Fiction Files – Boxing Day Test Review

Matt Fiction is back with another instalment of the Fiction Files as he de briefs the 3rd Ashes Test between Australia and England from the MCG.

Matt Fiction’s next assignment will be captaining the Burrabadine XI in the opening clash of the Riding Mill dice cricket virtual tour of Australia on Thursday morning Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Congratulations NZ

NZ have defied the weather and produced a complete performance to defeat India to become the inaugural ICC World Test Champions.

Our resident cricket librarian Matt Fiction has penned this haiku poem in their honour.

Haiku Poem by Matt Fiction:

New Zealand win it!

The first team to take the crown

World Test Champions

Happy birthday SPD Smith

Steve Smith is a common name but there is only one SPD Smith. Happy birthday young man!

Haiku Poem by Matt Fiction

Steve Smith birthday boy

Which Steve Smith will celebrate?

It is SPD

Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green The Cricket Library

Anupam Sharma sits down with MJ Ellis & shares the origins of his deep love for cricket, reflecting on how the game shaped his early life and continues to inspire his storytelling. We hear how his journey into the film industry began, including a remarkable encounter with Bollywood icon Feroz Khan — a moment that changed the trajectory of his creative life. With a unique perspective on the intersection of sport and cinema, Anupam reflects on his experiences working with cricketing legends like Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar, revealing the humanity behind the heroes. He also shares insights into his latest milestone: the release of his powerful documentary, Brand Bollywood: Down Under, now streaming on Netflix — a film that explores the influence of Bollywood in Australia and the stories that shape our cultural landscape. This episode is a rich celebration of cricket, culture, and the stories that bind us.  
  1. Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
  2. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  3. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine
  4. Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence
  5. Monali Patel – From Passion to Profession
  6. Malcolm Conn – Behind The Headlines
  7. James Knight – The Gift of Stories
  8. Patrick Farhart – Unlocking Peak Performance
  9. Xara Jetly – The X-Factor
  10. Richard Chee Quee – Breaking Barriers & Inspiring Change

The Matt Fiction Book Club

Resident cricket librarian and loved member of the cricket library community Matt Fiction established the Matt Fiction Book Club in 2004 to inspire a love of reading cricket books.

For those wishing to be a part of the club all you need to do is follow the following simple steps.

Step 1: Read and enjoy a cricket book.

Step 2: Think of someone you think would be enriched by reading the book.

Step 3: Ask that person for their best postal address if you do not have it.

Step 4: Write them a note and send with the book in the mail.

Step 5: Ask them to consider doing the same for someone else.

Step 6: Return to step one and start again

Please note, the above process can also be followed for cricket magazines

Roadside Haiku’s With Matt Fiction Episode II – We will have a bat thanks.

Intrepid cricket librarian Matt Fiction has been on the road again and taken time out of his busy schedule to recite another magnificent cricket themed Haiku poem on the side of the road. This one will resonate with all of those skippers who know the feeling of winning the toss when conditions are perfect for batting.

Roadside Haiku’s With Matt Fiction

Matt Fiction has been busily writing a series of cricket themed Haiku poems which he is planning on sharing from the side of the road in his travels throughout NSW Australia.

First cab of the rank is a stirring poem about GD McGrath and appropriately recited at the magnificent Glenn McGrath statue in Narromine NSW.