Double the celebrations for Bradman on his sixth wedding anniversary

Posted on April 30, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green – The Cricket Library

Anupam Sharma sits down with MJ Ellis & shares the origins of his deep love for cricket, reflecting on how the game shaped his early life and continues to inspire his storytelling. We hear how his journey into the film industry began, including a remarkable encounter with Bollywood icon Feroz Khan — a moment that changed the trajectory of his creative life. With a unique perspective on the intersection of sport and cinema, Anupam reflects on his experiences working with cricketing legends like Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar, revealing the humanity behind the heroes. He also shares insights into his latest milestone: the release of his powerful documentary, Brand Bollywood: Down Under, now streaming on Netflix — a film that explores the influence of Bollywood in Australia and the stories that shape our cultural landscape. This episode is a rich celebration of cricket, culture, and the stories that bind us.

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

Posted on April 18, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

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

Clint McKay

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

Rashid Khan

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

Kieron Pollard

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

Mike Hussey

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

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

Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green – The Cricket Library

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

Posted on April 17, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

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

Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green – The Cricket Library

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

Posted on April 17, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

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

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

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

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

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

Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green – The Cricket Library

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

Posted on April 15, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

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

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

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

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

+ Win the respect of your players

+ Maintain your own playing standard

+ Always stay 2 overs ahead of the game

+ If you see opportunity go for the jugular

+ Be decisive

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

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

+ Carry the attack to the opposition

+ Play hard but fair

+ Look for wins and learn from any defeat

+ The captain must be the only man in charge

+ Ensure the game flourishes for the next generation

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

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

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

Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green – The Cricket Library

No Excuses: Michelle Goszko’s Winning Mindset and the Power of Rediscovering Her Love of Cricket

Posted on April 14, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

When it comes to sports, mindset is everything. And for Australian cricketer Michelle Goszko, adopting a winning mindset meant rediscovering her love of cricket and refusing to make excuses.

Goszko’s journey to becoming a successful cricketer was not without its challenges. At one point, she found herself burnt out and questioning her passion for the game. But with the support of her family, particularly her mother, Goszko decided to change her attitude and approach to cricket.

One of the key lessons that Goszko learned was to take responsibility for her own performance. Instead of blaming external factors, she focused on what she could control, such as her own mindset and preparation.

Another important aspect of Goszko’s mindset was her ability to embrace opportunities. She recognized that every match and every practice was a chance to improve and learn, and she seized those opportunities with enthusiasm and determination.

Perhaps most importantly, however, Goszko learned to rediscover her love of cricket. By taking the pressure off herself and simply enjoying the game, she found that she played better and was more successful on the field.

Goszko’s journey is a powerful reminder that mindset and attitude are crucial elements of success in sports (and in life). By adopting a winning mindset and rediscovering her love of cricket, she was able to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and achieve her goals.

So if you’re feeling burnt out or struggling to find motivation in your own pursuits, take a page from Michelle Goszko’s playbook. Focus on what you can control, embrace opportunities, and, most importantly, rediscover the joy and passion that brought you to your pursuits in the first place. With the right mindset, anything is possible.

Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green – The Cricket Library

Jack Russell, Sachin Tendulkar, and Adam Gilchrist: The Ultimate Trio for Tim Ludeman’s Dream Net Session

Posted on April 13, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

@mattellis33
Tim Ludeman selects the three people he would most like to have a net with as part of an interview that went to top spot on the Apple cricket podcast charts in India. #TimLudeman #podcast #cricket #ipl #cricketpodcast
♬ original sound – MJ Ellis

Cricket is a sport that requires skill, patience, and determination. It’s not just about hitting the ball and scoring runs; there are several facets to the game that require a lot of practice and honing of skills. Let’s take a closer look at the three players Tim Ludeman selected and what makes them stand out.

Jack Russell – The Artist

Jack Russell is a former English wicketkeeper who played for his country between 1988 and 1998. He was known for his exceptional wicketkeeping skills and his ability to bat lower down the order. But what makes Jack Russell unique is his talent as an artist. He is an accomplished painter who has held several exhibitions of his work. Jack’s attention to detail and artistic flair could be a valuable asset in a net session, where he could provide insights on a batsman’s technique and suggest improvements based on his observations.

Sachin Tendulkar – The Master Blaster

Sachin Tendulkar is a name that needs no introduction. He is one of the greatest cricketers of all time, with a career spanning over two decades. Sachin was known for his impeccable technique and his ability to score runs in all conditions. But what sets Sachin apart is his passion for the game. He is a true student of the game and has an excellent understanding of the nuances of batting. His experience and knowledge could prove invaluable to anyone looking to improve their game.

Adam Gilchrist – The Game Changer

Adam Gilchrist is a former Australian wicketkeeper who revolutionised the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman in cricket. He was known for his explosive batting and his ability to change the course of a game in a matter of overs. But what makes Adam special is his positive attitude and his leadership skills. He was a key member of the Australian team that dominated world cricket for over a decade. His presence in a net session would be simply inspirational.

Whether it’s Jack’s attention to detail, Sachin’s knowledge of the game, or Adam’s positivity and leadership skills, there is something to be learned from each of these players. A net session with these three legends would be a dream come true for many of our listeners, not just Tim Ludeman.

Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green – The Cricket Library

Inside the mind of a cricket legend: Greg Chappell on the pivotal moment that changed everything.

