We have all been there. Sitting in the library, reading one of our favourite cricket books and the next thing we know the library is closing. Where did the time go? We have been lost in the world of the storyteller and captivated by what is unfolding. Reading has not been a chore, it has been a delight.
On the cricket field we see players enter a similar state where they are totally focussed on the task at hand and execute their skills at the highest level with ease and freedom. It is a feeling that is hard to capture but one you wish you could bottle and share with others.
In a chat with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library Podcast, Baggy Green 416, Peter George explained the experience of being in the zone.
“You certainly stop focussing so much on yourself and start thinking about what you are doing at the other end. I remember I think I got Jimmy Faulkner out for my 5th wicket and it was just one of those classic in form, like I was just thinking what I was doing to work him over everything worked exactly how I wanted it to work.”
Peter drops plenty of other nuggets of gold in his chat with Matt and his story is one of the many that we have shared on the Cricket Library Podcast that will hopefully grow your love of the game.
In some great news for fans of the Cricket Library Weekly Podcast, it was announced today that the podcast will be returning at the end of this month with the release date still to be finalised.
Hosts Robbie Mackinlay and Matt Ellis have agreed to terms for another summer and will be taking the reigns of the weekly show once again for the 2022/23 season.
It has been a productive “off season” for Mackinlay who has been focussed on his bee keeping exploits with Robeez first batch of honey not far away now.
Both Ellis and Mackinlay are eager to be back in the Burrabadine and Rivergum Drive studios this summer with rumours circulating around the addition of a new segment which if true, is sure to be warmly welcomed by our loyal listener base.
We are hearing also that Matt Fiction is scheduled to be back on the first flight at the completion of the test match between England and South Africa. No doubt Fiction will again be a popular figure featuring throughout the season.
In the meantime make sure you check out the latest audiobook release from Ellis and Fiction and catch up on any of the back catalogue you have missed.
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.
John Cena is legendary for his work in the squared circle and is one of the biggest superstars in the WWE.
We loved hearing Cricket Library Podcast guest Maisy Gibson recounting her experience of having a hit in the nets with the larger-than-life Professional Wrestler.
Kepler Wessels faced a hurdle in his career when he played the West Indies in 1984. He made 32 runs in his four innings in the West Indies and In the first test in Perth he made 13 and 0 with runs needed in Brisbane to keep his spot in the team.
After a first-innings duck, Kepler changed his mindset to have an incredible summer, notching 61, 98, 70, 90, and 0 with an epic 173 in the Sydney Test to prove his credentials against the premier pace bowling attack in the world.
He spoke with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library Podcast about the shift in approach that helped him to have success and what that success meant to him.
Kepler Wessels speaks about having the mindset to overcome the West Indies pace attack when they were at the peak of their powers. #keplerwessels#cricket#podcast#fyp#retro
In the interview Kepler also shares 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.
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.
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.
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.
England v South Africa – 1st Test – Lord’s – PA/Alamy
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.
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.
Kepler Wessels Career Statistics
Competition
Test
ODI
FC
LA
Matches
40[a]
109[b]
316
337
Runs scored
2,788
3,367
24,738
12,503
Batting average
41.00
34.35
50.58
41.53
100s/50s
6/15
1/26
66/132
15/90
Top score
179
107
254
146
Balls bowled
90
90
1,416
1,327
Wickets
0
18
13
36
Bowling average
–
37.00
44.15
31.11
5wi
–
0
0
0
10wm
–
0
0
0
Best bowling
–
2/16
2/25
4/24
Catches/stumpings
30/–
49/–
268/–
151/–
These statistics showcase Kepler Wessels’ impressive career across various formats of the game, highlighting his significant contributions with the bat, occasional bowling, and safe hands in the field.
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 addition to this yarn, we hear about Luke’s pathway to First Class Cricket, forging for himself a career with the QLD Bulls having first represented QLD Country whilst working as a police officer.
In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, Luke shares some stories from his early days playing in the backyard to making his 1st Class debut against the West Indies, being a part of five different Big Bash clubs, lifting the Sheffield Shield, taking over 200 wickets and providing some handy cameos with the bat.
A passionate Queenslander who represented his state with distinction and continues to put back into the game at the Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club in Brisbane and the Bulls Masters program which does some magnificent work raising funds and developing cricket in QLD.
