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.
Former West Indies opening batter, Adrian Griffith joins the Cricket Library Podcast for a fascinating and deeply reflective conversation about cricket, identity, purpose, and life beyond the game.
Growing up in Barbados, Adrian rose through Caribbean cricket to become an opening batter for the West Indies cricket team during one of the most compelling eras in world cricket. He shares stories from his early journey into first-class cricket, touring Australia, facing elite fast bowling, and the pressures that come with representing the maroon cap at the highest level.
One of the highlights of the episode is Adrian reflecting on his remarkable Test match against New Zealand, where he became the first West Indian cricketer to bat on all five days of a Test match — a rare and unique achievement in cricket history.
Adrian also revisits the unforgettable Test against Australia where Brian Lara produced one of the greatest innings the game has ever seen, offering incredible insight into Lara’s brilliance and the atmosphere surrounding that iconic moment in cricket and the story behind his selection in the team.
Beyond the playing field, Adrian discusses his transition into officiating as an ICC match referee and his current work with AGC, where he continues contributing to leadership, mentoring, and the development of people within and beyond cricket.
While the conversation celebrates Test cricket, West Indies history, and unforgettable moments, it also explores a deeper theme — that achievements on the field do not fully define a person’s worth. Adrian shares thoughtful reflections on transition, identity, leadership, and building a meaningful life beyond cricket.
Topics include:
• The significance of the Maroon West Indies Cricket Cap
• Touring Australia
• Batting on all five days of a Test match
• Test cricket pressures
• Caribbean cricket culture
• ICC match refereeing • Leadership and mentoring
• AGC and life after cricket
• Purpose and identity beyond sport If you love cricket history, long-form conversations, and powerful human stories from inside the game, this episode is for you.
As the world celebrates International Haiku Poetry Day on April 17, we want to introduce you to an audiobook that perfectly captures the beauty and simplicity of this poetic form. “For the Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired by the Summer Game” by Matt Ellis and Matt Fiction is a delightful collection of haiku poems and stories celebrating the author’s lifelong passion for cricket.
Listeners will be transported to the cricket field through Ellis’s vivid descriptions and Fiction’s rhythmic poetry. The haiku poems complement the stories perfectly, adding a new layer of depth to the overall experience. They capture the essence of the game in each haiku, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and emotions of cricket. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the sport or just starting to appreciate it, “For the Love of Cricket” will make you fall in love with the game all over again.
At its core, this audiobook is a celebration of the sport of cricket and the art of haiku poetry. It’s a testament to Ellis’s and Fiction’s love for the game and their dedication to sharing that love with the world. As Ellis says, “Haiku poetry is a beautiful way to capture the essence of the game and transport listeners to the cricket field. I’m thrilled to have Matt Fiction’s haiku poems accompany my stories in this audiobook.”
“For the Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired by the Summer Game” is available now on Audible, Amazon, and other major audiobook platforms. We highly recommend it to anyone who loves cricket, poetry, or just a good story. Celebrate International Haiku Poetry Day with this beautiful audiobook by Matt Ellis and Matt Fiction.
Former West Indies opening batter, Adrian Griffith joins the Cricket Library Podcast for a fascinating and deeply reflective conversation about cricket, identity, purpose, and life beyond the game.
Growing up in Barbados, Adrian rose through Caribbean cricket to become an opening batter for the West Indies cricket team during one of the most compelling eras in world cricket. He shares stories from his early journey into first-class cricket, touring Australia, facing elite fast bowling, and the pressures that come with representing the maroon cap at the highest level.
One of the highlights of the episode is Adrian reflecting on his remarkable Test match against New Zealand, where he became the first West Indian cricketer to bat on all five days of a Test match — a rare and unique achievement in cricket history.
Adrian also revisits the unforgettable Test against Australia where Brian Lara produced one of the greatest innings the game has ever seen, offering incredible insight into Lara’s brilliance and the atmosphere surrounding that iconic moment in cricket and the story behind his selection in the team.
