Katie Mack’s Blazing Batting Earns Her a Spot in the WBBL Team of the Tournament!

Posted on November 27, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

Katie Mack of the Strikers bats during the Women’s Big Bash League WBBL match between the Brisbane Heat and the Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval, on November 07, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Izhar Khan/NurPhoto)

In a dazzling display of skill and consistency, Katie Mack has rightfully earned her place in the WBBL Team of the Tournament, a selection made by the astute coaches of the WBBL. Mack’s stellar performance throughout the season has been nothing short of remarkable, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.

Having played in 14 matches, Mack’s bat spoke volumes as she amassed an impressive total of 449 runs. Her batting prowess was characterised by a strikingly high strike rate of 119.73, indicative of her ability to accumulate runs and do so at an increased pace than previous campaigns. Boasting three half-centuries in the tournament, Mack’s highest score of 86 underscored her capacity to dominate at the crease proving to be a key cog in a Strikers team looking to go back to back.

A consistent performer over the years, Mack set the tone for the final-bound Strikers during WBBL|09, forming a formidable opening partnership with Laura Wolvaardt. This dynamic duo carried on the momentum from the previous season’s title-winning formula, proving to be a force to be reckoned with.

2KC3FGF Katie Mack (L) and Laura Wolvaardt (R) of the Strikers talks between over change during the Women’s Big Bash League WBBL match between the Brisbane Heat and the Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval, on November 07, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Izhar Khan/NurPhoto)

What sets Mack’s performance apart this season is her noticeable improvement in strike rate. Displaying a more aggressive approach during the Powerplay, she adapted her game to become an even more formidable presence on the pitch. Her ability to balance aggression with consistency has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in her team’s success.

As we celebrate Katie Mack’s inclusion in the WBBL Team of the Tournament, we applaud her for not only her individual brilliance but also for being a vital cog in the Strikers’ impressive campaign. Her blazing batting has not only earned her personal accolades but has also contributed significantly to her team’s journey towards glory.

Congratulations to Katie Mack for a phenomenal WBBL season, and may her cricketing journey continue to shine brightly on the horizon.

You can hear more about her cricketing journey in her chat with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library Podcast.

Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing – The Cricket Library

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with one of Australia’s most prolific cricket writers, Ken Piesse. With a career spanning decades, Ken has written more than 90 books on the game and served as editor of the legendary Cricketer magazine. His work has chronicled the stories of great players, historic matches, and the rich traditions that make cricket such a unique sport. In this conversation, Ken reflects on: His journey into cricket journalism and publishing Memorable encounters with cricket legends. The art of telling cricket stories through books. The enduring charm of grassroots and country cricket. His latest book celebrating the history and characters of Victorian country cricket. It’s a fascinating insight into the craft of cricket writing and the passion that keeps the stories of the game alive. If you love cricket history, books, and storytelling, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the people who shape the game. Head to https://cricketbooks.com.au/product-c… to find all of Ken's work and much more!

Two Metre Peter – The Story of Baggy Green 416 Peter George

Posted on November 9, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

PETER GEORGE AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA COUNTY GROUND DERBY ENGLAND 09 July 2010 – Allstar Picture Library Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

Peter George always had a dream of wearing the Baggy Green and this would become a reality for him as progressed through the ranks at the West Torrens cricket club and playing for South Australia at u-19 level.

He made an early impression with the ball on debut for South Australia in November 2008 claiming 4-56 against Tasmania including the wicket of current Australian captain Tim Paine. He had further success in the 2009/10 summer taking career best figures of 8-84 against Tasmania and finishing equal second on the wicket takers list for the season with 36 wickets at 30.44.

This lead to him being on standby for Ryan Harris with the Australian team in New Zealand, representing Australia A against Sri Lanka and touring England for the Test series against Pakistan in 2010.

Peter would eventually get his opportunity to put on the Baggy Green in Bangalore and joining an elite club of bowlers who have dismissed Sachin Tendulkar in their first Test Match.

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, we ask Peter about where his passion for cricket began, his journey to the Baggy Green, losing his contract at South Australia and moving to Queensland without a contract.

Peter shares about his current pursuits inventing the My Call No Ball Technology that you can also find more about by visiting his website www.mycallnoball.com

The episode would not be complete without us asking about his dream net session and we have a former Australian Prime Minister and an actor make their way onto his list as well as someone who has a set of nets named in their honour.

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 Peter George.

Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing – The Cricket Library

Golden Arm – The Daniel Sams Story

Posted on October 27, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

2MC3TJB 21st January 2023; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, NSW, Australia: Big Bash T20 League Cricket, Sydney Sixers versus Sydney Thunder; Daniel Sams of Sydney Thunder bowls to Steve Smith of Sydney Sixers Credit: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News

Daniel Sams had a summer to remember taking a record 30 wickets for the Sydney Thunder in BBL09.

