Australia’s Rene Farrell celebrates taking the wicket of England’s Heather Knight for 4 during the second Twenty20 match of the Women’s Ashes series at the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground, Brighton.PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Rene Farrell forged a successful career for Australia across all three formats of the game.
In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast we get to hear more of the Rene Farrell story which started when her mum told her and her brother they could either play tennis or cricket.
She would go on to have success playing for the highly successful NSW Breakers, WA, Sydney Thunder and Australia where she represented in all three formats.
We hear about winning WNCL titles, taking wickets on debut, batting in super overs, playing in a home World Cup, winning the World T20 title, reclaiming the Ashes in England, scoring a couple of hundreds for Nottinghamshire and of course the famous Ashes Hat Trick!
Rene who has experienced a net with Australian television presenter Karl Stefanovic, gives considerable thought to her three net session selections and her choices will not disappoint.
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 Rene Farrell.
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/
In 2021, the Cricket Library Podcast reached audiences in over 50 different countries around the globe. Australian listeners make up the majority of listeners with strong followings in the United Kingdom, United States and cricket mad India.
Throughout the year our guests have shared their stories and started conversations that inspire a love of cricket. We have had some wonderful reviews on Apple Podcasts, with the following podcasts our ten most listened to episodes in 2021.
1.GREG CHAPPELL
Gregory Stephen Chappell is one of the greats of Australian cricket with his playing record speaking for itself. He has also made a significant impact off the field since calling stumps on his playing career.
In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, we hear from Greg about the origins of his passion for the game, breaking into First Class cricket & the crucial batting tip he received from Sir Donald Bradman.
Greg also shares about his epiphany moment sitting in his motel room reflecting on a letter from his father whilst playing against a World XI in Tasmania. His realisation lead to a shift in mindset that was followed by a run of big scores for Australia.
We take a closer look at his 247 not out against NZ in 1974 where he and brother Ian both made centuries in each innings of the game.
There are some wonderful insights regarding balancing playing cricket with a young family and holding down a job.
Greg also shares about his time coaching in India and the key learning he took away from that experience.
Finally we hear about the important fundraising work that the Chappell Foundation is doing to provide a better future for thousands of young Australians without a roof over their head each night.
Gregory Stephen Chappell is a legend of Australian cricket and we were very thankful to have him as a guest on our cricket podcast in 2021.
We would encourage you to support the great work that is done through the Chappell Foundation.
2. ALISTER MCDERMOTT
Alister McDermott grew up on the Gold Coast of Queensland enjoying a range of sports with cricket just one of his passions.
While he was still at school he secured a contract with Queensland, initially making his debut in T20 cricket before making his way into the One Day team and First Class side where he would make his debut against the West Indies.
An Australian u-19 representative, McDermott was part of a winning World Cup team playing under the captaincy of Mitch Marsh in a side including the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa.
Alister had success at senior level also playing in the Brisbane Heat’s BBL02 Championship winning team, claiming a One Day Domestic title for Queensland and an influential 6 wicket haul in a Sheffield Shield winning team, including the big wicket of Ricky Ponting.
Along with the successes he enjoyed, Alister has had to overcome set backs, including being left off the Queensland contracted players list, working his way back into the squad before experiencing a career ending injury.
Maitlan Brown is just about to turn 24 and is one of the most exciting young talents in the game. She has made an impact with the ball, demonstrated athleticism in the field and contributed valuable runs with the willow.
In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast we will hear more about where Maitlan’s love of the game started, her time in the NSW junior pathway, moving to Canberra, playing for the Renegades, touring India, her call up to the Australian squad, injury rehab as well as her return to NSW this summer. We also learn about some of her off field creative pursuits as an award-winning industrial design student.
Needless to say we ask Maitlan who she would most like to have a net with. Her selections combine a mix of cricket, comedy and musical genius. In fact one of her selections provided entertainment at a Cricket Australia Awards night.
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.
4. MADDIE PENNA
Maddie Penna is a talented young all rounder making the most of her opportunities with the Abode Hotels ACT Meteors in the WNCL and in the WBBL with the Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Strikers.
In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast we hear more of her story from her first memories of playing cricket, winning a premiership at Bankstown, captaining the CA XI at the u-18 Nationals, her WBBL call up and maiden WNCL hundred.
