The Cricket Library

Tammy Bartaia is an International actress, TV presenter and author. From the age of seven her dream was to become an actress. She studied screen acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art ( Nida) in Sydney, Australia. She is well known to cricket fans around the world for her role in the Bollywood film UnIndian starring Australian fast bowler Brett Lee. Tammy sat down with Matt Ellis to share what it was like working with Brett and the parallels between performing on set and cricketers performing on their stage, the cricket stadium. Tammy has a passion for Bollywood and has a deep connection to India through her time working on various projects, including the popular Hindi film Chola, which explores themes such as self discovery and the power of letting go of ego. Tammy always loved to write. It allowed her to use her imagination to create something special. -Even when there is no pen and paper in my hand, I always write in my mind," she says. Tammy is the author of the books: "The Young Woman with an Old Soul" and "A Pink House On Wheels."Tammy always loved to write. It allowed her to use her imagination to create something special. Join us as we open the window into the life of a gifted performer for whom the best is yet to come!

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.

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!

In this must-listen episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Matt Ellis chats with Dr John Orchard, one of the world’s most respected voices in sports medicine. With decades of experience treating elite cricketers, Dr Orchard shares stories from his journey in the game, the evolution of injury management, and the driving forces behind his newly released book, Cricket Sports Medicine. What you’ll learn in this episode: Insights into injury prevention, management, and recovery in elite sport What goes on behind the scenes when star players get injured The collaborative effort behind Cricket Sports Medicine — a first-of-its-kind comprehensive resource Why cricket-specific care needs a multidisciplinary approach. About the Book: Cricket Sports Medicine This groundbreaking text brings together leading experts from around the globe to provide a holistic, evidence-based guide to managing cricketers’ health. Covering everything from biomechanics and load management to lumbar stress fractures, nutrition, and mental well-being, it’s an essential resource for any healthcare professional working in cricket — from grassroots to international level. Whether you’re a cricket tragic, a sports medicine enthusiast, or someone working in athlete care, this episode is packed with wisdom, experience, and forward-thinking.

Faye Tunnicliffe is our latest guest on the Cricket Library Podcast! Delve into the world of someone dedicated to pursuing excellence and getting the best out of herself as a cricketer and human being. Faye shares with us the origins of her passion for cricket, her health and fitness journey, and learning to solve the Rubik's Cube. She delivers insights into her progression into the South African team and the personal growth that has helped shape her along the way. The world record holder for the longest net session opens up about the incredible achievement and reveals her invitation list for her dream cricket net. This is an episode that you do not want to miss! Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, we are joined by former Canadian cricketer Monali Patel, whose remarkable journey in cricket has taken her across continents. Monali shares how she discovered the sport as a teenager, her experiences representing Canada on the international stage, and what it was like to travel to Australia to play with the Northern Districts Cricket Club in Sydney. She also reflects on her transition into coaching and broadcasting, offering insights into her evolving role in the game. You can tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, passion, and the love of cricket.

In the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, award-winning cricket writer Malcolm Conn joins us for an engaging conversation about his many decades of covering cricket. Mal shares the origins of his passion for cricket growing up in the country, getting his first gig as a journalist, travelling the world covering the cricket, and taking us behind the scenes of one of the biggest stories in world cricket, for which he won a Walkley Award. He reflects on his early memories of watching Shane Warne bowl in Sri Lanka, Matthew Hayden's incredible 1st Class run tally on the 1993 Ashes tour without playing a test match and his approach to building relationships with players as a journalist. Finally, Mal shares with us who is on his invitation list for a dream cricket net session. This is an episode that you do not want to miss! Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

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 the summer game can have on those connected to it.

