The Cricket Library Podcast – Wayne Holdsworth Interview

Posted on April 6, 2020 by thecricketlibrary

Wayne Holdsworth (Australia) bowling, Tour Match, Worcestershire vs Australians, New Road, Worcester, United Kingdom, 5th to 7th May 1993 John Holmes / Alamy Stock Photo

Wayne Holdsworth was a distinguished First Class Cricketer who claimed 212 wickets in his career. He made an immediate impact for NSW claiming 6-55 on debut at the MCG against Victoria and went on to win a number of Sheffield Shield titles with NSW including a match winning 7-41 against Queensland in the 1992/3 decider at the SCG.

This was followed by a berth on the 1993 Ashes tour where he will long be remembered for taking a hat trick against Derbyshire.

Not to be forgotten are his batting exploits in the the Mercantile Mutual Cup dispatching a career best 49* off 18 balls against Tasmania at the North Sydney Oval.

In our chat with Wayne we re live some of these memories among others as well as finding out what he is up to now.

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 Wayne Holdsworth.

Wayne Holdsworth Career Stats

Competition	First-class	List A
Matches	68	35
Runs scored	399	107
Batting average	7.82	21.40
100s/50s	0/0	0/0
Top score	34	49*
Balls bowled	11,525	1,656
Wickets	212	39
Bowling average	32.75	29.17
5 wickets in innings	11	1
10 wickets in match	1	–
Best bowling	7-41	5-28
Catches/stumpings	28/0	8/0

Adrian Griffith on Cricket, Identity & Life Beyond the Game – The Cricket Library

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.

Roadside Reviews Episode II

Posted on September 2, 2019 by thecricketlibrary

Join resident librarian Matt Fiction on the side of the road as he and Matt Ellis review the greatest cricket books ever written.

This episode celebrates the work of KJ O’Keeffe and his tremendous audio offering Unplugged.

New season of The Cricket Library Podcast has arrived!

Posted on July 16, 2019 by thecricketlibrary

Network Seven journalist Nina Stevens was our special guest in the first episode of the new season of the Cricket Library Podcast.

In our chat with the official patron of the #CricketCountdown we hear about how Nina developed a love of the game, discuss the Men’s World Cup Final, look ahead to the Women’s Ashes starting later this week, explore strategies for staying up late to watch the cricket as well as looking back on some of our favourite #Ashes memories.

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 Nina Stevens.

The Seven Almond Challenge

Posted on July 8, 2019 by thecricketlibrary

Recently our cricket librarians were excited by a comment made by MCJ Nicholas in commentary and it has sparked a trend that will no doubt be of interest to members of our esteemed community.

The comment was in reference to information regarding the almond eating traditions of President Obama when he would work a late night in the Oval Office. Obama’s chef had once jokingly told the media that the President was so disciplined that he would only allow himself seven almonds to snack on whilst toiling away late into the night. This is something that the media ran with until Obama himself although conceding that he was partial to almonds, he did not actually count out and eat seven.

This was disappointing to hear but instead of letting this news upset our librarians, we endeavoured to make the most of the situation. As a result, during late nights watching the World Cup, Women’s Ashes and no doubt the men’s Ashes our librarians are fuelling themselves on rations of seven almonds, starting a tradition that will no doubt create a groundswell of interest from cricket and almond lovers alike.

Whilst EA Perry was busy taking 7 wickets, librarians all around the world were consuming no more than 7 almonds as they watched the incredible display of bowling.

Will you take up the seven almond challenge?

Groundbreaking Discovery

Posted on June 28, 2019 by thecricketlibrary

Every now and then our librarians discover something that has the power to revolutionise the way you approach life. It is at these times we can chose to keep our new information to ourselves or instead share our insights and discoveries with the world.

On this occasion, there was no hesitation in sharing with our valued members of the cricket library community this wonderful discovery that will enrich the lives of those who embrace it.

Roadside Reviews Episode I

Posted on June 21, 2019 by thecricketlibrary

Join resident librarian Matt Fiction on the side of the road as he and Matt Ellis review the greatest cricket books ever written.

This episode celebrates the work of JN Gillespie and Lawrie Colliver in producing Dizzy The Jason Gillespie Story

The Best of Bevan

Posted on December 28, 2018 by thecricketlibrary

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have You Heard About Audio Books?

Posted on December 14, 2018 by thecricketlibrary

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.

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.

Laptop

Some people may feel that embracing audio books may come at the expense of reading the printed material that we have all loved for so long. However, we prefer to see audio books as a welcome addition to expand your capacity to consume cricketing material. Some astute librarians will listen to the audio version whilst following on in a hard copy of the text.

In addition, for the safety conscious, reading and walking has traditionally been off limits, now this can be done with consummate ease and increased safety which would be music to the ears of those WH&S representatives reading this.

There are certainly many more benefits to audio books that have not been included in this article that you are sure to discover for yourselves as you expose yourself to emerging technologies like this.

We would encourage you to incorporate listening to audio books in your daily routine in addition to the regular reading of cricket books as we are convinced you will not be disappointed!

5 Helpful Ways To Include Reading In Your Busy Schedule

Posted on November 11, 2018 by thecricketlibrary

In the rapidly changing world we live in and the increasingly demanding schedules that people have, it can be a challenge ensuring there is space in our day for reading cricket books.

As cricket librarians, we are in the privileged position of having access to a plethora of reading material at our finger tips. Prioritising time to read though is paramount in ensuring we can provide timely and relevant advice to our community of readers.

With this in mind here are some proven strategies for ensuring you find time to read.

HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE

Having someone in your life that you can trust with the responsibility of asking you about what you have been reading is a helpful motivator for some readers. Give people permission to ask you on a daily basis what you have been reading and how it has inspired you. You will find that once you have formed the habit of reading, the frequency of having others ask you about your reading can be reduced dramatically.

POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media and screen time in general is often detrimental to time management and overall productivity. However, if there is one positive we have found with social media it is the social capital that can be derived from posting highly engaging content with your networks. When you commit to reading and sharing what you have been reading on the various social platforms, people will start to perceive you as someone who is refined, disciplined and resourceful. It will also have the two fold effect of encouraging others to put their device down and dedicate some time to reading.

LEAVE BOOKS AROUND THE HOUSE

Having cricket books in strategic locations around the house can provide helpful visual reminders that reading is a priority. We have heard unconfirmed reports that some people have been known to keep books in the refrigerator to help stimulate a hunger for reading cricket literature. This is one of the coolest suggestions we have heard and would love to hear from anyone who has found this method beneficial.

COMBINE READING WITH EXERCISE

Riding a stationary exercise bike is a fantastic way to keep fit and healthy. When you next go to your local gym, instead of watching the cricket highlights while you exercise, we would recommend that you mix things up by bringing some reading material with you. This does not always need to be a cricket book as we have previously advocated reading cricket magazines is also OK. Combining exercise and reading is a helpful way to ensure your physical fitness is not neglected and your mind is stimulated.

READ OUTSIDE

Alfresco reading is a very popular phenomenon amongst our community of readers. There is something refreshing for the soul when you sit in a quiet spot outside and turn the pages of your favourite cricket book. Obviously, if you do decide to read alfresco, ensuring you are hydrated and have the appropriate sun protection will ensure the quality of the experience will be maximised.

We trust this non exhaustive list of suggestions will provide you with a starting point to reinvigorate your passion for reading and inspire others to do the same.