We trust you will enjoy our chat with Luke Feldman and that his three selections to join him for a net will generate some healthy banter from our listeners.
Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a review to help us to continue to share stories that inspire a love of cricket.
It is Wednesday 5 January 1994 and one of the more memorable SCG Test Matches is in the balance with Australia finishing day four at 4-63 with Allan Border at the crease with Mark Waugh with Fanie De Villiers on a roll having dismissed Slater, Boon, nightwatchman Tim May and opener Mark Taylor in an inspired spell late in the day.
High quality Test Match cricket was unfolding before our eyes in a low scoring game that could still go either way with Australia chasing the target of 117. Things were tense, AB was coming to the close of his career, and in fact this is the last time I would see him bat live. He had made 49 in the first innings before he was out caught behind off the bowling of De Villiers.
These facts all fade into the background for me however, with the highlight of the test match coming for me after stumps on day four when my brother and I were milling around out the back of the Member’s Stand chasing autographs. Top of our list was the skipper who we were hoping to catch before he pulled stumps on his career.
We waited quite some time before we spotted AB trying to make his way discreetly out of the ground on his way to the team bus. There was no time to lose and we did not want to miss out, so I raced up to the great man with a poster in hand ready to ask the question.
Trying my best, I asked the question as politely as I could. AB stopped, looked at my brother and dropped his bags on the ground letting us know that in order for us to have his autograph we would have to carry his bags to the bus.
As loyal members of the Duncan Fearnley Junior Cricket Club, it was certainly a privilege to have this honour bestowed upon us. It is not every day that the Australian captain asks you for a favour and we made sure we did not let him down.
Once the bags were securely stowed under the bus, AB having signed plenty of autographs for the others on a similar quest to ours, we had accomplished our mission and secured what we considered the pièce de résistance.
Unfortunately, Australia did not get the job done the following day with South Africa claiming a remarkable 5 run victory as Australia collapsed to be all out for 111. AR Border was bowled by Allan Donald without adding to his overnight score and Fanie De Villiers the hero for the visitors finishing with 6-43 off 23.3 overs.
Border’s men bounced back in Adelaide before the skipper led the team for three more Test Matches in South Africa before retiring with an incredible 11 174 runs to his name at 50.56. Phenomenal numbers for the man who took over the captaincy from Kim Hughes in what was a tough period for Australian cricket.
When people ask me my favourite memories of Allan Robert Border, I think of him winning the World Cup in 87, bringing home the Ashes in 1989, lifting the World Series Cup on multiple occasions, his mental toughness, brilliance in the field and his more than handy work with the ball. Alongside all of his obvious on field attributes, the day I carried his bags to the bus in exchange for an autograph is certainly up there with one of the best.
What is your favourite memory of the great AR Border?
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.
Graham Manou was a popular guest on the cricket library podcast with listeners enjoying his reflections on hitting the prestigious Mercantile Mutual Cup sign on two separate occasions.
In this clip, Graham shares his memories of hitting the sign for the first time against Western Australia at the Adelaide Oval.
Have a listen to the full chat where you can also hear about the second time he hit the sign whilst also learning of where his passion for the game began, making his 1st Class debut in Zimbabwe, captaining his state & what it was like to bat with test match double centurion Jason Gillespie. Graham also sheds some insights on family life and his transition out of the game.
Needless to say, he will select three people he would most like to have a net with and his selections are sure to appeal to the cricket nuffy in all of us.
Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a review to help us to continue to share stories like this one from Graham Manou.
The Men’s T20 World Cup is now just100 days away and as the excitement builds, you can join together with other passionate cricket people in SQUAD communities on Facebook.
Cricket is known for being a sport that brings people together, and by joining a SQUAD, you will be connected with passionate cricket fans like yourself to ride the highs and lows as the Men’s ICC T20 World Cup draws closer.
Aaron Wharton, the Community Engagement Lead for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup spoke with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library Podcast explaining what to expect when you join a SQUAD and how you can start contributing to the discussion by joining today.
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.
Michael Klinger amassed over 11 thousand first-class runs throughout his distinguished career predominately for Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Gloucestershire. When he retired he was the leading run-scorer in the history of the Big Bash and has since only been passed by Chris Lynn and Aaron Finch.
The very popular guest on the Cricket Library Podcast reflects on taking the call to captain South Australia and the success that the team had in his time steering the ship.
thecricketlibrary.com 