Maddie shares the challenges of dealing with injuries and juggling study alongside her cricket commitments. We also hear some of her aspirations for the future both on and off the field.
5. PAUL ADAMS
Iconic South African spinner Paul Adams is our first guest in the new season of the Cricket Library Podcast.
Paul shares his story of his meteoric rise to the South African test team as a teenager, playing in the 1996 World Cup, dealing with being in and out of the team as well as reflecting on some of his career highlights.
We wrap up our chat by asking Paul which three people he would most like to the nets with another spinner getting an invite alongside a wrapper and a famous political leader.
6. LUKE FELDMAN
Luke Feldman did not take the traditional pathway to First Class Cricket and forged 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 back yard 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.
7. MOLLY STRANO
Molly Strano is one of the new additions to the Tasmanian & Hurricanes WBBL squads this summer. The most prolific wicket taker in the history of the WBBL is no doubt a key acquisition on the Apple Isle.
In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast we learn more about the origins of her passion for cricket, winning a domestic T20 title for Victoria, taking 5-10 for her country and dancing on stage with Katy Perry.
Molly also gives some insights into her time in Tasmania so far and her aspirations for the summer ahead.
8. DAN MARSH
Dan Marsh grew up surrounded by cricket and it is no surprise he continues to have a passion for the game.
In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast we delve further into his early memories of the game, being the son of a Test cricketer, breaking into 1st class cricket, playing overseas and captaining Tasmania in their first Sheffield Shield Final win.
We also get some insights into Mark Taylor’s bowling and find out which three people Dan would invite to the nets. No doubt this will win high praise from the cricket nuffies who tune in with a strong cricket theme present in his selections.
9. NATHAN REARDON
Nathan Reardon was a valuable member of the Queensland Bulls team for a number of years and was a part of three Domestic One Day Title winning teams. He also had stints at the Melbourne Renegades, Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes in the KFC Big Bash League. At the peak of his powers, Nathan was selected to play T20 Cricket for Australia against South Africa.
In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, we hear where Nathan’s love of the game started, his move from country Queensland to Brisbane, scoring a ton against the West Indies as well as dismissing Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the same game.
This edition of the Cricket Library Podcast is all about the Ashes as we chat with author Martin Lenehan about his new book THE ASHES – 140 YEARS OF RIVALRY, RITUALS AND RESPECT.
Martin shares about his love of the game, his early Ashes memories and what the Ashes mean to so many Australians.
We ask him how he went about putting the book together and the challenging task of squeezing as many magic Ashes moments in as possible.
Martin shares some of his personal favourite moments from cricket’s greatest rivalry and gives us insights into some of his conversations with Ashes greats in putting the book together.
Finally we ask Martin to select three Ashes heroes that he would most like to join him in the 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 share stories that inspire a love of cricket.
THE ASHES 140 YEARS OF RIVALRY, RITUALS AND RESPECT is available at all good bookstores and online via the Cricket Australia Online Store.
We will be back with your favourite cricket podcast, returning better than ever in 2022!
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/
Tom Place has had a dice cricket debut to remember claiming 2 for 11 and peeling off an incredible 89 not out to see the Pomborneit Bulls claim victory over the touring Riding Mill Cricket Club on their virtual tour of Australia.
After winning the toss and batting Riding Mills first assignment was to ensure they batted their full allotment of ten overs having been bowled out in their previous two fixtures.
Things did not get off to an ideal start for the tourists at the virtual Pomborneit Recreation Reserve when Sam Darcy had Riding Mill opener Jonny Bennett trapped plumb in front for 6 in the opening over.
Scott Dickson and Steve Kent who was coming off runs in previous fixtures set about re-building the innings moved the score along to 54 before Kent edged one through to Dave Murphy behind the stumps off the bowling of Josh Place for 26. Dave Murphy again chimed in with a smart catch to remove Collins for 1 and giving Josh Place the very tidy figures of 2 for 7.
Dickson was building his innings nicely as Riding Mill skipper Liam James came and went for 0 out LBW to Pomborneit captain Grant Place bringing Ali Raza to the crease. Raza rotated the strike well giving Dickson the opportunity to bring up a well made half century off just 19 balls.
