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

Posted on August 22, 2022 by thecricketlibrary

“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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Maisy Gibson reflects on her net session with WWE Superstar John Cena

Posted on August 22, 2022 by thecricketlibrary

John Cena is legendary for his work in the squared circle and is one of the biggest superstars in the WWE.

We loved hearing Cricket Library Podcast guest Maisy Gibson recounting her experience of having a hit in the nets with the larger-than-life Professional Wrestler.

@mattellis33
Maisy Gibson reflects on the thrill of having a bowl in the cricket nets to WWE legend John Cena. #youcantseeme #JohnCena #WWE #cricket #CricketNets
♬ The Time Is Now (John Cena) – WWE & John Cena & Tha Trademarc

Have a listen to our full chat with Maisy to find out more behind her passion for cricket as well as her passion for socks!

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A post shared by The Sock Enthusiast (@thesockenthusiast_)

Sensible librarians will ensure that they get themselves a pair of the highly sought-after Cricket Library socks to complement their usual attire.

Kepler’s mindset for taking on the West Indies

Posted on August 21, 2022 by thecricketlibrary

Kepler Wessels faced a hurdle in his career when he played the West Indies in 1984. He made 32 runs in his four innings in the West Indies and In the first test in Perth he made 13 and 0 with runs needed in Brisbane to keep his spot in the team.

After a first-innings duck, Kepler changed his mindset to have an incredible summer, notching 61, 98, 70, 90, and 0 with an epic 173 in the Sydney Test to prove his credentials against the premier pace bowling attack in the world.

He spoke with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library Podcast about the shift in approach that helped him to have success and what that success meant to him.

@mattellis33
Kepler Wessels speaks about having the mindset to overcome the West Indies pace attack when they were at the peak of their powers. #keplerwessels #cricket #podcast #fyp #retro
♬ original sound – MJ Ellis

In the interview Kepler also shares 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.

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.

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.

Kepler Wessels Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast

Posted on August 19, 2022 by thecricketlibrary

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.

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

Competition	Test	ODI	FC	LA
Matches	40[a]	109[b]	316	337
Runs scored	2,788	3,367	24,738	12,503
Batting average	41.00	34.35	50.58	41.53
100s/50s	6/15	1/26	66/132	15/90
Top score	179	107	254	146
Balls bowled	90	90	1,416	1,327
Wickets	0	18	13	36
Bowling average	–	37.00	44.15	31.11
5wi	–	0	0	0
10wm	–	0	0	0
Best bowling	–	2/16	2/25	4/24
Catches/stumpings	30/–	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.

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

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

Randwick Petersham welcome the return of Cricket Ireland to Coogee

Posted on August 17, 2022 by thecricketlibrary

The picturesque seaside Coogee Oval is set to come to life in October when Cricket Ireland will grace our shores with what promises to be some high calibre cricket between 1-7 October 2022.

Cricket Ireland, who will be preparing to participate in the highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup, will have the chance to acclimatise to Australian conditions in a series of matches against a SCG XI, NSW XI and their hosts, the current Kingsgrove Sports T20 Premiers.

The Lefand Cricket Week warm-up fixtures are:

• 4 October: Ireland XI v Randwick Petersham XI (T20; Coogee Oval; start time 1pm)

• 5 October: Ireland XI v SCG XI (T20; Coogee Oval; start time 1pm)

• 7 October: Ireland XI v NSW XI (T20; Coogee Oval; start time 1pm)

Cricket Ireland’s High Performance Director Richard Holdsworth is excited about linking up with the Randwick Petersham club again after a partnership was formed after their previous visit to Australia in 2015.

“We are delighted to return to Sydney for a warm-up programme of matches organised though our friends at Randwick Petersham Cricket Club. We enjoyed the hospitality of Randy Petes as part of our preparation programme in 2015 when we were heading into the 2015 Men’s World Cup and have subsequently formed a formal partnership with the club. This partnership has seen a number of our current senior performance squad spend a summer playing cricket with the club, and while the COVID pandemic put a temporary hold on this movement of players, we hope to resume such opportunities over coming years. “We would like to thank Club President Mike Whitney, CEO John Stewart and their team for supporting and hosting us during this period, and look forward to reacquainting ourselves with the club’s fantastic facilities.” enthused Holdsworth.