Posted on April 12, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

@mattellis33
Greg Chappell speaks about the revelation he had that proved to be the turning point of his cricket career. #gregchappell #cricket #battingtips #cricketpodcast #cricketcoach #mindset
♬ original sound – MJ Ellis

Cricket legend Greg Chappell takes us on a journey through his illustrious career, reflecting on the highs and lows that have shaped him into the iconic figure he is today. Chappell has been one of the most respected and accomplished cricketers of his generation, with numerous accolades and achievements to his name. But, like all great sportsmen, his path to success was not always smooth sailing. In this insightful interview, Chappell shares the story of the pivotal moment that defined his career, discussing the challenges he faced and the mindset he adopted to overcome them. Get ready to be inspired by the remarkable story of a true cricket legend.

Molly Strano’s Gold Medal Net Session: Find out who made the list!

Posted on April 11, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

Ariarne Titmus of Australia poses with her 400-meter freestyle gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics on July 26, 2021, at Tokyo Aquatics Centre. (Kyodo)==Kyodo Photo via Newscom

Over the years, we have asked our guests on the Cricket Library Podcast to share their dream net session with us. This question has produced some fascinating insights into the personalities behind those we have asked. Molly Strano is personality personified and her net session selections would make for a cracking session. Let’s find out who is invited!

Magda Szubanski (Sharon Strzelecki)

Magda Szubanski is an Australian actress, comedian, and author, best known for her roles in television shows and films such as “Kath & Kim” and “Babe.” She was born in Liverpool, England, in 1961, but her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, when she was a child.

Szubanski began her career as a writer and performer on sketch comedy shows, including “The D-Generation” and “Fast Forward.” She gained national fame for her portrayal of the character Sharon Strzelecki on the hit Australian sitcom “Kath & Kim,” which ran from 2002 to 2007.

Sharon Strzelecki is a fictional character portrayed by Australian actress Magda Szubanski in the hit Australian television series “Kath & Kim.” The character first appeared in the show’s pilot episode in 2002 and quickly became a fan favourite.

One could only imagine the fun that would be had at a net session attended by Szubanski, a magnificent selection from Strano.

Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman is a former American professional basketball player and a well-known personality in pop culture. He was born on May 13, 1961, in Trenton, New Jersey. Rodman played for various teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA), including the Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers, where he won five NBA championships. Rodman was a skilled rebounder and defender, earning him the nickname “The Worm” for his tenacious style of play.

In addition to his basketball career, Rodman also had a brief foray into professional wrestling. In 1997, he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and became a member of the New World Order (nWo) wrestling stable. He even had a match at the WCW pay-per-view event “Bash at the Beach,” where he teamed up with Hulk Hogan and Scott Hall against Lex Luger, The Giant, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage.

Despite his success on the basketball court and in the wrestling ring, Rodman has also faced personal challenges and controversies throughout his life. However, he remains a unique and iconic figure in both sports and pop culture and is a welcome addition to the Strano net session.

Ariana Titmus & Dean Boxall

Dean Boxall is an Australian swim coach who has trained several elite swimmers, including Ariana Titmus. He was born in Australia and began coaching swimming in the early 2000s. Boxall gained international recognition for his coaching when Titmus won two gold medals at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships.

Ariana Titmus, also known as “The Terminator,” is an Australian Olympic swimmer who specializes in freestyle events. She was born in Tasmania in 2000 and began swimming competitively at a young age. Under Boxall’s coaching, Titmus has become one of the world’s top swimmers. She won her first Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 400m freestyle, beating her rival Katie Ledecky in a thrilling race.

Titmus has broken several world records and won numerous medals at international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the World Aquatics Championships. She is considered one of Australia’s brightest swimming prospects and a potential star of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green – The Cricket Library

Super Giants kick off IPL season in style with Wood’s devastating spell against Capitals

Posted on April 2, 2023 by thecricketlibrary

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A post shared by Lucknow Super Giants (@lucknowsupergiants)

The Lucknow Super Giants got off to a perfect start in their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign, defeating the Dehli Capitals in a convincing manner at the Ekana International Cricket stadium in Lucknow. After posting a mammoth total of 193 runs on the board, the Super Giants bowlers, led by Mark Wood, put up an incredible show to restrict the Capitals to a paltry 143, winning the game by 50 runs.

After the Dehli Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl first, Meyers smashed the Capitals’ bowlers to all parts of the ground. His innings comprised of 6 sixes and 5 fours in his knock of 73 runs off just 38 balls. He received good support from Nicholas Pooran, who scored a quickfire 36 off 21 balls. The Supergiants ended their innings at a commanding total of 193 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.

The Capitals started their chase positively, with their captain David Warner leading the charge. Warner showed his class and experience, smashing 56 runs off 48 balls. However, the Capitals lost wickets at regular intervals, and no other batsman could contribute significantly, other than RIley Rossouw who made an impressive 30 from 20.

It was then that Mark Wood came to the fore with an inspired spell of fast bowling. Wood’s spell was mesmerising, as he bowled with great pace, accuracy, and control. He picked up wickets at regular intervals, and the Capitals had no answer to his skill and guile. Wood ended the match with the remarkable figures of 5 wickets for just 14 runs.

In the end, it was a comprehensive victory for the Lucknow Super Giants, who looked like a well-oiled machine in all departments of the game. Their batting was explosive, their bowling was deadly, and their fielding was excellent.

Overall, it was a thrilling game of cricket in front of a delighted crowd in Lucknow. The fans were treated to a beautiful display of batting, bowling, and fielding, and they went home happy and satisfied with the result. The IPL season has just begun, and if this game is anything to go by, we can expect a lot more excitement and drama in the coming weeks.