Beyond the playing field, Adrian discusses his transition into officiating as an ICC match referee and his current work with AGC, where he continues contributing to leadership, mentoring, and the development of people within and beyond cricket.
While the conversation celebrates Test cricket, West Indies history, and unforgettable moments, it also explores a deeper theme — that achievements on the field do not fully define a person’s worth. Adrian shares thoughtful reflections on transition, identity, leadership, and building a meaningful life beyond cricket.
Topics include:
• The significance of the Maroon West Indies Cricket Cap
• Touring Australia
• Batting on all five days of a Test match
• Test cricket pressures
• Caribbean cricket culture
• ICC match refereeing • Leadership and mentoring
• AGC and life after cricket
• Purpose and identity beyond sport If you love cricket history, long-form conversations, and powerful human stories from inside the game, this episode is for you.
“A unique look at cricket through poems and I have never seen or read anything like this before. A must-read for any cricket love” Amazon Review
Cricket librarians all around the world would agree that a high quality audio visual section will enhance the library experience for librarians and borrowers alike. In years past, access to VHS tapes, DVDs, Compact Discs and Cassettes were sufficient to meet the basic requirements of an audio visual section. These days however with technology moving at a rapid rate, the influx of audio books has opened a whole new world for those wishing to expand their horizons.
Cassette tapes were a staple in Cricket Libraries prior to advancements in technology
Modern technology has enabled librarians and private citizens alike the opportunity to listen to a wealth of cricket related material through devices such as MP3 players, mobile telephones, tablets and computers. This creates endless possibilities for those who are looking to expand their libraries but do not have the budget to undertake extensions. Adding electronic files to your favourite device ensures you can essentially listen to your favourite cricket book anywhere at any time.
In some great news for listeners of audiobooks, For The Love Of Cricket – Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game is coming very soon to an audiobook.
“Right from the first page you can see the passion and love of the game of cricket from Matt Ellis and Matt Fiction,” Matthew T on an Amazon Review. “This shows in their writing and brings back memories of big cricket moments from the past. A unique look at cricket through poems and I have never seen or read anything like this before. A must-read for any cricket lover.”
One of the exciting features of “For The Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game” is that it presents a light and refreshing take on cricket, which highlights some of the key moments that inspired a love of a game in the authors as well as the players who continue to ignite the flame that keeps burning brightly.
SF Devlin, another reviewer on Amazon, said, “What a read! A wonderfully written book for anyone that loves cricket. As a tragic myself, I loved reading about past players, current players, and upcomers alike. The Haikus are just an added bonus!”
With each page of “For The Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game,” cricket lovers will resonate with its offerings and be inspired to reflect on the place of cricket in their hearts and minds.
Astute readers or in this case listeners will ensure they get themselves a copy as soon as possible. To find out as soon as it becomes available, leave your details below and we will get in touch.
Host of the first established cricket podcast in Australia, The Cricket Library Podcast, and author of the new book – “For The Love Of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired By The Summer Game” – Matt Ellis joins The Last Wicket podcast to pay tribute to Rodney Marsh and Shane Warne, talk about the ongoing tour of Pakistan by the Australian team, and share how he fell in love with Australia’s favourite summer game.
Former West Indies opening batter, Adrian Griffith joins the Cricket Library Podcast for a fascinating and deeply reflective conversation about cricket, identity, purpose, and life beyond the game.
Growing up in Barbados, Adrian rose through Caribbean cricket to become an opening batter for the West Indies cricket team during one of the most compelling eras in world cricket. He shares stories from his early journey into first-class cricket, touring Australia, facing elite fast bowling, and the pressures that come with representing the maroon cap at the highest level.
One of the highlights of the episode is Adrian reflecting on his remarkable Test match against New Zealand, where he became the first West Indian cricketer to bat on all five days of a Test match — a rare and unique achievement in cricket history.
