In the grand arena of international cricket, where legends are forged and tales of grit and determination are etched into the annals of the sport, Nathan Hauritz emerged as a promising talent at the tender age of 20. Hailing from Queensland, Australia, Hauritz’s early exploits at the under-19 level saw him sharing the field with cricket luminaries such as Michael Clarke, Ed Cowan, Mitch Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Shane Watson, and Andrew McDonald.

Having donned the Baggy Green in 17 Test Matches, Hauritz made a significant impact with the ball, claiming 63 wickets, including a memorable performance with career-best figures of 5-53. His prowess extended to the limited-overs format, where he featured in 58 ODIs, contributing with 63 wickets and showcasing his best figures of 4-29.

However, Hauritz was not merely a specialist with the ball; he wielded the willow with finesse, notching up three half-centuries for Australia. His highest First-Class score of 146 for New South Wales against South Australia in 2010 underscored his all-round prowess.

Yet, the cricketing world witnessed a unique chapter in Nathan Hauritz’s career—a tale not only of his bowling prowess but also of his resilience as a nightwatchman in a Boxing Day Test Match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). In an interview with the Cricket Library podcast, Hauritz shared the behind-the-scenes narrative of that unforgettable experience.

With just 10 overs remaining in the day, Hauritz found himself thrust into an unexpected role. As he recalled on the podcast, the captain, Michael Clarke, faced a dilemma as to who should go out as the nightwatchman. With someone getting out and five overs still to play, Hauritz stepped up and volunteered for the task. What followed was a gripping account of facing deliveries from a formidable opponent, navigating the challenges, and, ultimately, relishing the experience.

In Hauritz’s own words, the adrenaline of facing high-speed deliveries, the strategic discussions with teammates, and the near-miss run-out on the field added layers to this memorable Boxing Day encounter. In this excerpt of the Cricket Library Podcast, Nathan shares the nuances of that intriguing episode, shedding light on his unexpected nightwatchman role at the MCG.

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 56:38
2. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes 08:08
3. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine 01:11:02
4. Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence 41:36
5. Monali Patel – From Passion to Profession 43:23