TJ Zoehrer had the distinction of representing Australia in 10 Test Matches and 22 One Day Internationals. He was an accomplished gloveman and respectable batsman who scored over 5000 First Class runs. Zoehrer’s leg spinners were also more than handy providing another string to his bow.

Readers of cricketing literature rejoiced in 1995, when Zoehrer put pen to paper and told all in a compelling account of his career in the hard hitting autobiography, The Gloves Are Off. To quote the front cover of the text, it was at that point in time “Cricket’s most explosive expose”.

Cricket librarians around the world stocked their shelves with this one, knowing that astute readers would want to know just what went on behind closed doors during Zoehrer’s tenure in the Baggy Green. There was also an appetite for insights of his final years playing for WA and the political climate at the WACA at the time.

Was their a feud with RB Simpson and if there was, what was at the source of the tension?

What really happened at the end of the tied Test Match in India?

How did he feel about the appointment of WA’s captain in 1994?

These questions and many more were finally put to bed in this compelling tell all autobiography. As well as this we get a deeper understanding of Zoehrer the man and his convictions.

For young book monitors and those making their way as librarians, it is strongly recommended that you acquaint yourself with the man affectionately known as ‘Ziggy’. Having an appreciation for his story will put you in good stead for your career and give a general boost to your social capital.

When it comes to reading this one, our librarians unanimously agree that making a trip to the WACA Ground in Perth is the best way to fully immerse yourself in the text.

Kepler Wessels Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast – The Cricket Library

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. 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.

1. Kepler Wessels Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast 34:42
2. Michelle Goszko – Special Guest On The Cricket Library Podcast 53:34
3. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Countdown – Aaron Wharton Interview 42:36
4. Cricket Library Weekly – Season Finale 36:21
5. Cricket Library Weekly – Australia Lift The World Cup & WA Lift The Shield 24:53