In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with one of Australia’s most prolific cricket writers, Ken Piesse. With a career spanning decades, Ken has written more than 90 books on the game and served as editor of the legendary Cricketer magazine.

His work has chronicled the stories of great players, historic matches, and the rich traditions that make cricket such a unique sport.

In this conversation, Ken reflects on:

His journey into cricket journalism and publishing Memorable encounters with cricket legends.

The art of telling cricket stories through books.

The enduring charm of grassroots and country cricket.

His latest book celebrating the history and characters of Victorian country cricket.

It’s a fascinating insight into the craft of cricket writing and the passion that keeps the stories of the game alive. If you love cricket history, books, and storytelling, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the people who shape the game.

Head to https://cricketbooks.com.au/product-c... to find all of Ken's work and much more!

What does it mean to truly love cricket?

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with author and cricket tragic Nikhil Kulkarni to explore his deeply personal book, My Summer of Cricket.

From a village in North Karnataka in India to the grand stadiums of Australia, Nikhil’s journey is one that will resonate with cricket lovers everywhere. This is a story of early morning radio commentaries, lifelong devotion, and the moments that define us as fans of the game. At the heart of the book is an extraordinary pilgrimage during the 2024–25 summer, where Nikhil attended every single day of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, travelling between the Gabba, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Sydney Cricket Ground to follow one of cricket’s greatest rivalries. In this conversation, we explore: 🏏 Growing up with cricket in India and finding a new home in Australia

🏏 The emotional pull of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy

🏏 Witnessing Sachin Tendulkar’s final Test match

🏏 The stories, people and moments that make cricket more than just a game

🏏 How cricket connects cultures, generations, and communities

To close the episode, Nikhil faces “The Final Over” — six quick-fire questions to finish the innings.

If you’ve ever set an alarm for a 3am Test match, followed a series ball by ball, or felt cricket shape your life, this episode is for you.

About Nikhil Kulkarni:

Nikhil Kulkarni is a Sydney-based tech leader, community builder, and lifelong cricket tragic who has followed the game across India and Australia for over three decades. His debut book, My Summer of Cricket, chronicles the dramatic 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, blending match-day moments and personal reflections from thirty years of fandom. https://mysummerofcricket.com/

What does it take to build a life in cricket at the highest level? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with Gavin Dovey to explore a remarkable journey through Australian sport.

Now the CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, Gavin has spent decades working behind the scenes of the game we all love so dearly. Before moving into administration, Gavin served as team manager of the Australia national cricket team, offering a unique perspective on the culture, leadership, and pressure that comes with representing Australia.

In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss:

🏏 Gavin’s love of sport growing up in Sydney in the 80s

🏏 What it’s really like managing the Australian men’s team

🏏 Lessons from working alongside players and coaches at the highest level

🏏 Growing and strengthening cricket in the Northern Territory

🏏 The unique role the Territory plays in the Australian cricket landscape

🏏 The future vision for cricket in the Top End

Plus, Gavin faces “The Final Over” — six quick questions to finish the innings.

If you love the stories behind the game, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and decisions that shape Australian cricket. Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast for more conversations with the players, writers, thinkers and administrators who have helped build the game.