Riding Mill were on track for a big score at 4-124 with two overs to play, however, Tom Place was able to put the breaks on with a double breakthrough. Scott Dickson skied a short ball that took some catching from keeper Dave Murphy which saw him on his way for 83. Luke Reynolds then chimed in with a sharp catch to remove Raza for 6 with the game still well and truly in the balance.
Iain Longstaff and Joel Marks scored some valuable runs in the final over to take the total to a respectable 6 for 155.
The run chase got off to an explosive start with two towering sixes hit in the opening over as well as the departure of Dave Murphy who was clean bowled by Potts after getting off the mark with a 6.
Tom Place got into his work immediately taking a liking to Butcher dispatching him over the virtual rope first ball of the over and followed this with an exquisite boundary through the covers and then back to back sixes and another boundary before nudging a single to fine leg on the final ball of the over to retain the strike.
Steve Murphy was enjoying the view from the non-strikers end more than happy to ensure Place was facing the majority of deliveries. The partnership continued to build with Place going past 50 much to the delight of the virtual crowd and at 1-98 at the halfway mark, the hosts were thinking that dice cricket is a pretty easy game.
Riding Mill skipper Liam James had other ideas however, trapping Steve Murphy in front for 39 and finding himself on a hat trick after Easton Wood skied the next delivery into the safe hands of Iain Longstaff. Luke Reynolds negotiated the hat trick ball with he and Place deciding to see off the skipper and look to find runs elsewhere.
Unfortunately for Mick Collins, he copped the brunt of some more powerful striking from Tom Place who raced to 76 dispatching two boundaries early in the over and completing the damage with two consecutive towering sixes to conclude the over.
Steve Kent and Jonny Bennet were not able to reel them in, despite a huge shout for LBW when Place was on 88. Luke Reynolds brought up the victory with a well timed on drive to bring up the winning runs.
It was no surprise that Tom Place was awarded the official player of the match honours with his performance with both bat and ball.
Riding Mill now need to re group before heading to virtual Albury on the weekend to take on the Albury Cricket Club who are also making their highly anticipated dice cricket debuts.
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/
Daniel Sams has put his batting talents on show in a destructive display against the Melbourne Renegades.
The all rounder found himself elevated in the batting order to number 4 making the most of the opportunity plundering his way to 98 not out eclipsing his previous best BBL score of 65 against the Brisbane Heat.
The former BKT Golden Arm has certainly sent a statement to opposition teams and will be looking to continue contributing with both bat and ball in KFC BBL11.
A classy half century from Steve Kent, three wickets from Chris Jameson and some valuable runs from the Riding Mill tail have been overshadowed by a remarkable unbeaten 80 from just 24 balls in one of the most destructive dice cricket innings you will ever see from Pras Sivanathan.
After winning the toss and batting it looked like a masterstroke when the Riding Mill openers to the score to 19 off the opening over from Alex Jameson. The game was quickly turned on its head however, with Chris Jameson creating chances as well as claiming three wickets in an over that had everything.
The over started innocuously with Dickson working the ball on the onside for two. Dickson then played down the wrong line and was on his way bowled for 9. Very next ball, Riding Mill skipper Liam James was struck on the pads with a huge shout for LBW turned down. Next ball was an almost identical delivery with the umpire this time unable to find a reason why not to send James on his way back to the virtual pavilion for 0. Aly Hall strode to the wicket and he too was unable to contend with the bowling of Chris Jameson who had it on a string. First ball Hall survived a shout for LBW after shouldering arms to a ball that nipped back from outside off. The next delivery was a straight one that found the edge of Hall’s bat and into the gloves of Kissing Point keeper Kath Aubourg seeing him too on his way for a duck.
Opener Steve Kent who made 48 the last time the two teams met watched the calamity unfolding from the non strikers end and would need to make a similar contribution this time around to ensure Riding Mill were to make a respectable total.
Steady wickets were flowing with Nate D’Silva removing Iain Longstaff out to a straightforward catch by Bri Aubourg. Kent remained the beacon of hope dispatching 22 off Jake D’Silva’s over before Joel Marks was stumped by Kath Aubourg off the bowling of Bri Aubourg for 3.
Simon Aubourg and Matt Wylie then followed this up with two wickets each, including the big wicket of Steve Kent who departed for a classy 50 from 16 balls out caught behind off the bowling of Wylie. Mick Collins was out caught and bowled by Simon Aubourg for 18 while Butcher was bowled for a duck by Wylie and Gez Greenwood bowled by Aubourg for 4.
