Tag Archives: World Cup

James Knight – The Gift of Stories

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This week, we’re thrilled to bring you the inspiring story of James Knight—a master storyteller, literacy advocate, cricket tragic and bestselling author.

In this heartfelt conversation, James reflects on his journey from bush cricket fields to discovering the rich tapestry of cultures through cricket. He opens up about his battles with depression and shares how his experiences have shaped a life dedicated to making a positive difference.

We also dive into his latest book, The Spirit of the Warriors, and explore how he uses storytelling to inspire others and foster a love of literacy.

Needless to say, we will ensure James share with us who is on his invitation list to his dream cricket net session.

Don’t miss this powerful episode about cricket, culture, resilience, and the extraordinary impact one person can have on the lives of many.  

About Spirit of the Warriors

Best-selling author, James Knight, says his next book, Spirit of the Warriors, is his most important work yet. Knight, who has written 15 non-fiction books, including the official autobiography of Australian cricketer, Brett Lee, and the widely acclaimed biography of social worker and 2020 Australian Local Hero of the Year, Bernie Shakeshaft, is venturing into middle-grade kids’ fiction for the first time.

Spirit of the Warriors tells the stories of two boys from distinctly different backgrounds. Jack Riordan lives on a drought-affected farm near the make-believe town, Stony Creek. When Ajeet Sharma and his family arrive from India, Jack is confronted with no longer being the star cricketer at his primary school. The narrative ebbs and flows through episodes that capture angst, anger, jealousies, and misunderstandings. (And let’s not forget schoolyard cheek!) Jack and Ajeet eventually learn each has painful secrets that have affected their lives. Will they overcome them? The answers lie in the strength of human spirit.

‘Spirit of the Warriors brings the Australian bush, India, and cricket all to life. It’s about embracing who we are.’

Josh Hazlewood, Australian fast bowler.

‘This is the first in a series of books that will bring sport and multiculturalism together,’ says Knight, who regularly conducts writing/literacy and storytelling workshops in schools in Australia and overseas. ‘My experiences in classrooms have taught me there is a real need for these types of books. Kids need stories in which they can see themselves as characters.’

Knight, a former television journalist, reported on several Australian cricket tours overseas, and since first visiting India to cover the 1996 Cricket World Cup, he has developed a relationship with the South Asian country that he calls his “second home.”

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

Dreams Come True – Surbhi Vaid’s World Cup Adventure

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2XF02BM India?s Rohit Sharma (R) and Virat Kohli after winning the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval Barbados in Bridgetown, Barbados. Picture date: Saturday June 29, 2024.

For many, a career in sports broadcasting often begins as a faraway dream, one that is sparked by a significant sporting moment. For Surbhi Vaid, it was the sight of Yuvraj Singh hitting those iconic six sixes in the inaugural T20 World Cup. That moment of sheer cricketing excellence not only ignited her interest in the sport but set her on a path that would eventually lead her to the commentary box.

“It all started because of Yuvraj Singh and his six sixes. That’s how I fell in love with the sport,” says Surbhi.

The cultural backdrop of India provides the perfect canvas for a storyteller like Vaid. Her growth from a viewer to a commentator mirrors the fundamental truth of sports broadcasting, commencing as a spectator, transitioning through passion, and finally, influencing as a narrator.

To think that Surbhi would one day be in the Big Apple cheering on her beloved India as they took on Pakistan in a nail-biting T20 World Cup fixture would have been but a dream for a young Surbhi. This dream became a reality, creating a lifelong memory for this rising star in sports broadcasting that will be etched in her mind to share with future generations.

The fixture had all the theatre you would expect from the two teams who have created thrilling storylines over the years. Who could forget their epic encounter at the MCG, another neutral venue buzzing as the two powerhouses went head to head? This time, New York was treated to a match for the ages, with India reigning supreme, coming away with a tense 7-run victory and sending a message to all comers that they intended to make history this time.

India continued their winning ways again, showing their dominance and class. They booked a place in the final against South Africa, who were searching for their own fairytale.

Surbhi was but one of the multitudes of Team India fans who had been riding the wave for so long, hoping for the time to come for history to be made. When the final ball was bowled there was an outpouring of love for a team that has inspired so many.

“I have shed so many tears of sadness that the tears of happiness are not stopping today. So many heartbreaks later, here we are with that trophy. This team is LOVE.”