Adrian also revisits the unforgettable Test against Australia where Brian Lara produced one of the greatest innings the game has ever seen, offering incredible insight into Lara’s brilliance and the atmosphere surrounding that iconic moment in cricket and the story behind his selection in the team.
Beyond the playing field, Adrian discusses his transition into officiating as an ICC match referee and his current work with AGC, where he continues contributing to leadership, mentoring, and the development of people within and beyond cricket.
While the conversation celebrates Test cricket, West Indies history, and unforgettable moments, it also explores a deeper theme — that achievements on the field do not fully define a person’s worth. Adrian shares thoughtful reflections on transition, identity, leadership, and building a meaningful life beyond cricket.
Topics include:
• The significance of the Maroon West Indies Cricket Cap
• Touring Australia
• Batting on all five days of a Test match
• Test cricket pressures
• Caribbean cricket culture
• ICC match refereeing • Leadership and mentoring
• AGC and life after cricket
• Purpose and identity beyond sport If you love cricket history, long-form conversations, and powerful human stories from inside the game, this episode is for you.
In some wonderful news for lovers of cricket and haiku poetry, Matt Ellis and Matt Fiction have teamed up to put together a collection of stories and haiku poems that have been inspired by the summer game.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this title could be the perfect opportunity to spoil that special someone.
Stay tuned for more information as to how you can get your copy on what is certain to be one of the best selection of cricket themed haiku poems ever collated.
Former West Indies opening batter, Adrian Griffith joins the Cricket Library Podcast for a fascinating and deeply reflective conversation about cricket, identity, purpose, and life beyond the game.
Growing up in Barbados, Adrian rose through Caribbean cricket to become an opening batter for the West Indies cricket team during one of the most compelling eras in world cricket. He shares stories from his early journey into first-class cricket, touring Australia, facing elite fast bowling, and the pressures that come with representing the maroon cap at the highest level.
One of the highlights of the episode is Adrian reflecting on his remarkable Test match against New Zealand, where he became the first West Indian cricketer to bat on all five days of a Test match — a rare and unique achievement in cricket history.
Adrian also revisits the unforgettable Test against Australia where Brian Lara produced one of the greatest innings the game has ever seen, offering incredible insight into Lara’s brilliance and the atmosphere surrounding that iconic moment in cricket and the story behind his selection in the team.
Beyond the playing field, Adrian discusses his transition into officiating as an ICC match referee and his current work with AGC, where he continues contributing to leadership, mentoring, and the development of people within and beyond cricket.
While the conversation celebrates Test cricket, West Indies history, and unforgettable moments, it also explores a deeper theme — that achievements on the field do not fully define a person’s worth. Adrian shares thoughtful reflections on transition, identity, leadership, and building a meaningful life beyond cricket.
Topics include:
• The significance of the Maroon West Indies Cricket Cap
• Touring Australia
• Batting on all five days of a Test match
• Test cricket pressures
• Caribbean cricket culture
• ICC match refereeing • Leadership and mentoring
• AGC and life after cricket
• Purpose and identity beyond sport If you love cricket history, long-form conversations, and powerful human stories from inside the game, this episode is for you.
Needless to say, his work with the ball has caught the eye of our resident cricket librarian Matt Fiction who has penned this haiku poem in his honour.
Sophie Devine has turned on an incredible display with the willow, powering her way to a century against reigning champions the Sydney Thunder in Weber WBBL|07.
In an innings that took no prisoners, the powerful opening batter from New Zealand clubbed six sixes in a match winning performance.
Her powerful hitting has taken her WBBL career tally to 113 which is streets ahead of our podcast host Matt Ellis who has only managed 9 maximums in a club cricket career which began in 1989.
It is no secret that Darcie Brown is one of our favourites at the Cricket Library with her express pace, high skill level and youthful exuberance a hallmark of the early stages of her cricket career.
Today upon seeing her take the first hat trick of Weber WBBL|07 resident Cricket Librarian & host of the highly popular new game show ‘Fact or Fiction’, Matt Fiction has penned this haiku poem to commemorate the milestone.
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