ Maintain your own playing standard

+ Always stay 2 overs ahead of the game

+ If you see opportunity go for the jugular

+ Be decisive

+ Successful captaincy is based on aggressive field placings and aggressive strategy

+ Make sure the players try to improve their skill and enjoy the game

+ Carry the attack to the opposition

+ Play hard but fair

+ Look for wins and learn from any defeat

+ The captain must be the only man in charge

+ Ensure the game flourishes for the next generation

Remember a good captain doesn’t wander around asking for ideas when the going is a bit tough. A good captain creates an atmosphere where players feel comfortable coming up to them and offering suggestions. But in the end it is THE CAPTAIN WHO HAS TO MAKE THE FINAL DECISION”

In conclusion, Richie Benaud’s enduring legacy as a cricket captain and broadcaster continues to inspire generations of cricketers. His emphasis on good leadership, aggressive strategy, and maintaining high standards are valuable lessons for anyone who aspires to lead a team. By following his advice, aspiring captains can create an environment where players feel comfortable sharing ideas and contributing to the team success.

Above all Richie reminds us that cricket is a game that should be enjoyed and celebrated and the next generation of players should be nurtured and encouraged to carry the sport forward. May Richie Benaud’s positive influence on our great game continue to inspire more people to love and play the game.