CricConnect is an exciting new Q&A platform for all cricket fans around the world
CricConnect is the place for cricket fans to connect, learn and share their knowledge of the game. It’s where cricket fans, players, umpires, coaches, administrators, volunteers, and parents can ask questions, collaborate and connect with each other. The platform is more collaborative, meaningful and educational.
Q: Introducing CRICKET ROCKS - the biggest celebration of Cricket ever seen in Australia!
Venue - Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill, NSW
Date - Fri 15 Nov 2024
Time – 7.30pm
This is your chance to meet current playing heroes and former legends, get a rip-roaring preview of the huge Australia v India test series this summer and catch a white hot performance from Six and Out. No Cricket fan can afford to miss CRICKET ROCKS.
Mark Howard will host Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Brett Lee, Wasim Akram, Mark Waugh, Mark Taylor, Ravi Shastri, and Brad Haddin just to name a few.
India is coming, and so is CRICKET ROCKS. Get your tickets now before they’re gonnnne!!
Q: Introducing CRICKET ROCKS - the biggest celebration of Cricket ever seen in Australia!
Venue - Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill, NSW
Date - Fri 15 Nov 2024
Time – 7.30pm
This is your chance to meet current playing heroes and former legends, get a rip-roaring preview of the huge Australia v India test series this summer and catch a white hot performance from Six and Out. No Cricket fan can afford to miss CRICKET ROCKS.
Mark Howard will host Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Brett Lee, Wasim Akram, Mark Waugh, Mark Taylor, Ravi Shastri, and Brad Haddin just to name a few.
India is coming, and so is CRICKET ROCKS. Get your tickets now before they’re gonnnne!!
Introducing CRICKET ROCKS - the biggest celebration of Cricket ever seen in Australia!Venue - Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill, NSWDate - Fri 15 Nov 2024 Time – 7.30pm ...
Q: Sydney Sixers, NSW and Australian all-rounder Dan Christian will be one of the star attractions when the lights come on at Victoria Park, Mudgee on Thursday, October 24 for a Pink Up Mudgee Twenty20 gala cricket match.start 5.30pm
Big hitters, fast bowlers and a plethora of visiting stars and talented locals will converge on Mudgee in what is surely the best lineup of cricketers to grace our local oval in over half a century.
Organisers of the Pink Up Mudgee Foundation, raising money for cancer care nurses under the guise of the Glenn McGrath Foundation, are expecting a big crowd to file into the picturesque ground to enjoy what should be a sensational game of white ball cricket, the like never before seen in Mudgee.
Christian is a Twenty20 specialist who has played for franchisees all over the globe. He has a reputation as a powerful hitter and a useful medium pacer capable of tearing attacks apart and picking up wickets with his uncanny change of pace.
The lineup of players coming to town for the game includes former Mudgee all-rounder Tim Lang who went on to play for NSW Uni First Grade, NSW and South Australia in an outstanding career.
They will be joined by former NSW and Manly First Grade keeper/batsman Jay Lenton, Manly First Grade opener Lachlan Coyte, and Josh Coyte, one of Manly’s up and coming all-rounders.
Added to the mix is 2023 Country Player of the Year, keeper/batsman Matt Everett from Gilgandra, formerly a Sydney First Grader, plus Liam Cain and Ben Parsons, recognised as Bathurst’s finest with both the willow and ball.
Throw into the mix a number of local present and former stars and the captain coach of the premiership winning Mudgee Dragons Rugby League captain coach, Clay Priest, four Country female stars and the scene is set for a night of action.
Q: NSW Combined High Schools 1sts cricket team – 2019
Back Row – Timothy Laws (Coach, Endeavour Sports high School), Josh Baraba (Westfields Sports High School), Oliver Cronin (Mullumbimby High School), Hunar Verma (Sydney Boys High School), Will Fort (Maitland Grossman High School), Matthew Drinnan (Northmead High School), Jeremy Moors (Manager, The Jannali High School)
Front Row – Arvin Niranjan (Sydney Boys High School), Brock Larance (Dubbo South High School), Ethan Jamieson (Westfields Sports High School), Josh Moors (captain, Kirrawee High School), Corey Miller (Asquith Boys High School), Nivethan Radhakrishnan (Homebush Boys high School), Dhruv Kant (Penrith High School)
David Morrow was a magnificent commentator with a distinguished career in sports media spanning over 50 years.
