Cricket Library Weekly Podcast – 6 November 2022

In this week’s edition of the Cricket Library Weekly, Robbie and Matt wrap up all of the latest action from the Marsh Sheffield Shield, Marsh One Day Cup and Weber WBBL|08.

Tabbsy is back with his take for the week which looks at one of the longest standing records in the history of the game as well as some data that will keep our listeners in the UK happy.

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.

Heather Graham Special Guest On The Cricket Library Weekly

IMAGE COURTESY OF HOBART HURRICANES

In our second episode for the 2022/23 season, we are joined by special guest Heather Graham from the Hobart Hurricanes.

Heather who is one of only three players in the 100 wicket / 1000 run club in the WBBL, shares with us the origins of her passion for cricket and reflects on the key ingredients to the successful teams she has been a part of.

She speaks about what is ahead for the Hurricanes, looks back on winning the WBBL in her 100th game and how much it would mean to the players to send coach Dan Marsh out a winner.

Robbie and Matt run their eye over some of the key performances in the Australian Men’s Domestic summer to date and the ever popular Tabbsy’s Take segment returns after receiving plenty of plaudits following the world premiere of the segment last week.

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.

Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket The Cricket Library

What does it take to build a life in cricket at the highest level? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with Gavin Dovey to explore a remarkable journey through Australian sport. Now the CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, Gavin has spent decades working behind the scenes of the game we all love so dearly. Before moving into administration, Gavin served as team manager of the Australia national cricket team, offering a unique perspective on the culture, leadership, and pressure that comes with representing Australia. In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss: 🏏 Gavin’s love of sport growing up in Sydney in the 80s 🏏 What it’s really like managing the Australian men’s team 🏏 Lessons from working alongside players and coaches at the highest level 🏏 Growing and strengthening cricket in the Northern Territory 🏏 The unique role the Territory plays in the Australian cricket landscape 🏏 The future vision for cricket in the Top End Plus, Gavin faces “The Final Over” — six quick questions to finish the innings. If you love the stories behind the game, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and decisions that shape Australian cricket. Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast for more conversations with the players, writers, thinkers and administrators who have helped build the game.
  1. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket
  2. Tammy Bartaia – Bollywood Dreams
  3. Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
  4. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  5. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine

Cricket Library Weekly Returns For 2022/23

The Cricket Library Weekly returns for season 2022/23 with Robbie Mackinlay and Matt Ellis back to digest all of the cricket talking points each week throughout the summer.

In the first edition of the new season, the lads share their thoughts on the WNCL and WBBL competitions, with some high-quality cricket being played in the early stages of the competitions.

Airing for the first time in an exclusive for the Cricket Library is a brand new segment, ‘Tabbsy’s Take’, where our resident librarian in Orange shares his take on the stats that have caught his eye each week. This is sure to become a favourite with loyal members of the cricket library community. This week there is a bit of a World T20 flavour, with Tabbsy leaving listeners with some homework before next week’s program.

Finally, Robbie and Matt run their eye over some of the key performances in the Australian Men’s Domestic summer to date.

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.

Audible Listeners Rejoice As New Offering Lands On Popular Platform

Cricket librarians all around the world would agree that a high quality audio visual section will enhance the library experience for librarians and borrowers alike. In years past, access to VHS tapes, DVDs, Compact Discs and Cassettes were sufficient to meet the basic requirements of an audio visual section. These days however with technology moving at a rapid rate, the influx of audio books has opened a whole new world for those wishing to expand their horizons.

Cassette tapes were a staple in Cricket Libraries prior to advancements in technology

Modern technology has enabled librarians and private citizens alike the opportunity to listen to a wealth of cricket related material through devices such as MP3 players, mobile telephones, tablets and computers. This creates endless possibilities for those who are looking to expand their libraries but do not have the budget to undertake extensions. Adding electronic files to your favourite device ensures you can essentially listen to your favourite cricket book anywhere at any time.

In some great news for listeners of audiobooks, For The Love Of Cricket – Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game has now arrived on the highly popular Audible platform

“Right from the first page you can see the passion and love of the game of cricket from Matt Ellis and Matt Fiction,” Matthew T on an Amazon Review. “This shows in their writing and brings back memories of big cricket moments from the past. A unique look at cricket through poems and I have never seen or read anything like this before. A must-read for any cricket lover.”

One of the exciting features of “For The Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game” is that it presents a light and refreshing take on cricket, which highlights some of the key moments that inspired a love of a game in the authors as well as the players who continue to ignite the flame that keeps burning brightly.

SF Devlin, another reviewer on Amazon, said, “What a read! A wonderfully written book for anyone that loves cricket. As a tragic myself, I loved reading about past players, current players, and upcomers alike. The Haikus are just an added bonus!”