In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast we will hear about where his cricket journey began, how he broke into 1st Class Cricket, what it meant to wear the Baggy Blue, playing in Canada and his love of the Sydney Thunder.

Dan shares some valuable insights into the mental side of the game and how this helped him take his performances to the next level.

Of course we will find out who the three selections are for who he would most like to join him in the nets as well as clearing up any confusion there may be surrounding his middle name.

Since speaking with Dan, we were very pleased to hear of his inclusion in the Australian touring party for the upcoming series in the UK.

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 Daniel Sams.

Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing – The Cricket Library

Spin to Win: A Chat with Kristen Beams

Posted on October 24, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

Australia Women’s Kristen Beams appeals for the wicket of Pakistan Women’s Sana Mir
PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Kristen Beams was one of the first female cricketers to take the plunge and move states to pursue her dream of playing at the highest level. She would go on to represent Australia with distinction as a leg spinner across all three formats of the game.

We will hear how Kristen found a home at the Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies Cricket Club experiencing some of her fondest cricket memories including breaking a premiership winning drought at the club.

Kristen reflects on her time playing for Victoria, winning three consecutive T20 titles taking 6-20 including a hat trick as well as breaking into the Australian team.

She shares the significance behind her choice of the number 14 shirt for Australia, her memories of playing a Test Match as well as giving us insights into the 2017 World Cup.

We ask Kristen about captaining the Melbourne Stars, commentating on ABC Grandstand and the Australian team winning the 2020 World Cup in front of over 86000 fans at the MCG.

Needless to say we will also find out which three people Kristen would most like to join her in the nets. Without giving too much away, we can reveal a Tasmanian icon rates a mention.

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 Kristen Beams.

Career Statistics

Competition	WTest	WODI	WT20I	WBBL
Matches	1	30	18	45
Runs scored	26	34	6	14
Batting average	–	6.80	6.00	7.00
100s/50s	0/0	0/0	0/0	0/0
Top score	26*	11*	4*	14
Balls bowled	66	1,490	378	891
Wickets	0	42	20	37
Bowling average	–	22.45	16.60	24.08
5 wickets in innings	0	0	0	0
10 wickets in match	0	–	–	–
Best bowling	–	4/15	3/11	4/11
Catches/stumpings	0/–	10/–	4/–	13/

Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing – The Cricket Library

Leah Poulton – Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast

Posted on October 17, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

Cricket – ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Cup 2009 – Semi Final – England v Australia – The Brit Oval. Leah Poulton, Australia PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Leah Poulton represented Australia in 2 Tests, 48 ODIs and 40 T20Is as well playing over 100 games for NSW.

She was a high quality top order batter who had a reputation for scoring runs quickly which was confirmed when she became the first female to score a century in Women’s domestic T20 cricket for NSW.

In her distinguished career, Leah was a part of two successful ICC World T20 Campaigns for Australia top scoring in the 2010 decider.

Leah is a four time winner of the Belinda Clark medal which is awarded to the premier female cricketer in NSW.

In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, we will hear from Leah about where her love for the game originated, some key influences on her career, some memorable moments, what she is up to now as well as finding out which three people Leah would most like to have a net with.

She also shares with us a very interesting story about how she found out that she had been selected to represent her country for the first time.

We trust you will thoroughly enjoy our chat with Leah Poulton.

Leah Poulton Career Stats

Competition	WTest	WODI	WT20I	WLA
Matches	2	48	40	171
Runs scored	45	1,033	784	4,376
Batting average	15.00	25.19	20.63	29.17
100s/50s	0/0	2/4	0/0	3/28
Top score	23	104*	61	109
Balls bowled	24	144	18	660
Wickets	0	3	2	11
Bowling average	–	32.66	10.00	40.45
5 wickets in innings	0	0	0	0
10 wickets in match	0	0	0	0
Best bowling	0/15	2/9	2/20	3/10
Catches/stumpings	1/–	12/–	7/–	35/–

Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing – The Cricket Library

Michael Klinger – Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast

Posted on September 12, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Klinger Career Stats

Competition	T20I	FC	LA	T20
Matches	3	182	177	206
Runs scored	143	11,320	7,449	5,960
Batting average	47.66	39.30	49.33	34.45
100s/50s	0/1	30/49	18/44	8/33
Top score	62	255	166*	126*
Catches/stumpings	2/–	178/–	72/–	83/–

Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing – The Cricket Library

Johan Botha – Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast

Posted on August 29, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

South Africa’s Johan Botha celebrates the wicket of England’s Ian Bell during the Third One Day International at The Brit Oval, London. PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Johan Botha is a cricketing journeyman who came through the ranks in South Africa representing his country in 5 Tests, 78 ODIs and 40 T20 Internationals.

