Singing and Swinging: – How Ronan Keating Helped Me To Score Runs

GCCN3F Ronan Keating in concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London. PA / Alamy Stock Photo

As the bowler moves in from the top of his mark, I focus on the 156g red projectile in his right hand. Fingers evenly spaced on either side of the seam as he prepares to send down another thunderbolt.

Keeping my mind clear is the Ronan Keating song I have jammed in my head

“The smile on your face let’s me know that you need me”

It is all so calm and peaceful as the bowler drops it short

“There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me”

I instinctively transfer my weight onto the back foot and cut the ball

“The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me wherever I fall”

It races away to the point boundary to bring up my half-century.

As I raise the bat, I ponder, “Why isn’t batting always this easy?”

Shane Watson has been able to shed some light on this question of mine in his insightful book “The Winner’s Mindset” in which he outlines how he would successfully use songs to help block out any negative thinking and focus on the task at hand.

He is not the only player to have used this technique with some popular footage of Virender Sehwag showing him singing along whilst hitting a ball over the pickets in the IPL.

Going back to the 1983 summer, David Bowie appeared on the front cover of Australian Cricket Magazine after GRJ Matthews famously credited a David Bowie rehearsal at the Sydney Showground for keeping him on track to score runs against Pakistan at the neighbouring Sydney Cricket Ground.

Matthews recounted the moment for Australian Cricket Magazine in 1983 telling Tony Adams

“I’d just gone out to the wicket when this thundering noise came across from the Showground next door… it was Bowie rehearsing for his Sydney concert.

“I’m a real fan of his and the music helped me no end. I’m often tense at the crease but I was able to relax in between balls and the music had me in a fantastic state of mind.

“I just wish I could bat to music more often; one of the boys suggested he’d put a Bowie tape over the public address system every time I went out to bat and it is not a bad idea.”

2TC17HP David Bowie, Civic Center, Hartford, CT, USA, July 15, 1983. PA / Alamy Stock Photo

It was not a bad idea in 1983 and it is a method I would recommend in 2024. What will be the soundtrack of your success next summer?

@mattellis33

I wont be giving up my day job in a hurry, mind you, thanks to Ronan Keating my batting average has improved considerably. Could Ronan help you with your cricket as well? #fyp #cricket #ronankeating #battingtips #cricketpodcast

♬ original sound – MJ Ellis

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes The Cricket Library

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. Tune in and enjoy!
  1. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  2. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine
  3. Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence
  4. Monali Patel – From Passion to Profession
  5. Malcolm Conn – Behind The Headlines

When Comedy Met Cricket: Chris Rock’s Unforgettable Encounter with Sir Vivian Richards

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.

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes The Cricket Library

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. Tune in and enjoy!
  1. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  2. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine
  3. Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence
  4. Monali Patel – From Passion to Profession
  5. Malcolm Conn – Behind The Headlines

Marty Rhone & Cricket – A Good Thing Going

Marty Rhone is a well known Australian Actor and Singer who has shared the stage and screen with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

Last year Marty added another chapter to his illustrious career as an Actor and Singer when he released the highly popular single We had a good thing going.

What you may not know is that Marty is also a self confessed cricket tragic. In a recent interview on The Cricket Library Podcast, Marty revealed where his passion from the game stems from.

We also chat about his involvement in the development of girls cricket on the North Shore of Sydney at the Kissing Point Cricket Club.

Marty also gives is an update on his latest projects in this chat you are sure to enjoy!

You can purchase Marty Rhone’s latest music at

www.martyrhonemusic.com