Riding Mill had capitulated to be 9-96 after 7 overs with tail enders Tony Potts and Brian Watson left to add some respectability to the total which they did in style with Watson peeling off 20 from 10 before being trapped LBW by Pras Sivanathan on the penultimate ball of the innings. Tony Potts got off the mark with a 6 and went on to make a valuable 26 not out from just 9 balls.
With only 135 on the board, the Riding Mill bowlers would have to bring their A Game. Brian Watson who is normally very reliable with the new dice did appear to look tired after his valuable cameo with the bat. Unfortunately Watson missed his lengths and was taken for 22 off his over with Pras Sivanathan taking full toll of anything loose dispatching three sixes.
Tony Potts managed to get a breakthrough with his first delivery with Gez Greenwood effecting a clever stumping sending Rohan Sivanathan on his way for 1. Dave Aubourg joined Pras Sivanathan at the crease and was looking good before he was out to a sharp caught and bowled chance by Mick Collins.
Meanwhile Pras Sivanathan raced to 50 and was looking like a man on a mission. Kissing Point skipper who was coming off a century in A Grade was also looking good at the crease before he was stumped by Gez Greenwood after charging down the wicket trying to launch Iain Longstaff into the virtual nature reserve.
Kath Aubourg was able to launch a few into the virtual nature reserve hitting her first three balls for 6 before Longstaff had the last laugh when she skied one to Aly Hall who took a comfortable catch.
The star of the show was Pras Sivanathan ensuring the victory target was reached in rapid time finishing 80 not out off just 24 balls with Simon Aubourg making a valuable 13 not out at the other end.
Pras Sivanathan was named the official player of the match with Riding Mill needing to regroup before they head to virtual Victoria to take on the Pomborneit Bulls who will be making their dice cricket debut on Thursday morning Australian time.
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/
Gurinder Sandhu has continued his reputation as the hat trick king becoming the first man to take a hat trick for the Sydney Thunder in the KFC Big Bash League.
Making the feat more remarkable, the achievement was not immediately aware of his achievement suggesting to broadcasters that he may have bowled a different delivery had he known the situation.
Another interesting feature of the hat trick is that none of the batters were dismissed for 0 as part of the hat trick.
It helped the Thunder continue on their winning ways and they remain the only team to dismiss.
In our first Venn diagram for 2022, we show just how many parallels can be drawn between our own Matt Fiction and the well respected Queen of all Media, OG Winfrey. No doubt there will be followers of Oprah that are also Matt Fiction fans and vice versa so we hope this brings you some inspiration for the year ahead!
In what has been a difficult time for fans of English cricket, some hope has been restored with Riding Mill claiming first blood on their dice cricket virtual tour of Australia.
Riding Mill are no strangers to Australia having completed a successful virtual tour in 2020 and with plenty of their experienced campaigners returning along with a mix of some fresh faces, hopes have been high for another successful voyage down under.
Conditions were perfect for the opening fixture with Riding Mill skipper Liam James having no hesitation in batting first after winning the toss.
Michael Steven took the new dice for Burrabadine with parallels being drawn to the Mitchell Starc dismissal of Rory Burns on the first ball of the Ashes when Dickson survived a huge shout for LBW on the first ball of the match. Dickson survived the shout but was bowled later in the over by Steven with commentators mixed in their opinions has to how much the ball swung. Some were suggesting Dickson just missed a half volley on leg stump while others were praising Steven for the late swing he was able to produce.
Gary Fisher had an immediate impact sending Bennett back to the pavilion after he skied one to Peter Ellis who was fielding at mid on. Fisher had a tidy finish to the over restricting the Riding Mill batters to just 10 runs from his over.
The third over saw a third wicket in the match with Jack Ellis picking up the key wicket of Riding Mill skipper Liam James who looked good on his way to 20 off just 7 deliveries. Ellis clipped the inside edge of James’ bat with the experienced Brockley moving smartly to his left to claim the catch.
Calamity then ensued with Luke Olsen targeted by Hall and Raza who dispatched him to all parts taking 27 from the over. Hall launched two massive sixes, one which was deposited into the virtual car park and the other landing on the roof of the library. Raza didn’t miss out either with a top edge flying over the rope behind the keeper.