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Matt Ellis sits down with esteemed physiotherapist Patrick Farhart, who has worked with some of the most successful cricket teams around the world in a career spanning many years. The conversation opens with Farhart's journey into cricket, a sport his family initially knew little about. From playing club cricket to an unexpected call-up to the Australian cricket team's 1989 Ashes tour, Farhart shares engaging anecdotes that brilliantly illustrate his passion for both cricket and physiotherapy. Throughout the episode, key insights into building successful cricket teams are unveiled, discussing elements like leadership, openness, and communication. Patrick details his experiences with legendary cricketers and the impact of coaches like John Buchanan, shedding light on evolving coaching dynamics and team management strategies. He also delves into his profound learning experiences and the importance of work-life balance amid frequent travels. Diving into injury prevention, particularly for fast bowlers, Farhart shares his desire to make lasting contributions to cricket through systematic research and cutting-edge methodologies. Patrick gives listeners a window into what it is like working in the larger than life Indian Premier League as well as some insights into his current role at Cricket NSW. Of course we will ask Patrick who is three invites would be to a dream cricket net session. This is an episode that you do not want to miss! Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

Xara Jetly is a passionate and accomplished cricketer who is making waves in professional women's cricket. At just 22 years old, Xara has already established herself as a key player for Wellington and has experience playing in the UK to hone her skills further. Known for her extraordinary fielding abilities and unique approach to the game, she aims to revolutionise women's cricket while inspiring younger generations. Xara is a digital marketing professional and an emerging social media influencer dedicated to engaging and inspiring her followers with authentic content. In this engaging episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis welcomes the dynamic Xara Jetly. A young lady who is living her dream, playing professional cricket and inspiring young athletes globally. From her beginnings in New Zealand to her current stint in the UK, Xara shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and her relentless drive to excel in the sport she loves. Throughout the episode, Xara discusses her early love for sports and how cricket eventually became her primary focus. She highlights the significant roles played by influential coaches and the transition from recreational to professional cricket. Offering insights into her training regimes, mental conditioning, and the importance of fielding, Xara provides a comprehensive look into what it takes to succeed as a young female cricketer. She also delves into the impact of social media on her career, her burgeoning role as a digital entrepreneur, and the ways she aims to inspire future generations. Needless to say, Xara enlightens us on who she would most like to invite to her dream cricket net session. This is an episode that you do not want to miss! Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

Richard Chee Quee, often remembered as a trailblazer in Australian cricket, carved a unique career on the field with his distinctive flair and talent. Chee Quee gained recognition playing first-class cricket as an opening batsman for New South Wales from the early 1990s. He is celebrated for his vivacious playing style and impressive performances, including a noteworthy century against the West Indies in Newcastle and a match-winning hundred in the 1993/4 Mercantile Mutual Cup Final against WA at the SCG. Chee Quee has been equally impactful off the field, inspiring many multi cultural kids to play and love the game. His passion for life continues showcasing his artistic side as the frontman of the band ‘Six & Out’, further cementing his reputation as a versatile entertainer. In this captivating episode of the Cricket Library podcast, host Matt Ellis welcomes the former New South Wales cricketer to reflect upon his unique cricketing journey. The conversation promises an intimate exploration of Chee Quee's early fondness for the sport, shaped by iconic West Indies teams and rugged backyard matches with his brother Michael. Delving deep into the narrative of Richard Chee Quee's foray into cricket, the episode recounts nostalgic tales of his initiation into organised cricket and the eventual progression onto the first-class stage with New South Wales. Discussions resonate with recounting his remarkable performances, key influences that shaped his career, and his present-day passions beyond the field. The episode unearths the significance of heritage, brotherhood, and personal growth that extended from the green expanses of cricket grounds to the lively setting of music stages. The shared moments with his brother, the identification with the West Indies, and confronting adversity both on the field and through societal biases have shaped a multifaceted life. The insights gained from Chee Quee’s reflections reveal a universal truth: our beginnings often shape our paths, but it is our choices that write the story. Through it all, Richard's constant has been entertaining and uniting people, whether through sport or music, leaving an indelible mark not only in the archives of cricket but also in the hearts of music enthusiasts. Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

Shane Jurgensen, former First Class cricketer and current head coach of the Wellington Firebirds, shares his journey in cricket and coaching with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library podcast. From his early days surrounded by cricket to playing for Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania, Jurgensen discusses the challenges and successes he faced. He also delves into his coaching philosophy, emphasising the importance of empathy and building genuine relationships with players. Jurgensen reflects on his time with the New Zealand Black Caps and their journey to winning the World Test Championship. He also introduces his new project aimed at helping cricketers of all levels improve their skills and prevent injuries. Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

Step into the world of Courtney Sippel, a rising star from Country Queensland, leaving her mark with the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL and Queensland in the WNCL. Delve deep with us as Courtney reveals the genesis of her cricketing passion, the relentless dedication it takes to secure a place in the QLD squad, her nuanced bowling strategies throughout the game, her journey to representing Australia A, and, of course, the dream lineup she'd pick for her ultimate cricket net session. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on the Cricket Library Podcast and share your positive reviews to help us to keep sharing stories like this one.