“Words will never be enough to describe what this nation is feeling right now. Thank you for showing us that the way to victory is never easy, but it is always worth it. Thank you for making us realise that giving up on our dreams is never an option. Thank you for displaying that the strongest thing we can do is stand up each time we fall. Thank you for making us believe. Thank you for proving to us that in the end good always wins. THANK YOU, MEN IN BLUE “

Through her journey, Surbhi Vaid symbolises the blooming spirit of cricket and its broadcasting—a sphere where voices like hers articulate the storytelling magic intrinsic to sports. Her aspirations to cover a wider array of sports and willingness to learn from the finest in the field position her not merely as an emerging talent but as a beacon inspiring those who dream of intertwining their love for sports with their career aspirations.

As Vaid continues to build her narrative in the world of sports broadcasting, her journey enriches the lives of sports enthusiasts with insights that stretch beyond the pitch, echoing the timeless sayings and philosophies inherent in the gentleman’s game. Her story, steeped in the love for cricket and broadcasting, exemplifies a pursuit of passion that’s as inspiring as it is influential.

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

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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

100 Days to go until the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

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The Men’s T20 World Cup is now just100 days away and as the excitement builds, you can join together with other passionate cricket people in SQUAD communities on Facebook.

Cricket is known for being a sport that brings people together, and by joining a SQUAD, you will be connected with passionate cricket fans like yourself to ride the highs and lows as the Men’s ICC T20 World Cup draws closer.

@thecricketlibrary

The Men’s ICC T20 World Cup is less than 150 days away & as the excitement builds,you can join a SQUAD on Facebook as Aaron Wharton explains #Crictok

♬ original sound – The Cricket Library – The Cricket Library

Aaron Wharton, the Community Engagement Lead for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup spoke with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library Podcast explaining what to expect when you join a SQUAD and how you can start contributing to the discussion by joining today.

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

Kane Williamson T20 masterclass

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NZ skipper Kane Williamson has delivered a batting masterclass in the World T20 Final. After being one off his first seven balls, he built his tempo steadily moving to 15 off 16 balls before really upping the ante on his was to the fastest fifty in a mens World t20 final going past JE Root and Kumar Sangakkara who achieved the milestone off 33 balls hitting consecutive sixes to bring up the milestone off just 32 balls.

His 85 off just 48 balls is the highest by a captain in a mens T20 World Cup Final demonstrating his wonderful skills in the T20 format.

Australia are now requiring some heroics of their own as they aim to claim their first mens World T20 Title when their run chase commences shortly.

Rhino reflects on the 99 World Cup

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The 1999 World Cup tied Semi Final between Australia and South Africa is etched in the folklore of Australia’s cricket history and was one of those remember where you were moments.

Someone who was at the ground was future Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris. Rhino was in the UK playing club cricket in 1999 and originally had tickets for the NZ v Pakistan semi final. Fortunately he was able to swap his tickets ensuring he was at Edgbaston for the first ever tie in World Cup history.

With 1 run needed to win for South Africa and the dangerous Lance Klusner on strike the odds were certainly stacked in South Africa’s favour. However the calm execution from DW Fleming with the ball was mirrored with confusion between Klusner and his batting partner Alan Donald. A tidy piece of fielding from ME Waugh who sent the ball to Fleming executing an under-arm throw with the highest possible precision for Gilly to effect the match winning run out.

As the pandemonium ensued out in the middle a 19 year old Ryan Harris was one of many fans who stormed onto the ground jubilantly. Ryan recounted the moment on the Cricket Library Podcast. 

“I think what jogged Boof’s memory of me being there was when we won, I went flying out onto the field and ran across to him and gave him a big high five and he came back and gave me another high five and said I’ll call you and then ran off.”

The good news for Ryan was that Darren was able to get him tickets to the World Cup Final which although it was without the high drama witnessed at Edgbaston was a lasting memory for a future member of the Baggy Green club.

Australia were comfortable winners largely thanks to SK Warne spinning a web claiming four wickets and Pakistan bowled out for a well under par 132. Australia chased them down without much fuss with Boof Lehmann finishing the job, cutting Saqlain Mushtaq to the boundary to bring up the winning runs.

It was a massive thrill for Ryan who got to witness the victory and also spend some time after the game soaking it all in with the successful Australian team thanks to his mate Darren Lehmann as he recalls “I think I was only there for a couple of hours but to be able to mingle with those guys, especially at that age at 19 was a phenomenal thing and again very appreciative of Darren to be able to get me in that position”

Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a review to help us to continue to share stories like this one from Ryan Harris.