With each page of “For The Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game,” cricket lovers will resonate with its offerings and be inspired to reflect on the place of cricket in their hearts and minds.

Astute readers or in this case listeners will ensure they get themselves a copy as soon as possible.

Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket The Cricket Library

What does it take to build a life in cricket at the highest level? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with Gavin Dovey to explore a remarkable journey through Australian sport. Now the CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, Gavin has spent decades working behind the scenes of the game we all love so dearly. Before moving into administration, Gavin served as team manager of the Australia national cricket team, offering a unique perspective on the culture, leadership, and pressure that comes with representing Australia. In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss: 🏏 Gavin’s love of sport growing up in Sydney in the 80s 🏏 What it’s really like managing the Australian men’s team 🏏 Lessons from working alongside players and coaches at the highest level 🏏 Growing and strengthening cricket in the Northern Territory 🏏 The unique role the Territory plays in the Australian cricket landscape 🏏 The future vision for cricket in the Top End Plus, Gavin faces “The Final Over” — six quick questions to finish the innings. If you love the stories behind the game, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and decisions that shape Australian cricket. Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast for more conversations with the players, writers, thinkers and administrators who have helped build the game.
  1. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket
  2. Tammy Bartaia – Bollywood Dreams
  3. Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
  4. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  5. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine

Weber WBBL|08 Countdown Is On – 30 Days To Go!

The Weber WBBL will be back with a bang next month with some high quality signings putting pen to paper ensuring the talent pool will be deep across the 8 clubs.

The huge news today coming out of the Harbour City was the announcement that the premier bowler in T20 Cricket around the world Sophie Ecclestone will be wearing Magenta this summer. The talented spinner is delighted to be teaming up with some of her traditional adversaries in the International arena and will add another dimension to the 6ers outfit.

The competition has come a long way from its inaugural season and Weber WBBL|08 promises to be must-see viewing with some of the biggest stars already locked away with plenty more player announcements to come in the lead-up to the tournament.

When it comes to a high-quality day out with the family, it is hard to go past Weber WBBL|08 with the festival atmosphere combining music, food and on-field action it is a must this Spring.

Festival Weekends:
Great Barrier Reef Arena (13-18 Oct)
WACA Ground (20-23 Oct)
Allan Border Field (25-29 Oct)
Blundstone Arena (3-7 Nov)
CitiPower Centre (10-13 Nov) 
North Sydney Oval (16-20 Nov)

 Secure your tickets to the Weber WBBL|08 today!

Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket The Cricket Library

What does it take to build a life in cricket at the highest level? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with Gavin Dovey to explore a remarkable journey through Australian sport. Now the CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, Gavin has spent decades working behind the scenes of the game we all love so dearly. Before moving into administration, Gavin served as team manager of the Australia national cricket team, offering a unique perspective on the culture, leadership, and pressure that comes with representing Australia. In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss: 🏏 Gavin’s love of sport growing up in Sydney in the 80s 🏏 What it’s really like managing the Australian men’s team 🏏 Lessons from working alongside players and coaches at the highest level 🏏 Growing and strengthening cricket in the Northern Territory 🏏 The unique role the Territory plays in the Australian cricket landscape 🏏 The future vision for cricket in the Top End Plus, Gavin faces “The Final Over” — six quick questions to finish the innings. If you love the stories behind the game, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and decisions that shape Australian cricket. Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast for more conversations with the players, writers, thinkers and administrators who have helped build the game.
  1. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket
  2. Tammy Bartaia – Bollywood Dreams
  3. Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
  4. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  5. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine

Performing in the zone

We have all been there. Sitting in the library, reading one of our favourite cricket books and the next thing we know the library is closing. Where did the time go? We have been lost in the world of the storyteller and captivated by what is unfolding. Reading has not been a chore, it has been a delight.

On the cricket field we see players enter a similar state where they are totally focussed on the task at hand and execute their skills at the highest level with ease and freedom. It is a feeling that is hard to capture but one you wish you could bottle and share with others.

In a chat with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library Podcast, Baggy Green 416, Peter George explained the experience of being in the zone.

“You certainly stop focussing so much on yourself and start thinking about what you are doing at the other end. I remember I think I got Jimmy Faulkner out for my 5th wicket and it was just one of those classic in form, like I was just thinking what I was doing to work him over everything worked exactly how I wanted it to work.”

Peter drops plenty of other nuggets of gold in his chat with Matt and his story is one of the many that we have shared on the Cricket Library Podcast that will hopefully grow your love of the game.

Cricket Library Weekly Podcast Set To Return Late September

In some great news for fans of the Cricket Library Weekly Podcast, it was announced today that the podcast will be returning at the end of this month with the release date still to be finalised.