Many will remember David commentating on cricket on ABC radio. David cherished the Sydney Cricket Ground and took immense pride in his induction into the SCG Media Hall of Fame in 2023.
David, affectionately known as 'thirsty,” was the ABC Radio number one commentator for almost three decades. From 1985 to 1996, David also called Saturday’s rugby league games on ABC Television.
In July 2024, the National Rugby League announced David Morrow's induction into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame, a truly tremendous accolade.
David Morrow covered eight Olympic games and six Commonwealth Games and was one of the most versatile commentators in Australia’s sporting history.
After a battle with brain cancer, David Morrow sadly passed away on July 17, 2024.
Q: Cricket clubs foster a sense of belonging and connection. The mateship and support structures we all experience are invaluable, as is our capacity to rally as a community when one of our own needs support.
Karl Hieser, Prahran Cricket Club Melbourne 2nd XI scorer, tragically lost his father (his carer) and his home in a house fire last Sunday night.
Karl, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is the volunteer every cricket club needs and loves with immense admiration.
He commenced scoring Prahran 2nd grade games back in 1992–93 and, for over 30 years, has scored more than 500 games of cricket.
Karl’s invaluable contribution and influence within the Prahran Cricket Club have seen him afforded Life Membership in the club as well as being inducted into the Prahran Cricket Club Hall of Fame.
We’re hoping that in Karl’s time of need, the cricket community can offer our support with a donation, however big or small, to the following Go Fund Me link -
Cricket clubs foster a sense of belonging and connection. The mateship and support structures we all experience are invaluable, as is our capacity to rally as a community when one of our own needs ...
Q: As of 2 July 2024, 16 England cricketers have played 100 or more test matches.
Only one batter who has played more than 100 test matches averaged less than 40.
Alec Stewart, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Botham, and Ben Stokes all averaged less than 40 but are obviously considered all-rounders with their wicket keeping and bowling.
Can you name the England Test batter who averaged less than 40?
The death of the talented left-arm spinner, 20, was announced on Thursday, sending the cricket community into mourning. Baker made his first-class debut for Worcestershire in July 2021 and was twice capped by England at Under-19 level.
Josh also spent time in the 2023-24 Australian summer playing for Northern District Cricket club in NSW Premier Cricket. Josh is Northern District first grade player number 473.
Q: The Peter Burge Medal is awarded to the best first grade player of the Queensland Premier Cricket season.
In the 33 seasons since Harley Hammelman from South Brisbane Cricket Club and Robert McGhee from Toombul District Cricket Club were joint winners for the inaugural Peter Burge for the 1990-91 season, which premier cricket club has had the most players who have won the prestigious Peter Burge Medal?
A: In the 33 seasons since the medal's inception, Toombul District Cricket Club has produced six Peter Burge Medal winners.
1990-91 – Robert McGhee joint winner with Harley Hammelman (South Brisbane) 1991-92 – Peter Clifford 1994-95 – Peter Skuse joint winner with Scott Prestwidge (Wynnum Manly) and Dominic Overden (Northern Suburbs) 2004-05 – Derek Tate 2009-10 – Chris Lynn 2023-24 – Preston White
University of Queensland and Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club have 5 Peter Burge medalists and South Brisbane and Western Suburbs have 4
Q: The Bill O’Reilly Medal is awarded to the best first grade player of the NSW Premier Cricket season.
In the 57 seasons since Bob Simpson won the inaugural Bill O’Reilly for the 1967-68 season, which premier cricket club has had the most players who have won the prestigious Bill O’Reilly Medal?
Hint – there are 3 clubs with the same number of Bill O’Reilly Medalists
A: In the 57 seasons since the medal's inception, Mosman Cricket Club, Gordon District Cricket Club, and Sydney University have all produced seven Bill O'Reilly Medal winners.
