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.
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.
In the unpredictable world of chance encounters, cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards and comedy icon Chris Rock crossed paths in an unexpected meeting that left everyone in the room on the edge of their seats. Former cricketer Adam Hollioake recently shared this captivating story during an interview for the Cricket Library Podcast with Matt Ellis.
The rendezvous took place in a stylish Sydney bar, the name of which eludes Hollioake’s memory. In the cozy ambience of the establishment, Hollioake found himself in the company of Sir Vivian Richards, a man known for his respect, manners, integrity, and impeccable character. Little did they know that this evening would take an unexpected turn with the arrival of none other than the legendary comedian Chris Rock.
As Chris Rock strolled into the bar, he and Sir Vivian Richards exchanged nods of acknowledgment. It’s unclear whether Rock recognized the cricket icon, but the two seemed to share a moment of cultural acknowledgment. Hollioake, along with a friend who happened to be a skilled boxer, observed the unfolding events with keen interest.
What happened next was nothing short of surreal. Sir Vivian Richards, a man typically known for his calm demeanor, began addressing Chris Rock as if he were a wayward son. Rock, seemingly unaware of the cricket legend’s stature, had casually propped his foot up on the sofa. This prompted Richards to instruct Rock to get his feet off the furniture.
The tension in the air was palpable, with Chris Rock’s security detail on high alert. It appeared as though a confrontation was imminent. However, to everyone’s surprise, Chris Rock chose diplomacy over drama. He calmly removed his foot from the sofa, placing it back on the floor. The potential clash between the worlds of cricket and comedy was averted, and the room breathed a collective sigh of relief.
In the aftermath of this unexpected interaction, Hollioake and his companion found themselves in awe of the encounter. Sir Vivian Richards, in his characteristic fashion, had managed to assert his authority and convey his disapproval with a touch of paternal guidance. Chris Rock, on the other hand, demonstrated humility and defused the situation before it escalated.
It was a moment where two worlds collided, and instead of clash, there was a mutual understanding and respect.
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.
Maitlan Brown is just about to turn 24 and is one of the most exciting young talents in the game. She has made an impact with the ball, demonstrated athleticism in the field and contributed valuable runs with the willow.
In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast we will hear more about where Maitlan’s love of the game started, her time in the NSW junior pathway, moving to Canberra, playing for the Renegades, touring India, her call up to the Australian squad, injury rehab as well as her return to NSW this summer. We also learn about some of her off field creative pursuits as an award-winning industrial design student.
Needless to say we ask Maitlan who she would most like to have a net with. Her selections combine a mix of cricket, comedy and musical genius. In fact one of her selections provided entertainment at a Cricket Australia Awards night.
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.
Iconic South African spinner Paul Adams is our first guest in the new season of the Cricket Library Podcast.
Paul shares his story of his meteoric rise to the South African test team as a teenager, playing in the 1996 World Cup, dealing with being in and out of the team as well as reflecting on some of his career highlights.
We wrap up our chat by asking Paul which three people he would most like to the nets with another spinner getting an invite alongside a wrapper and a famous political leader.
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.
We chatted with Maisy about this and heard much more about her cricket journey on our podcast last year. Maisy also reveals the three people that she would most like to have a net with.
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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