Hosts Robbie Mackinlay and Matt Ellis have agreed to terms for another summer and will be taking the reigns of the weekly show once again for the 2022/23 season.

It has been a productive “off season” for Mackinlay who has been focussed on his bee keeping exploits with Robeez first batch of honey not far away now.

Both Ellis and Mackinlay are eager to be back in the Burrabadine and Rivergum Drive studios this summer with rumours circulating around the addition of a new segment which if true, is sure to be warmly welcomed by our loyal listener base.

We are hearing also that Matt Fiction is scheduled to be back on the first flight at the completion of the test match between England and South Africa. No doubt Fiction will again be a popular figure featuring throughout the season.

In the meantime make sure you check out the latest audiobook release from Ellis and Fiction and catch up on any of the back catalogue you have missed.

Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket The Cricket Library

What does it take to build a life in cricket at the highest level? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with Gavin Dovey to explore a remarkable journey through Australian sport. Now the CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, Gavin has spent decades working behind the scenes of the game we all love so dearly. Before moving into administration, Gavin served as team manager of the Australia national cricket team, offering a unique perspective on the culture, leadership, and pressure that comes with representing Australia. In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss: 🏏 Gavin’s love of sport growing up in Sydney in the 80s 🏏 What it’s really like managing the Australian men’s team 🏏 Lessons from working alongside players and coaches at the highest level 🏏 Growing and strengthening cricket in the Northern Territory 🏏 The unique role the Territory plays in the Australian cricket landscape 🏏 The future vision for cricket in the Top End Plus, Gavin faces “The Final Over” — six quick questions to finish the innings. If you love the stories behind the game, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and decisions that shape Australian cricket. Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast for more conversations with the players, writers, thinkers and administrators who have helped build the game.
  1. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket
  2. Tammy Bartaia – Bollywood Dreams
  3. Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
  4. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  5. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine

Goszko and Wellham Become Life Members Of Cricket NSW

Michelle Goszko and Dirk Wellham have joined an illustrious list of Cricket NSW royalty in becoming life members 227 and 228 at the association’s Annual General Meeting on Monday Night.

Wellham who has the distinction of making a century on both 1st Class and Test Match debuts, played 68 first-class matches for NSW, scoring 4297 runs at 44.29 with 9 centuries plus 25 half-centuries. An astute captain who had success in leading NSW to Sheffield Shield titles as well as a Domestic One Day crown.

Michelle Goszko is one of the most passionate cricket people you will meet having carved out a distinguished career on the field for NSW notching 100 appearances in the Women’s National Cricket League.

Her most noted innings was her double century for Australia on Test Match debut. With other highlights include winning a World Cup for Australia at Eden Gardens.

The cricket world was in shock last year when Michelle suffered a stroke and it is encouraging to see that she has been fighting her way back to health and remains involved in coaching and commentary roles.

Cricket NSW Chairman John Knox paid tribute to both Wellham and Goszko.

“Dirk and Michelle were both significant on-field contributors to cricket in New South Wales and thoroughly deserve their Life Memberships,” Knox said.

“While their on-field achievements have been well documented, they have also made generous contributions with their time and knowledge off the field to help inspire more people to play and love cricket.

“We congratulate them and more importantly thank them.”

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.

Were Taylor Swift’s Parents Cricket Lovers?

Taylor Swift performing at Shepherds Bush Empire London 6th of May 2009.
Andrew Cowie
 / Alamy Stock Photo

Ashton Agar is particularly likeable, mainly due to the first impressions rule. How could you not love a guy who played as he did in his Test debut, making 98 batting at number 11? The following year, over 400 baby boys in Australia were named Ashton. It is highly likely that at least some of these children were named after AC Agar.

What does this have to do with Taylor Swift?

How about we think a bit more deeply about this, shall we?

Taylor Alison Swift came into the world in December 1989, and according to the highly reliable Wikipedia profile, the famous American singer-songwriter was named after music legend James Taylor.

I propose another potentially ambitious and less likely argument that TA Swift may have been named after MA Taylor, who made his test debut in 1989 and left an enduring impression with the bat on the 1989 Ashes Tour.

Could Mr and Mrs Swift have followed the Ashes closely from their Wyomissing home in Pennsylvania?

Is it possible that the media and general population may have overlooked the slim chance that Mark Taylor was the real reason for the naming of Taylor Swift?

Could they foresee that the left-hand opening batter would become a future Australian Test captain and had leadership aspirations for their daughter?

We are all aware that this would not be the first time there has been speculation around whether the selectors had the correct Taylor; ‘Peter Who’ anyone?

Let’s explore this further, shall we?

James Taylor’s middle name is Vernon; if Mr and Mrs Swift were such big fans of JV Taylor, why not utilise a middle name starting with V for their daughter? There are plenty of suitable options, such as Veronica, Venus, Vanessa, Vera and Victoria, to name just five. The fact that they opted for Alison as the middle name strengthens the case for her being named after MA Taylor.