Randwick Petersham Club President Mike Whitney AM is thrilled to have Ireland back particularly having seen the development of former Overseas Scholarship Programme recipients saying

“We are excited to welcome Cricket Ireland back to their second home at Coogee Oval and I can’t believe it is eight years since they were here. It is even more special this time as former Overseas Scholarship Programme recipients Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector and Barry McCarthy are part of this team and we are proud to see their development and strong performances on the international stage following their time with us.

Whitney went on to suggest that locals adopt Cricket Ireland as their second team and that their preparations at Coogee are the catalyst for a strong showing in the ICC T20 World Cup.

“It’s our hope that Ireland enjoy their stay in Coogee and gain valuable match preparation, against quality opposition, setting them up for a successful T20 World Cup campaign. Everyone at the Randy Petes are backing the Irish and we ask that Ireland becomes your second team!”

Upon completion of their time in Coogee, Ireland will then travel to Melbourne to play two official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up matches, before moving to Hobart for the first round of the tournament proper.

The official fixtures will be:

• 11 October: Ireland v Warm-up opponent (T20; MCG; start time 7pm)

• 13 October: Ireland v Warm-up opponent (T20; Junction Oval; start time 3pm)

• 17 October: Ireland v Qualifier 1 (T20 World Cup Round 1; Hobart; start time 7pm)

• 19 October: Ireland v Scotland (T20 World Cup Round 1; Hobart; start time 3pm)

• 21 October: Ireland v West Indies (T20 World Cup Round 1; Hobart; start time 3pm)

The full tournament schedule can be accessed here

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

Feldman’s bat troubles on debut

Posted on July 31, 2022 by thecricketlibrary

Luke Feldman was a highly popular guest on the Cricket Library Podcast. He had a very eventful debut with the bat as he explains here.

@thecricketlibrary
Luke Feldman’s broken cricket bat on Sheffield Shield debut. #SheffieldShield #Cricket #QLDCricket #CricketPodcast #fyp #dadsoftiktok
♬ original sound – The Cricket Library – The Cricket Library

In addition to this yarn, we hear about Luke’s pathway to First Class Cricket, forging for himself a career with the QLD Bulls having first represented QLD Country whilst working as a police officer.

In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, Luke shares some stories from his early days playing in the backyard to making his 1st Class debut against the West Indies, being a part of five different Big Bash clubs, lifting the Sheffield Shield, taking over 200 wickets and providing some handy cameos with the bat.

A passionate Queenslander who represented his state with distinction and continues to put back into the game at the Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club in Brisbane and the Bulls Masters program which does some magnificent work raising funds and developing cricket in QLD.

We trust you will enjoy our chat with Luke Feldman and that his three selections to join him for a net will generate some healthy banter from our listeners.

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 that inspire a love of cricket.

70s Pop Singer Marty Rhone’s Links To Cricket

Posted on July 28, 2022 by thecricketlibrary

Known for his hit singles Mean Pair of Jeans and Denim and Lace, 70s pop sensation Marty Rhone also has a deep love of cricket.

On the Cricket Library Podcast, he revealed that his grandfather was a handy off-spinner who once knocked over the great DG Bradman for a duck.

@thecricketlibrary
70s Pop Star Marty Rhone talks about his connection to the game of cricket. #Cricket #podcast #MartyRhone #popsingersoftiktok
♬ original sound – The Cricket Library – The Cricket Library

The well-known Australian Actor and Singer has shared the stage and screen with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

In 2019, Marty added another chapter to his illustrious career as an Actor and Singer when he released the highly popular single We had a good thing going.

What would you do if the Australian Cricket Captain asked you for a favour?

Posted on July 27, 2022 by thecricketlibrary

@mattellis33
Happy birthday Allan Robert Border. Thanks for letting me carry your bags to the cricket team bus. #cricketlegend #attitude #service #selfhelp #cricket #improvement
♬ original sound – MJ Ellis

It is Wednesday 5 January 1994 and one of the more memorable SCG Test Matches is in the balance with Australia finishing day four at 4-63 with Allan Border at the crease with Mark Waugh with Fanie De Villiers on a roll having dismissed Slater, Boon, nightwatchman Tim May and opener Mark Taylor in an inspired spell late in the day.