Mosman Cricket Club
1973-74 – Geoff Davies 1974-75 – Mohammed Ilyas joint winner with Brian Booth from St George 1978-79 – Greg Bush 1981-82 – David Colley 1986-87 – Gary Bensley joint winner with Trevor Chappell from North Sydney 1990-91 – Greg Rowell 2003-04 – Trent Johnstone
Gordon District Cricket Club
1971-72 – Dick Guy 1977-78 – Marhsall Rosen 2012-13 – Harry Evans 2015-16 – Charlie Stobo 2016-17 – Mason Crane 2016-17 – Elliott Richter 2023-24 – Tym Crawford joint winner with Bertie Foreman Manly Warringah
Sydney University Cricket Club
1987-88 – John Grimble 1993-94 – John Saint 1994-95 – John Saint 2005-06 – Ian Moran 2009-10 – Greg Mail joint winner with Trent Copeland from St George 2011-12 – Greg Mail 2019-20 – Hayden Kerr
Eastern Suburbs have 5 Bill O’Reilly medalists, Randwick Petersham, Fairfield, Sydney (Balmain), Northern District and Manly Warringah all have 4.
Q: WEST Indies batting legend Brian Lara said the region will continue to fall behind in world cricket if better facilities and technology are not provided for the players.
Lara, who is in India doing commentary for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 tournament, was speaking virtually on day two of the Caricom Cricket Conference at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain on Friday.
West Indies were a powerhouse in the 1970s, 1980s and in the first half of the 1990s.
“The lack of good facilities and academies with the right technology to grow the game kept us aside,” Lara said.
“We felt that our cricketers were naturally good and the way we learnt the game was still the best way. No, it was not and if we still believe that today we are in serious trouble
Q: The Jack Ryder Medal is awarded to the best first grade player of the Victoria Premier Cricket season.
In the 52 seasons since Ron Bird from Collingwood Cricket Club won the inaugural Jack Ryder Medal for the 1972-73 season which premier cricket club has had the most players who have won the prestigious Jack Ryder Medal?
A: Carlton Cricket Club have won the Jack Ryder in 9 of the 52 seasons.
1975-76 - Keith Stackpole 1977-78 - Keith Stackpole 1978-79 - Keith Stackpole 1982-83 - John Douglas 1996-97 – Ian Wrigglesworth 1998-99 – Abdul Qadir 1999-2000 – Carl Hooper 2005-06 – MD Allen tied with Graeme Rummans from St Kilda CC 2022-23 – Harrison Smyth
In the 52 seasons St Kilda have won 7 Jack Ryder Medals. Fitzroy Doncaster won 5, Northcote and Essendon have both won 4.
Q: The Olly Cooley Medal is awarded to the best first grade player of the Western Australia Premier Cricket season.
In the 48 seasons since Tony Mann from Midland Guildford Cricket Club won the inaugural Olly Cooley for the 1976-77 season, which premier cricket club has had the most players who have won the prestigious Olly Cooley Medal?
Q: The Bill O’Reilly Medal is awarded to the best first grade player of the NSW Premier Cricket season.
In the 57 seasons since Bob Simpson won the inaugural Bill O’Reilly for the 1967-68 season, which premier cricket club has had the most players who have won the prestigious Bill O’Reilly Medal?
Hint – there are 3 clubs with the same number of Bill O’Reilly Medalists
Q: The Peter Burge Medal is awarded to the best first grade player of the Queensland Premier Cricket season.
In the 33 seasons since Harley Hammelman from South Brisbane Cricket Club and Robert McGhee from Toombul District Cricket Club were joint winners for the inaugural Peter Burge for the 1990-91 season, which premier cricket club has had the most players who have won the prestigious Peter Burge Medal?
Q: The Jack Ryder Medal is awarded to the best first grade player of the Victoria Premier Cricket season.
In the 52 seasons since Ron Bird from Collingwood Cricket Club won the inaugural Jack Ryder Medal for the 1972-73 season which premier cricket club has had the most players who have won the prestigious Jack Ryder Medal?
Q: The Australian Men’s Test Cricket team has had 47 Test captains since Dave Gregory was Australia’s first captain in the first test match v England in Melbourne in March 1877.
Only 2 of the 47 captains were born in Queensland and played first class cricket for Queensland.
Q: They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.
Q: Littleborough Cricket Club play in the Lancashire League in the U.K and the League is regarded as one of the strongest..