The short format specialist, has plied his craft in franchise cricket around the world with stints in the IPL, BBL and CPL.

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast we will learn of where his passion for the game began, playing for South Africa in the u-19s World Cup, breaking into the South African ODI & Test teams, overcoming setbacks to return to the team and lead South Africa to a ODI Series win in Australia in 2009.

Johan also shares about his passion for long distance running and gives us an exclusive scoop into something he is training for at the moment.

Needless to say, he will select three people he would most like to have a net with and his selections are an interesting mix.

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 Johan Botha.

Johan Botha Career Stats

Competition	Test	ODI	T20I	FC
Matches	5	78	40	90
Runs scored	83	609	201	4,015
Batting average	20.75	19.03	18.27	31.61
100s/50s	0/0	0/0	0/0	1/27
Top score	25	46	34	109
Balls bowled	1,017	3,823	774	14,656
Wickets	17	72	37	220
Bowling average	33.70	40.50	22.24	32.28
5 wickets in innings	0	0	0	7
10 wickets in match	0	0	0	1
Best bowling	4/56	4/19	3/16	6/34
Catches/stumpings	3/–	36/–	17/–	63/–

Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing – The Cricket Library

Jimmy Adams – Grateful

Posted on August 9, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

JIMMY ADAMS WEST INDIES 26 June 1995 – Allstar Picture Library Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

Join us for the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast as Matt Ellis sits down with former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams.

Jimmy shares about his love of the game growing up in rural Jamaica, what wearing the maroon West Indies cap meant to him, the keys to his success with the bat on the sub-continent, scoring a test match double ton against New Zealand, his match-winning marathon 48 not out against Pakistan, the memorable 1999 series against Australia and of course we find out who he would invite to his dream cricket net session.

Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

JC Adams Career Statistics

Competition	Test	ODI	FC	LA
Matches	54	127	202	228
Runs scored	3,012	2,204	11,234	5,319
Batting average	41.26	28.62	39.69	34.53
100s/50s	6/14	0/14	25/54	1/34
Top score	208*	82	208*	112
Balls bowled	2,853	1,856	9,789	3,532
Wickets	27	43	103	83
Bowling avg.	49.48	34.86	40.39	32.89
5wi	1	1	1	1
10wm	0	0	0	0
Best bowling	5/17	5/37	5/17	5/37
Catches/stump.	48/0	68/5	177/0	117/7

Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing – The Cricket Library

Daryl Tuffey – Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast

Posted on August 1, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

New Zealand’s Daryl Tuffey leaps off the ground as he celebrates taking the wicket of England’s Mark Butcher who was caught by Mark Richardson for a duck during the third day of the third and final test match at Basin Reserve, Auckland. PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Daryl Tuffey represented New Zealand across all three formats claiming 77 Test wickets and 110 ODI wickets for his country. He played 91 First Class matches claiming 288 wickets with the remarkable best figures of 7-12.

In our chat we discuss his progression from First Class Cricket into the International arena, the three World Cup campaigns he was involved in, the leadership of Stephen Fleming as well as the first T20 International between NZ and Australia.

We also get to hear about life after professional cricket working with Moa Beer and starting an apprenticeship.

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 Daryl Tuffey.

Daryl Tuffey Career Stats

Competition	Test	ODI	FC	LA
Matches	26	94	91	220
Runs scored	427	295	1,438	868
Batting average	16.42	9.51	17.11	12.57
100s/50s	0/1	0/0	0/6	0/0
Top score	80*	36	89*	38*
Balls bowled	4,877	4,333	16,607	10,490
Wickets	77	110	288	265
Bowling average	31.75	32.12	26.78	31.21
5 wickets in innings	2	0	10	2
10 wickets in match	0	0	1	0
Best bowling	6/54	4/24	7/12	5/21
Catches/stumpings	15/–	20/–	41/–	52/–

Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing – The Cricket Library

Richard McInnes – All The Good Stuff Happens On The Other Side Of Fear

Posted on July 25, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

Join us for the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast as Matt Ellis sits down with Richard McInnes. He shares his remarkable story, from growing up in country Queensland to working with some of Australia’s best male and female cricketers.

Richard gives insights into his time working with John Buchanan and the Australian men’s cricket team, coaching in Bangladesh and as coach of the Australian Women’s cricket team.

He shares how his coaching philosophy evolved over time and his desire to create environments where his players could get the best out of themselves.

Of course we ask Richard to give us the names of who is on his list to invite for a dream cricket net session.

Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.