High quality Test Match cricket was unfolding before our eyes in a low scoring game that could still go either way with Australia chasing the target of 117. Things were tense, AB was coming to the close of his career, and in fact this is the last time I would see him bat live. He had made 49 in the first innings before he was out caught behind off the bowling of De Villiers.

These facts all fade into the background for me however, with the highlight of the test match coming for me after stumps on day four when my brother and I were milling around out the back of the Member’s Stand chasing autographs. Top of our list was the skipper who we were hoping to catch before he pulled stumps on his career.

We waited quite some time before we spotted AB trying to make his way discreetly out of the ground on his way to the team bus. There was no time to lose and we did not want to miss out, so I raced up to the great man with a poster in hand ready to ask the question.

Trying my best, I asked the question as politely as I could. AB stopped, looked at my brother and dropped his bags on the ground letting us know that in order for us to have his autograph we would have to carry his bags to the bus.

As loyal members of the Duncan Fearnley Junior Cricket Club, it was certainly a privilege to have this honour bestowed upon us. It is not every day that the Australian captain asks you for a favour and we made sure we did not let him down.

Once the bags were securely stowed under the bus, AB having signed plenty of autographs for the others on a similar quest to ours, we had accomplished our mission and secured what we considered the pièce de résistance.

Unfortunately, Australia did not get the job done the following day with South Africa claiming a remarkable 5 run victory as Australia collapsed to be all out for 111. AR Border was bowled by Allan Donald without adding to his overnight score and Fanie De Villiers the hero for the visitors finishing with 6-43 off 23.3 overs.

Border’s men bounced back in Adelaide before the skipper led the team for three more Test Matches in South Africa before retiring with an incredible 11 174 runs to his name at 50.56. Phenomenal numbers for the man who took over the captaincy from Kim Hughes in what was a tough period for Australian cricket.

When people ask me my favourite memories of Allan Robert Border, I think of him winning the World Cup in 87, bringing home the Ashes in 1989, lifting the World Series Cup on multiple occasions, his mental toughness, brilliance in the field and his more than handy work with the ball. Alongside all of his obvious on field attributes, the day I carried his bags to the bus in exchange for an autograph is certainly up there with one of the best.

What is your favourite memory of the great AR Border?

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

Hitting The Mercantile Mutual Cup Sign – Graham Manou Reflects

Posted on July 10, 2022 by thecricketlibrary

Graham Manou was a popular guest on the cricket library podcast with listeners enjoying his reflections on hitting the prestigious Mercantile Mutual Cup sign on two separate occasions.

In this clip, Graham shares his memories of hitting the sign for the first time against Western Australia at the Adelaide Oval.

@thecricketlibrary
Graham Manou reflects on hitting the prestigious Mercantile Mutual Cup Sign. #MercantileMutualCup #Cricket #crickettiktok #cricketpodcast #BBL #IPL
♬ original sound – The Cricket Library – The Cricket Library

Have a listen to the full chat where you can also hear about the second time he hit the sign whilst also learning of where his passion for the game began, making his 1st Class debut in Zimbabwe, captaining his state & what it was like to bat with test match double centurion Jason Gillespie. Graham also sheds some insights on family life and his transition out of the game.

Needless to say, he will select three people he would most like to have a net with and his selections are sure to appeal to the cricket nuffy in all of us.

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 Graham Manou.

100 Days to go until the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Posted on July 8, 2022 by thecricketlibrary

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A post shared by ICC T20 World Cup (@t20worldcup)

The Men’s T20 World Cup is now just100 days away and as the excitement builds, you can join together with other passionate cricket people in SQUAD communities on Facebook.

Cricket is known for being a sport that brings people together, and by joining a SQUAD, you will be connected with passionate cricket fans like yourself to ride the highs and lows as the Men’s ICC T20 World Cup draws closer.

@thecricketlibrary
The Men’s ICC T20 World Cup is less than 150 days away & as the excitement builds,you can join a SQUAD on Facebook as Aaron Wharton explains #Crictok
♬ original sound – The Cricket Library – The Cricket Library

Aaron Wharton, the Community Engagement Lead for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup spoke with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library Podcast explaining what to expect when you join a SQUAD and how you can start contributing to the discussion by joining today.