It is late notice, but Littleborough are now looking for a Professional to join their team and it’s a terrific opportunity to play good cricket.
Gary Sobers, Joel Garner, Andy Roberts, Mike Whitney, and Stuart Law are all past professionals at Littleborough Cricket Club.
Primarily the club is looking to secure the services of a batter/spinner.
If you are interested and ready to travel and play straight away, please make contact and we will make the appropriate introductions so you can find out the finer details.
Q: England’s Rob Key backs Kookaburra ball for full-time use in county cricket
“I think it’s been fantastic,” said Key. “You see what four-day cricket is meant to be. I’ve watched quite a bit this week and seen some bloody good cricket. I would use the Kookaburra all the time. English cricket would be much better off for it.”
But county cricket is meant to go four days. This week has shown it’s rewarding the right type of players. Cricket is about watching pace bowlers, spinners and really good batting. Four days is about the journey.”
“The pitches are slow this time of year but watching medium pacers is a waste of time,” said Key. “Teams need to find quicker bowlers or ones who will force a wicket. You can’t just keep running up bowling at 75mph. And in terms of those guys who are not express, you really work out who can bowl.
Q: We thought this terrific interview with Gilbert Enoka would provide value to all cricket players, coaches and club managers administrators.
Cat Peters from Grit and Greatness
When you join the NZ All Blacks Rugby Team, the legacy itself is far more intimidating than any opponent you’ll face.
Add to that the pressure, expectations and weight of a nation and you have the ultimate game within the game. We sit down with Gilbert Enoka - All Blacks Leadership Manager, internationally renowned mental skills coach and the man who's known for being able to get inside the heads of one of the greatest international sports team in history.
His true Kiwi, no b/s approach to greatness and the man who coined the 'No Dickheads' policy with a motto "if you can't change the people, change the people" has helped build one of the greatest and most revered cultures and proudest legacies of any team in history.
Join us as we get inside Gilbert's head and learn the tools and tactics to address resilience, pressure and manage expectations. Oh and we also find out just how bad the man cold really is (or isn't) when it hits the All Blacks camp...
Q: A League Cricket Club in the Cheshire League is looking for an overseas batter with first grade experience in Premier Cricket in Australia. It’s late notice, but their contract overseas player has had to withdraw.
The season in Cheshire starts in 2 weeks, so if anyone is interested, they need to be ready to travel and play.
The Cheshire club is willing to pay for return air fares, accommodation, and club kit, and if you score a lot of runs, you could earn an extra quid or two.
The Cheshire League is designated ECB Premier League and has a good standard of cricket. Cheshire is also a good place to live and well connected to the rest of the U.K.
This is a great opportunity for a young first-grade batter.
Please make contact if you're interested, and we can connect them to the club.
Q: Can you name the wicket keepers who have played first class cricket (Sheffield Shield) for NSW since the start of the 1970-71 cricket season?
We have the following wicket keepers and keen to see if we have missed any.
Greg Dyer
Phil Emery
Matthew Gilkes
Craig Glassock
Brad Haddin
Baxter Holt
Jay Lenton
David Moore
Peter Nevill
Ray Phillips
Nathan Pilon
Steve Rixon
Daniel Smith
Brian Taber
Kerry Thompson
Q: A terrific cricketing podcast with Andrew May catching up with former Australian and NSW players Stuart Clark and Steve Rixon.
Balls, Banter & Besties: A Recipe for Enjoying Success, Having a Good Laugh, and Looking After Your Mates
3:15 Andrew’s 5 minute job interview with Stumpa at NSW Cricket, the difference between training for running and training to be cricket fit, and role modelling to be early for everything.
8:35 Andrew being the worst cricketer involved in NSW Cricket, a coach isn’t there to be liked but to be respected, and Patty Farhart’s comments on Stump and Stuart.
16:00 Simon Katich’s comments on Stuart, how Stuart found his competitive groove and getting the team bus stuck in an underground carpark.
22:00 Knowing when to step in when your kids are struggling, changes in grade cricket over Stuart’s career, Simon Katich and Greg Mail’s comments on Stumpa.
27:00 Coaching players who are having problems at home, Greg Mail’s comments on Stuart, and having a competitive drive as a professional athlete.
