Tahlia Wilson of the Thunder in action as wicket keeper during the Women’s Big Bash League WBBL Semi Final match between the Brisbane Heat and the Sydney Thunder at North Sydney Oval, on November 26, 2020, in Sydney, Australia (Photo by Izhar Khan/NurPhoto)
Welcome to the latest series of the Cricket Library Podcast with your host, Matt Ellis.
In this episode, Matt sits down with Tahlia Wilson, the talented cricketer from New South Wales. Tahlia shares her inspiring journey from playing cricket in the backyard to being part of the Breakers Squad, scoring her first WNCL Hundred and winning a Big Bash title with the Sydney Thunder.
Tahlia shares her experiences of turning 21 while in the WBBL Bubble and dealing with setbacks in her career. She also talks about how playing hockey has helped her in her pursuit of excellence as a cricketer. Tahlia’s passion for the game and her dedication towards improving her skills make for an engaging conversation.
In this podcast, Tahlia also selects her three dream net session partners and reveals what makes them the perfect picks. Her insights and anecdotes will not only entertain you but also give you an insight into the life of a professional cricketer.
So, sit back and tune in to this exciting episode of the Cricket Library Podcast with Tahlia Wilson, as she shares her journey and gives us a glimpse into her world as a professional cricketer.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We were very fortunate to have Will as a guest on the Cricket Library Podcast back in 2020. He is a true gentleman and we wish him well with the next chapter.
In this week’s edition of the Cricket Library Weekly, Robbie and Matt wrap up all of the latest action from the Marsh Sheffield Shield, Marsh One Day Cup and Weber WBBL|08.
Tabbsy is back with his take for the week which looks at one of the longest standing records in the history of the game as well as some data that will keep our listeners in the UK happy.
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.
In our second episode for the 2022/23 season, we are joined by special guest Heather Graham from the Hobart Hurricanes.
Heather who is one of only three players in the 100 wicket / 1000 run club in the WBBL, shares with us the origins of her passion for cricket and reflects on the key ingredients to the successful teams she has been a part of.
She speaks about what is ahead for the Hurricanes, looks back on winning the WBBL in her 100th game and how much it would mean to the players to send coach Dan Marsh out a winner.
Robbie and Matt run their eye over some of the key performances in the Australian Men’s Domestic summer to date and the ever popular Tabbsy’s Take segment returns after receiving plenty of plaudits following the world premiere of the segment last week.
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.
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.
The Cricket Library Weekly returns for season 2022/23 with Robbie Mackinlay and Matt Ellis back to digest all of the cricket talking points each week throughout the summer.
In the first edition of the new season, the lads share their thoughts on the WNCL and WBBL competitions, with some high-quality cricket being played in the early stages of the competitions.
Airing for the first time in an exclusive for the Cricket Library is a brand new segment, ‘Tabbsy’s Take’, where our resident librarian in Orange shares his take on the stats that have caught his eye each week. This is sure to become a favourite with loyal members of the cricket library community. This week there is a bit of a World T20 flavour, with Tabbsy leaving listeners with some homework before next week’s program.
Finally, Robbie and Matt run their eye over some of the key performances in the Australian Men’s Domestic summer to date.
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.
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