Surbhi Vaid is a young broadcaster on the rise, having worked as an on-air talent in the IPL and WPL. She sits down with Matt Ellis to share the origins of her passion for cricket, embracing the nerves that come with being on camera, working with Aussie legend Brett Lee, the positive impact of the WPL and of course Surbhi will reveal the three people that she would invite to a dream Cricket Net session. Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

Tatenda Taibu had a meteoric rise in the cricket world, making his First Class debut as a 16-year-old and taking on the Zimbabwean captaincy at just 20 years of age. In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, Tatenda takes us back to the origins of his passion for the game, the influence of Andy Flower, Zimbabwe's memorable T20 win against a star-studded Australian side, some of his individual achievements, leaving the game to pursue his Christian faith, playing in the IPL and what he is up to now. We of course make sure we ask him who he would invite to his dream cricket net session. You can read his full story in his book Keeper of the Faith. Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

Alan Curr has an adventurous spirit that has taken him to all corners of the globe. In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, he shares the origins of his passions for the game, organising a game of cricket on Mt Everest, landing a job with Japan cricket & the emergence of cricket in Japan. The conversation would not be complete without Alan telling us who he would invite to his dream cricket net session. Make sure you are following Japan Cricket on all of their social media platforms and read the full story of the cricket games on Mt Everest by getting yourself a copy of the book.

Dive into our latest Cricket Library Podcast episode featuring the incredible David Hussey! Join us as we explore the origins of David's cricketing passions, his breakthrough into the Victorian team, the unforgettable double century against NSW in Newcastle, and the thrill of representing Australia on the international stage. Discover the secrets behind multiple Sheffield Shield triumphs and gain insights into the positive impact of T20 cricket. In our chat, David opens up about his transition from player to coach, shedding light on the invaluable lessons learned throughout his playing career. His wisdom and experience inspire us as we delve into the highs and lows of a remarkable cricketing journey. But that's not all! David shares his dream net session lineup, featuring a mix of a cricketing legend, a hilarious comedian, and a baseball icon. Make sure you tune in to find out who is on the invitation list. Listen now to be inspired, and subscribe for more great conversations that will keep your passion for the game burning. Don't miss out – your cricket library is waiting to be enriched! 👉 Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast platform and join us in celebrating the magic of cricket! 🏏 #CricketLibraryPodcast #DavidHussey #CricketJourney #SubscribeNow

Join us for the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast as Matt Ellis sits down with former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams. Jimmy shares about his love of the game growing up in rural Jamaica, what wearing the maroon West Indies cap meant to him, the keys to his success with the bat on the sub-continent, scoring a test match double ton against New Zealand, his match-winning marathon 48 not out against Pakistan, the memorable 1999 series against Australia and of course we find out who he would invite to his dream cricket net session. Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

Join us for the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast as Matt Ellis sits down with Richard McInnes. He shares his remarkable story, from growing up in country Queensland to working with some of Australia's best male and female cricketers. Richard gives insights into his time working with John Buchanan and the Australian men's cricket team, coaching in Bangladesh and as coach of the Australian Women's cricket team. He shares how his coaching philosophy evolved over time and his desire to create environments where his players could get the best out of themselves. Of course we ask Richard to give us the names of who is on his list to invite for a dream cricket net session. Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.

Join host Matt Ellis as he sits down with former England captain and all-round great bloke, Adam Hollioake, in this highly anticipated interview. Get ready to dive deep into Adam's incredible journey as he shares the origins of his passion for cricket, the unique experience of being born in Australia and playing for England, and the unforgettable moment when he spotted his parents on the big screen at Headingley. In this engaging conversation, Adam opens up about his approach to captaincy, the profound impact of losing his brother Ben, and the cherished memories they created together. Discover what life has been like for Adam after retiring from cricket, and stay tuned as he reveals the star-studded guest list for his dream net session. To top it all off, Adam shares a story involving cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards and actor Chris Rock. With fascinating anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, this interview is a must-listen for cricket enthusiasts and fans of Adam Hollioake alike.