30:00 Shane Lee’s comments on Stuart, Stuart’s experience with Pat Cummins as an up and coming bowler, and the limitations of a fast bowler captaining a cricket team.
33:45 The physical effects of bowling on the body, the biggest challenge with cricket is the mind, the benefits of having a focus outside of elite sport.
37:50 The early days of sports psychology and some of the limitations, Stuart not seeing cricket as his career and building other skills/experience, Stumpa making money off cricket in the 70’s and 80’s.
42:20 Shane Lee’s comments on Stumpa, waiting for everyone to have food before you eat or risk getting stabbed in the hand, and Steve’s story of how Shane Lee decided to retire.
48:40 How Stumpa is helping support men’s mental health, fighting off loneliness as you age, and a life-changing trip to a school in India.
1:02:45 Why Stuart is so invested to staying connected with others
1:12:15 Gratitude, not burning your bridges, Stuart remembering the time Steve threw a clipboard at him across the room.
1:17:00 Stumpa going with a friend to the pub once a week because that was the best part of his week, Stuart being there for Andrew during tough times, NSW cricketers never being late for the Australian cricket team bus.
Q: Can you name the wicket keepers who have played first class cricket (Sheffield Shield) for Queensland since the start of the 1970-71 cricket season?
We have the following wicket keepers and keen to see if we have missed any.
Peter Anderson
John Bell
Peter Drinnen
Gavin Fitness
Chris Hartley
Ian Healy
John Maclean
Jimmy Peirson
Ray Phillips
Wade Seccombe
Here’s a list we’ve compiled of the father and sons/daughters who have played first class cricket in Australia.
We may well have missed a few more so please if you know of other father and sons/daughters who've played first class cricket in Australian please share in the answers below.
Geoff Marsh - father (WA)
Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh - sons (WA)
Peter Faulkner - father (Tasmania)
James Faulkner - son (Tasmania)
Sam Trimble - father (Qld)
Glenn Trimble - son (Qld)
Terry MacGill - father (WA)
Stuart MacGill - son (WA and NSW)
Ian Brayshaw - father (WA)
James Brayshaw - son (WA and Sth A)
Rod Marsh - father (WA)
Dan Marsh - son (Sth A and Tas)
Norm O’Neill - father (NSW)
Mark O’Neill - son (WA and NSW)
Alec Marks - father (NSW)
Neil Marks - son (NSW)
James Sutherland - father (Vic)
Will Sutherland - son and Annabelle Sutherland - daughter (Vic)
Craig McDermott - father (Qld)
Alistair McDermott - son (Qld) and Ben McDermott - son (Qld and Tas)
Darren Lehmann - father (Sth A and VIC)
Jake Lehmann - son (Sth A)
Wayne Broad - father (Qld)
Ryan Broad - son (Qld)
Steve Nikitaras - father (NSW and WA)
Blake Nikitaras - son (NSW)
Ned Gregory – father (NSW)
Syd Gregory – son (NSW)
Trevor Laughlin- father (Vic)
Ben Laughlin - son (Qld and Tas)
Richard Stobo - father (NSW)
Charlie Stobo - son (NSW and WA)
John Rogers - father (NSW)
Chris Rogers - son (WA and VIC)
Bruce Doolan - father (Tas)
Alex Doolan - son (Tas)
Len Maddocks - father ((Tas and VIC)
Ian Maddocks - son (Vic)
Bob Blewett - father (Sth A)
Greg Blewett - son (Sth A)
Jeff Hammond - father (Sth A)
Ashley Hammond - son (Sth A)
Dean Sayers - father (Sth A)
Chadd Sayers - son (Sth A)
Murray Goodwin - father (WA)
Jayden Goodwin - son (WA)
Q: Queensland and NSW are playing the last Sheffield Shield game of the 2023-24 season with NSW still a chance to make the final.
Over the years there's been many first class cricketers who have played for both Queensland NSW,
Here's our list of players so far. If you know of others please let us know.