Diamond was able to calm proceedings down and was unlucky not to pick up the wicket of Raza when he was struck on the pads on the final ball of the over. There was a huge appeal which fell on deaf ears and with no DRS available Raza remained at the crease with Hall continuing to build a partnership.
Brockley was back in the action once again the following over with his silky hands whipping the bails off to see Hall on his way back to the pavilion for a destructive 35 from 11. Peter Ellis lured him down the track spinning one past the edge to claim the important wicket.
Joel Marks took an early liking to Tabbernor dispatching a six off his first delivery and following it up with a boundary. Tabbernor had the last laugh however, sneaking one between bat and pad to remove Marks for 13 off 4.
Meanwhile Ali Raza was building his innings nicely and had formed a strong partnership with the experienced Steve Kent. Mackinlay was able to produce the breakthrough however, after Raza skied one to Gary Fisher who is as safe as they come under the high ball. Raza went for 38 from 16 with Longstaff joining Kent at the crease.
After lengthy discussions prior to the game, Burrabadine captain Matt Fiction made a tactical change deciding to bowl the penultimate over of the innings. Fiction is known for his death bowling but felt it was time to give other players the opportunity to bowl the crucial 10th over.
Fiction delivered the goods in the 9th removing Kent with a yorker that crashed into the base of off stump sending him on his way for 22 from 9. Fiction kept it tight finishing with the impressive figures of 1-7.
In a fairly uneventful final over, Riding Mill closed things out nicely taking 14 runs off Clifton to finish with an about par 7 for 155 from their 10 overs.
The run chase got off to an explosive start with Fiction and Clifton batting like men who were running late for an appointment. No bowler was safe in the first three overs with Burrabadine racing to 0-61 after three overs and well on top in the contest with Clifton on 23 off 7 and Fiction on 38 off 11 including 3 massive sixes.
Steve Kent was able to produce the breakthrough in the fourth over after some tidy work behind the stumps from Greenwood seeing Fiction stumped for 38. Joel Marks was then able to tighten the screws even further with Clifton also stumped by Greenwood for 30 and Tabbernor coming and going for 2 sent back to the pavilion bowled by a ball that kept a bit low.
A tight over from Aly Hall ensured that the pressure was building on the Burrabadine run chase and when Raza claimed two wickets with his first two balls, the hosts were in real trouble. Raza knocked over Peter Ellis for 13 with Brockley falling next ball to another delivery that appeared to keep low. At 5-99, despite having the experienced Mackinlay at the crease with Diamond, the task was now much tougher for Burrabadine.
Liam James chimed in removing Diamond with an absolute Jaffa, hitting the seam and jagging back to hit the top of off stump. Meanwhile, Mackinlay was being starved of the strike and eventually falling to a top edge that was well taken by Greenwood off the bowling of Bennett.
Jack Ellis survived an LBW appeal first ball to go on and finish 18 not out, with Dickson removing Olsen who was out to another neat stumping by Greenwood and then trapping Fisher in front for 4. Some lusty blows from Steven made the total more respectable but in the end Riding Mill were deserving winners by 14 runs.
It was no surprise that Ali Raza claimed the official Cricket Library Player of the match award after starring with both bat and ball.
The tour will continue on the weekend with all of England expected to be right behind Riding Mill as they look to continue on their winning ways when they take on the highly fancied Dubbo CYMS who defeated the visitors on their last trip down under.
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/
Matt Fiction is back with another instalment of the Fiction Files as he de briefs the 3rd Ashes Test between Australia and England from the MCG.
Matt Fiction’s next assignment will be captaining the Burrabadine XI in the opening clash of the Riding Mill dice cricket virtual tour of Australia on Thursday morning Australian Eastern Standard Time.
GD Campbell made his One Day International debut at the MCG on Boxing Day against Sri Lanka in 1989.
Also making their debut in the game were MA Taylor and Sanath Jayasuriya who would go on to have impressive international careers.
DM Jones top scored for Australia with an impressive 85 not out from 89 deliveries. While SP O’Donnell claimed man of the match honours after finishing 57 not out from 60 balls before chiming in with four valuable wickets with the ball.
Australia won the contest by 30 runs in what was the most recent time a Test Match was not played at the MCG on Boxing Day.
You can hear more of the Greg Campbell story in his chat with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library Podcast.
thecricketlibrary.com 