In this engaging interview on ABC Radio, author Matt Ellis discusses his latest release, “For the Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems inspired by the Summer Game,” with host Geoff Mann. The book combines two of Ellis’ passions – cricket and poetry – to create a collection of haiku poems that capture the essence of the sport. During the interview, Ellis shares his inspiration for the book and discusses his creative process. Listeners will enjoy hearing about the intersections between cricket and poetry and the unique insights that Ellis brings to the sport through his artistry. Whether you are a cricket fan or a lover of poetry, this interview offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an author whose work is both imaginative and thought-provoking.
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.
As the world celebrates International Haiku Poetry Day on April 17, we want to introduce you to an audiobook that perfectly captures the beauty and simplicity of this poetic form. “For the Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired by the Summer Game” by Matt Ellis and Matt Fiction is a delightful collection of haiku poems and stories celebrating the author’s lifelong passion for cricket.
Listeners will be transported to the cricket field through Ellis’s vivid descriptions and Fiction’s rhythmic poetry. The haiku poems complement the stories perfectly, adding a new layer of depth to the overall experience. They capture the essence of the game in each haiku, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and emotions of cricket. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the sport or just starting to appreciate it, “For the Love of Cricket” will make you fall in love with the game all over again.
At its core, this audiobook is a celebration of the sport of cricket and the art of haiku poetry. It’s a testament to Ellis’s and Fiction’s love for the game and their dedication to sharing that love with the world. As Ellis says, “Haiku poetry is a beautiful way to capture the essence of the game and transport listeners to the cricket field. I’m thrilled to have Matt Fiction’s haiku poems accompany my stories in this audiobook.”
“For the Love of Cricket: Haiku Poems Inspired by the Summer Game” is available now on Audible, Amazon, and other major audiobook platforms. We highly recommend it to anyone who loves cricket, poetry, or just a good story. Celebrate International Haiku Poetry Day with this beautiful audiobook by Matt Ellis and Matt Fiction.
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 some fantastic news for fans of the Sydney Thunder, Rachael Haynes has agreed to terms for another season with the reigning WBBL Champions. She was part of the inaugural Thunder WBBL team which won the WBBL|01 title and was the captain in their WBBL|06 victorious campaign.
She is the Thunder WBBL all time leading run scorer and will be looking to lead from the front again in WBBL|07.
A hearty congratulations to JR Philippe, WA Agar and BR McDermott who have made their ODI debuts against the West Indies overnight.
Australia proved far to strong for the hosts with MA Starc and JR Hazlewood producing 61 dot balls between them and ripped through the heart of the West Indies top order.
Josh Inglis has been lighting up the Vitality T20 Blast with exceptional returns in the regular season of the competition.
The wicket keeper batsman from WA has been in career best form, plundering attacks to all parts of the ground.
He is one of many high quality wicket keeper batsmen in the domestic ranks at the moment and certainly reminding us all of his talents this English summer.
An absolutely incredible achievement from James Anderson has seen him take career best figures and go past 1000 First Class wickets. Indeed a special day for the man himself and cricket as a whole.
Well done Jimmy Anderson!
To celebrate the achievement, our resident cricket librarian Matt Fiction has penned this stirring haiku poem.
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.
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