Allan Border
Peter Clifford
Peter Forrest
Nathan Hauritz
Scott Henry
Usman Khawaja
Ray Phillips
Len Richardson
Greg Rowell
Gurinder Sandhu
Peter Taylor
Jeff Thomson
Shane Watson
Dirk Wellham
Q: Who is the one player from Perth Grade Cricket who played between 1980 and 2000 you’d want as the first player selected if you had the opportunity to start your own Western Australian Premier Cricket first grade cricket team?
Q: Who is the one player from Adelaide Grade Cricket who played between 1980 and 2000 you’d want as the first player selected if you had the opportunity to start your own South Australian Premier Cricket first grade cricket team?
Q: Who is the one player from Grade Cricket in Tasmania who played between 1980 and 2000 you’d want as the first player selected if you had the opportunity to start your own Tasmania Premier Cricket first grade cricket team?
Q: Who is the one player from Melbourne District Cricket who played between 1980 and 2000 you’d want as the first player selected if you had the opportunity to start your own Victorian Premier Cricket first grade cricket team?
Q: Who is the one player from Newcastle Grade Cricket who played between 1980 and 2000 you’d want as the first player selected if you had the opportunity to start your own Newcastle Premier first grade cricket team?
Q: Who is the one player from Sydney Grade Cricket who played between 1980 and 2000 you’d want as the first player selected if you had the opportunity to start your own NSW Premier first grade cricket team?
Q: Who is the one player from Brisbane Grade Cricket who played between 1980 and 2000 you’d want as the first player selected if you had the opportunity to start your own Queensland Premier first grade cricket team?
A cricket captain can inspire a team and individual players. They can bring a team together and make the game a lot more fun.As part of the Captains Library on CricConnect we’re seeking fe ...
Q: Hearty congratulations to teenager Rohan Handa who in November 2023 was presented with a British Citizen Youth Honours Award.
During lockdown, Rohan created and shared cricket and fitness videos (Youtube - Cricket Nuggets by Rohan Handa) to promote healthy living inspire and encourage others to keep fit and develop their cricket skills during isolation.
The medal presentation took place at the Palace of Westminster, and Rohan was invited to 10 Downing Street after the ceremony.
Well done Rohan – we hope you continue to enjoy your cricket.
Q: Hearty congratulations to teenager Rohan Handa who in November 2023 was presented with a British Citizen Youth Honours Award.
During lockdown, Rohan created and shared cricket and fitness videos (Youtube - Cricket Nuggets by Rohan Handa) to promote healthy living inspire and encourage others to keep fit and develop their cricket skills during isolation.
The medal presentation took place at the Palace of Westminster, and Rohan was invited to 10 Downing Street after the ceremony.
Well done Rohan – we hope you continue to enjoy your cricket.
Q: Hearty congratulations to teenager Rohan Handa who in November 2023 was presented with a British Citizen Youth Honours Award.
During lockdown, Rohan created and shared cricket and fitness videos (Youtube - Cricket Nuggets by Rohan Handa) to promote healthy living inspire and encourage others to keep fit and develop their cricket skills during isolation.
The medal presentation took place at the Palace of Westminster, and Rohan was invited to 10 Downing Street after the ceremony.
Well done Rohan – we hope you continue to enjoy your cricket.
Q: Who was the fielder with a direct hit, effected the run out of Ian Meckiff to produce the first tied test match in the history of test cricket. It was the first test of the 1960-61 series between Australia and West Indies in Brisbane?
Photo of the Australian Country XI when they played New Zealand on 23 January 2002 at Bowral.New Zealand defeated the Country XI by 249 runsCourtesy of Daniel Hughes - Aust ...
Q: Bestselling cricket author and historian Roland Perry shines a light on the game’s biggest players and dramas through the ages in Great Australian Cricket Achievers and Characters.
The Inspiration for Scott Boland
Exactly 150 years after Charles Lawrence and his Aboriginal team toured England, Scott Boland, who had been plying his bowling for a few years with Victoria, discovered his family link to the Gulidjan tribe near Colac in Victoria’s Western District. His maternal grandfather was Aboriginal and had been adopted into a white family.
Boland and his brother Nick made their way to the tiny town of Harrow, from where they were driven fifteen minutes away to a bush water-hole area where the star of that 1868 tour, Johnny Mullagh, had spent much time in his final days. A large, hollowed-out tree is where he is said to have sought shade on his visits there. Mullagh’s reputation among locals, and those who know his story, places him at the top of legendary Indigenous Australian sportspeople. The trip meant much to the Boland brothers, whose pride in their recently discovered heritage and culture was growing.
