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

Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner The Cricket Library

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, former South Africa national cricket team spinner Paul Harris joins us for a fascinating conversation on life at the highest level of world cricket. From bowling to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and challenging players such as Phil Hughes, to facing the raw pace of Mitchell Johnson as a batter, Paul reflects on some of the defining battles of his career. He shares what it was like to be part of the South African side that achieved the rare feat of winning a Test series in Australia against Australia, and offers insight into playing under the leadership of Graeme Smith during one of South Africa’s strongest eras. We also hear stories from life on tour—including rooming with Dale Steyn—and explore his transition into life after professional cricket. This episode is packed with elite-level insight, unforgettable memories, and honest reflections from one of South Africa’s most respected Test cricketers. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more stories from the world of cricket.
  1. Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner
  2. Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage
  3. Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing
  4. Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey
  5. Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket
  6. Tammy Bartaia – Bollywood Dreams
  7. Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
  8. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  9. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine
  10. Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence

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.