The other question left lingering in my heart is nature versus nurture. If Taylor grew up assuming that she was named after a famous singer-songwriter, would that influence her to become the music personality she is today?

If in her childhood, her parents had shown her VHS tapes of the 1989 Ashes series and waxed lyrical about Mark’s majestic 219 at Nottingham, could we potentially have seen her develop a love of the summer game? Better still, what if her parents had gifted her a Symonds Grand Monarch cricket bat for her birthday instead of guitar lessons?

To leave you with the most indisputable evidence, there are clues in some of the track names from her album called 1989 that I cannot but assume TA Swift is secretly a cricket fan.

  1. Welcome to New York – Surely, this song is referencing the first international cricket match played in Manhattan in 1844
  2. Style – Name a member of the 1989 Australian Ashes team that did not possess style in spades.
  3. Out of the Woods – A tribute to English willow.
  4. All you had to do was stay – Taylor showed empathy for the 13 Englishmen that only played one Test in the 1989 campaign.
  5. Shake it off – Her method for combating sledging.
  6. Wildest Dreams – A tribute to all players with their names etched on the honour board at Lord’s.
  7. How You Get The Girl – This references the GD Campbell wedding proposal from the balcony at Lord’s.
  8. This Love – A simple statement about her love of the summer game.

These are only the prominent examples; I am sure for the more profound thinkers out there, it would not be hard to find other links to Taylor Swift’s songs and cricket.

In the famous words of Dennis Denuto in The Castle, “I rest my case.”

Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket The Cricket Library

What does it take to build a life in cricket at the highest level? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with Gavin Dovey to explore a remarkable journey through Australian sport. Now the CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, Gavin has spent decades working behind the scenes of the game we all love so dearly. Before moving into administration, Gavin served as team manager of the Australia national cricket team, offering a unique perspective on the culture, leadership, and pressure that comes with representing Australia. In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss: 🏏 Gavin’s love of sport growing up in Sydney in the 80s 🏏 What it’s really like managing the Australian men’s team 🏏 Lessons from working alongside players and coaches at the highest level 🏏 Growing and strengthening cricket in the Northern Territory 🏏 The unique role the Territory plays in the Australian cricket landscape 🏏 The future vision for cricket in the Top End Plus, Gavin faces “The Final Over” — six quick questions to finish the innings. If you love the stories behind the game, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and decisions that shape Australian cricket. Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast for more conversations with the players, writers, thinkers and administrators who have helped build the game.
  1. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket
  2. Tammy Bartaia – Bollywood Dreams
  3. Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
  4. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  5. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine

For The Love Of Cricket – Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game Coming To Audio Book

“A unique look at cricket through poems and I have never seen or read anything like this before. A must-read for any cricket love” Amazon Review

Cricket librarians all around the world would agree that a high quality audio visual section will enhance the library experience for librarians and borrowers alike. In years past, access to VHS tapes, DVDs, Compact Discs and Cassettes were sufficient to meet the basic requirements of an audio visual section. These days however with technology moving at a rapid rate, the influx of audio books has opened a whole new world for those wishing to expand their horizons.

Cassette tapes were a staple in Cricket Libraries prior to advancements in technology

Modern technology has enabled librarians and private citizens alike the opportunity to listen to a wealth of cricket related material through devices such as MP3 players, mobile telephones, tablets and computers. This creates endless possibilities for those who are looking to expand their libraries but do not have the budget to undertake extensions. Adding electronic files to your favourite device ensures you can essentially listen to your favourite cricket book anywhere at any time.

In some great news for listeners of audiobooks, For The Love Of Cricket – Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game is coming very soon to an audiobook.

“Right from the first page you can see the passion and love of the game of cricket from Matt Ellis and Matt Fiction,” Matthew T on an Amazon Review. “This shows in their writing and brings back memories of big cricket moments from the past. A unique look at cricket through poems and I have never seen or read anything like this before. A must-read for any cricket lover.”

One of the exciting features of “For The Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game” is that it presents a light and refreshing take on cricket, which highlights some of the key moments that inspired a love of a game in the authors as well as the players who continue to ignite the flame that keeps burning brightly.

SF Devlin, another reviewer on Amazon, said, “What a read! A wonderfully written book for anyone that loves cricket. As a tragic myself, I loved reading about past players, current players, and upcomers alike. The Haikus are just an added bonus!”

With each page of “For The Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game,” cricket lovers will resonate with its offerings and be inspired to reflect on the place of cricket in their hearts and minds.

Astute readers or in this case listeners will ensure they get themselves a copy as soon as possible. To find out as soon as it becomes available, leave your details below and we will get in touch.

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