Category Archives: Book Reviews

Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey | Nikhil Kulkarni

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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.

Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner – The Cricket Library

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, former South Africa national cricket team spinner Paul Harris joins us for a fascinating conversation on life at the highest level of world cricket. From bowling to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and challenging players such as Phil Hughes, to facing the raw pace of Mitchell Johnson as a batter, Paul reflects on some of the defining battles of his career. He shares what it was like to be part of the South African side that achieved the rare feat of winning a Test series in Australia against Australia, and offers insight into playing under the leadership of Graeme Smith during one of South Africa’s strongest eras. We also hear stories from life on tour—including rooming with Dale Steyn—and explore his transition into life after professional cricket. This episode is packed with elite-level insight, unforgettable memories, and honest reflections from one of South Africa’s most respected Test cricketers. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more stories from the world of cricket.
  1. Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner
  2. Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage
  3. Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing
  4. Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey
  5. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket

KISSES TO THE CROWD

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As a special Valentine’s Day treat we are giving you a sneak peak at ‘Kisses to the Crowd’ taken from Chapter 4 of For The Love Of Cricket – Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game

If you like what you hear, you will enjoy reading the rest of the book which is available on Amazon Kindle.

There is no better way to demonstrate your love for that special someone this Valentine’s Day than a digital copy of the hottest new book going around.

Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner – The Cricket Library

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, former South Africa national cricket team spinner Paul Harris joins us for a fascinating conversation on life at the highest level of world cricket. From bowling to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and challenging players such as Phil Hughes, to facing the raw pace of Mitchell Johnson as a batter, Paul reflects on some of the defining battles of his career. He shares what it was like to be part of the South African side that achieved the rare feat of winning a Test series in Australia against Australia, and offers insight into playing under the leadership of Graeme Smith during one of South Africa’s strongest eras. We also hear stories from life on tour—including rooming with Dale Steyn—and explore his transition into life after professional cricket. This episode is packed with elite-level insight, unforgettable memories, and honest reflections from one of South Africa’s most respected Test cricketers. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more stories from the world of cricket.
  1. Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner
  2. Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage
  3. Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing
  4. Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey
  5. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket

23 Minutes That Had Me Hooked On Cricket For Life

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Have a listen to the prologue of the new book by MJ Ellis and M Fiction, For The Love Of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game

If you like what you hear, you can grab yourself a copy of the eBook by clicking here

Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner – The Cricket Library

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, former South Africa national cricket team spinner Paul Harris joins us for a fascinating conversation on life at the highest level of world cricket. From bowling to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and challenging players such as Phil Hughes, to facing the raw pace of Mitchell Johnson as a batter, Paul reflects on some of the defining battles of his career. He shares what it was like to be part of the South African side that achieved the rare feat of winning a Test series in Australia against Australia, and offers insight into playing under the leadership of Graeme Smith during one of South Africa’s strongest eras. We also hear stories from life on tour—including rooming with Dale Steyn—and explore his transition into life after professional cricket. This episode is packed with elite-level insight, unforgettable memories, and honest reflections from one of South Africa’s most respected Test cricketers. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more stories from the world of cricket.
  1. Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner
  2. Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage
  3. Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing
  4. Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey
  5. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket

The Best of Bevan

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MG Bevan was a prolific batsman who became known for his skills in finishing off an innings and providing handy variety with his left arm wrist spinners. His record in ODI cricket with the bat was outstanding scoring just under 7000 runs and averaging over 50. He churned out the runs with regular monotony in First Class and Domestic One Day cricket scoring 68 First Class hundreds and averaging over 57.

For students of the game, The best of Bevan provides a window into the processes behind the success of MG Bevan as he recalls a selection of 30 games that shaped his career. Contained is wisdom gleaned from playing all around the world and being presented with many challenges to overcome.

BevanProgram

The highlight for most readers would be his account of the famous last ball victory in the ODI played on January 1, 1996 at the SCG between Australia and the West Indies. This was a game where Bevan’s ability to execute his skills in a high pressure situation were on display for all to see.

BevanTicket

Students of domestic cricket will appreciate references to the Nat West Trophy Quarter Final between Yorkshire and Lancashire in 1995 as well as recounts of Sheffield Shield games and the Mercantile Mutual Cup Final played between NSW and WA at the WACA in 2001.

MGBevan

Another thing we love about The best of Bevan is the fact it is not your classic autobiography. It is a book that you could pick up and read any chapter in any order at any time. It confronts the challenges as well as the highlights of MG Bevan’s career and provides helpful insights on the art of batting.

For those looking to include reading into your busy schedule, The best of Bevan is one to add to your reading list for 2019.

The Gloves Are Off

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#Booktok Book Review of Tim Zoehrer ‘The Gloves Are Off’ #Crictok #cricketbook #bookreview #cricketlife #cricketlover #wicketkeeping

♬ original sound – MJ Ellis

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.

Immerse yourself in the text by reading it at the WACA.

Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner – The Cricket Library

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, former South Africa national cricket team spinner Paul Harris joins us for a fascinating conversation on life at the highest level of world cricket. From bowling to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and challenging players such as Phil Hughes, to facing the raw pace of Mitchell Johnson as a batter, Paul reflects on some of the defining battles of his career. He shares what it was like to be part of the South African side that achieved the rare feat of winning a Test series in Australia against Australia, and offers insight into playing under the leadership of Graeme Smith during one of South Africa’s strongest eras. We also hear stories from life on tour—including rooming with Dale Steyn—and explore his transition into life after professional cricket. This episode is packed with elite-level insight, unforgettable memories, and honest reflections from one of South Africa’s most respected Test cricketers. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more stories from the world of cricket.
  1. Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner
  2. Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage
  3. Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing
  4. Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey
  5. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket