A life in cricket writing | Ken Piesse | The Cricket Library Podcast

Posted on March 31, 2026 by thecricketlibrary

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 The Cricketer. 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-category/ken-piesse-books/ to find all of Ken’s work and much more!

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!

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

Posted on March 18, 2026 by thecricketlibrary

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.

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

A Life in Sport: From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket | Gavin Dovey

Posted on March 5, 2026 by thecricketlibrary

What does it take to build a life in cricket at the highest level? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with Gavin Dovey to explore a remarkable journey through Australian sport. Now the CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, Gavin has spent decades working behind the scenes of the game we all love so dearly. Before moving into administration, Gavin served as team manager of the Australia national cricket team, offering a unique perspective on the culture, leadership, and pressure that comes with representing Australia.

In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss:

🏏 Gavin’s love of sport growing up in Sydney in the 80s

🏏 What it’s really like managing the Australian men’s team

🏏 Lessons from working alongside players and coaches at the highest level

🏏 Growing and strengthening cricket in the Northern Territory

🏏 The unique role the Territory plays in the Australian cricket landscape

🏏 The future vision for cricket in the Top End

Plus, Gavin faces “The Final Over” — six quick questions to finish the innings. If you love the stories behind the game, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and decisions that shape Australian cricket. Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast for more conversations with the players, writers, thinkers and administrators who have helped build the game.

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

Rising Cricket Talent Elsa Hunter Talks Sixers, WBBL Rivalries and Learning from Legends

Posted on November 25, 2025 by thecricketlibrary

In this uplifting episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Sydney Sixers rising star Elsa Hunter joins us for a vibrant conversation during a crucial stretch of the WBBL season. Elsa shares her insights on the Sixers’ strong team vibe, the calm and powerful leadership of new captain Ash Gardner, and what it’s like learning from icons such as Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and the squad’s international talent.

She reflects on her journey from playing local boys’ cricket in Malaysia to becoming a WNCL champion with the NSW Breakers, opening up about finding joy in the game, coping with pressure on the big stage, and navigating the friendly but fierce Sixers–Thunder rivalry.

Elsa also talks about the influence of different coaches, the importance of the mental side of cricket, and her dream of one day representing Australia.

A warm, inspiring, and engaging chat with one of the brightest young talents in the game.

Tune in and enjoy!

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

New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine: Dr John Orchard’s Story

Posted on August 7, 2025 by thecricketlibrary

In this must-listen episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Matt Ellis chats with Dr John Orchard, one of the world’s most respected voices in sports medicine. With decades of experience treating elite cricketers, Dr Orchard shares stories from his journey in the game, the evolution of injury management, and the driving forces behind his newly released book, Cricket Sports Medicine.

What you’ll learn in this episode: Insights into injury prevention, management, and recovery in elite sport What goes on behind the scenes when star players get injured The collaborative effort behind Cricket Sports Medicine — a first-of-its-kind comprehensive resource Why cricket-specific care needs a multidisciplinary approach.

About the Book: Cricket Sports Medicine This groundbreaking text brings together leading experts from around the globe to provide a holistic, evidence-based guide to managing cricketers’ health. Covering everything from biomechanics and load management to lumbar stress fractures, nutrition, and mental well-being, it’s an essential resource for any healthcare professional working in cricket — from grassroots to international level.

Whether you’re a cricket tragic, a sports medicine enthusiast, or someone working in athlete care, this episode is packed with wisdom, experience, and forward-thinking.

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

When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green – The Anupam Sharma Story

Posted on August 1, 2025 by thecricketlibrary

In this special episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed filmmaker, author, and multicultural ambassador Anupam Sharma for a fascinating exploration of where cinema and cricket intertwine. From producing landmark cross-cultural films to celebrating cricket as a bridge between nations, Anupam shares how the cricket field can be as dramatic as a film set, and how both mediums tell stories of identity, belonging, and dreams.

In this compelling episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, acclaimed filmmaker and multicultural ambassador Anupam Sharma joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that travels from the crease to the cutting room floor.

Anupam 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 — the man Anupam calls ‘Bollywood’s Clint Eastwood’ — 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.

Whether you’re drawn to the drama of the big screen or the poetry of a well-played innings, this episode is a rich celebration of cricket, culture, and the stories that bind us.

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

Tammy Bartaia – Bollywood Dreams

Posted on July 11, 2025 by thecricketlibrary

Tammy Bartaia is an International actress, TV presenter and author. From the age of seven her dream was to become an actress. She studied screen acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art ( Nida) in Sydney, Australia. She is well known to cricket fans around the world for her role in the Bollywood film UnIndian starring Australian fast bowler Brett Lee.

Tammy sat down with Matt Ellis to share what it was like working with Brett and the parallels between performing on set and cricketers performing on their stage, the cricket stadium. Tammy has a passion for Bollywood and has a deep connection to India through her time working there on various projects, including the popular Hindi film Chola, which explores themes such as self discovery and the power of letting go of ego.

She always loved to write. It allowed her to use her imagination to create something special. -Even when there is no pen and paper in my hand, I always write in my mind,” she says. Tammy is the author of the books: “The Young Woman with an Old Soul” and “A Pink House On Wheels.”Tammy always loved to write. It allowed her to use her imagination to create something special. Join us as we open the window into the life of a gifted performer for whom the best is yet to come!

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

Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence

Posted on June 4, 2025 by thecricketlibrary

Faye Tunnicliffe is our latest guest on the Cricket Library Podcast. Delve into the world of someone dedicated to pursuing excellence and getting the best out of herself as a cricketer and human being.

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She shares with us the origins of her passion for cricket, her health and fitness journey, and learning to solve the Rubik’s Cube.

Faye delivers insights into her progression into the South African team and the personal growth that has helped shape her along the way.

The world record holder for the longest net session opens up about the incredible achievement and reveals her invitation list for her dream cricket net.

This is an episode that you do not want to miss!

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.

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

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Monali Patel – From Passion to Profession

Posted on March 24, 2025 by thecricketlibrary

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, we are joined by former Canadian cricketer Monali Patel, whose remarkable journey in cricket has taken her across continents.

Monali shares how she discovered the sport as a teenager, her experiences representing Canada on the international stage, and what it was like to travel to Australia to play with the Northern Districts Cricket Club in Sydney.

She also reflects on her transition into coaching and broadcasting, offering insights into her evolving role in the game.

You can tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, passion, and the love of cricket.

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

Malcolm Conn – Behind The Headlines

Posted on February 13, 2025 by thecricketlibrary

In the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, award-winning cricket writer Malcolm Conn joins us for an engaging conversation about his many decades of covering cricket.

Mal shares the origins of his passion for cricket growing up in the country, getting his first gig as a journalist, travelling the world covering the cricket, and taking us behind the scenes of one of the biggest stories in world cricket, for which he won a Walkley Award.

He reflects on his early memories of watching Shane Warne bowl in Sri Lanka, Matthew Hayden’s incredible 1st Class run tally on the 1993 Ashes tour without playing a test match and his approach to building relationships with players as a journalist.

Finally, Mal shares with us who is on his invitation list for a dream cricket net session.

This is an episode that you do not want to miss!

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.