Bestselling cricket author and historian Roland Perry shines a light on the game’s biggest players and dramas through the ages in Great Australian Cricket ...
Q: Who was the first Australian cricketer to play Sheffield Shield cricket for 3 different states?
A: We originally thought the first cricketer to play first class cricket in Australia for 3 states was Graeme Watson. Watson played 5 Tests for Australia and played first class cricket for Victoria, Western Australia, and NSW from 1964 to 1977.
However, with further research the answer is Percy McDonnell.
McDonnell is Australian Test cricket number 21 and played 19 Tests for Australia from 1880 to 1888.
He played 166 first class games for Victoria, NSW, and Queensland from 1877 to 1896.
1977/78 to 1884/85 – Victoria 1885/86 to 1891/92 – NSW 1894/95 to 1895/96 – Queensland.
Percy McDonnell passed away in September 1896 at the age of 37 due to heart failure.
Q: Knox Grammar School First XI cricket team - 1986
Back Row - Tim Kemp, Mark Bland, Tim Conde, Jay Howard, Jarrod Myles
Front Row - Andrew Jenkinson, Hugh Jackman, Andrew Martyr (Captain), Tony Gifford (Manager), Angus Worland (Vice-Captain), Darren Collett, Ian Drewe
Q: In the 6th test of the 1981 Ashes series between Australian and England at The Oval, Dirk Wellham, Australian Test Player 314, scored a century on debut.
Wellham scored 103 in Australia’s 2nd innings.
Since then, 8 Australian test cricketers have scored a century on debut. Can you name the 8?
Q: Who opened the batting for Australia v India in the first test of the 1977-78 series. It was Australia’s first test match after players had been banned for signing with World Series Cricket and Bob Simpson was recalled as the Australian Test captain at the age of 41.
Australian went into the first test with 6 debutants – David Ogilvie, Paul Hibbert, Peter Toohey, Steve Rixon, Tony Mann and Wayne Clark
A: Well done Damien.
Australia played a 5 test series against India in 1977-78 and used 6 different openers in the series.
First Test - Hibbert and Cosier 2nd Test - John Dyson and Craig Serjeant 3rd Test - John Dyson and Gary Cosier 4th Test - John Dyson and Gary Cosier 5th Test - Graeme Wood and Rick Darling
Q: Who opened the batting for Australia v India in the first test of the 1977-78 series. It was Australia’s first test match after players had been banned for signing with World Series Cricket and Bob Simpson was recalled as the Australian Test captain at the age of 41.
Australian went into the first test with 6 debutants – David Ogilvie, Paul Hibbert, Peter Toohey, Steve Rixon, Tony Mann and Wayne Clark
"Don't believe me, check the scorecard!" - Everyone in this week's Opening Spell... probably.
First ball – Slay!
St George-Sutherland Slayer, Rhiannon Dick, ripped through the Manly Warringah first-grade line-up in their match-up on Sunday, claiming figures of 7-8 from four overs. Yes, you read that correctly…7-8! Well bowled.
Second ball – Trademark Clarke provides Magpies spark!
Western Suburbs talisman Josh Clarke came in to bat with his side at 1-18, having been sent in by Randwick Petersham. Clarke, together with Liam Sparke 92 (209 balls) added 194 runs for the second wicket, with Clarke batting throughout the rest of the day, to be 142* (not out) at stumps. It was Clarke’s 23rd century. It took him to 9301 first-grade runs, past Australian sporting legend Victor Trumper (9244).
Q: Who was the Australian International bowler who took a wicket on the last ball they bowled in Test cricket as well as the last ball they bowled on one day internationals in Australia?
A: Well done Hayden, correct. Glenn McGrath dismissed Jimmy Anderson when England were dismissed for 147 in the 2nd innings of the 5th test of the 2006/07 Ashes series at the SCG. Anderson was the last batter out and Australia chased down the 45 runs to win by 10 wickets. On the 11 February 2007 McGrath played his last one day international at the SCG in Australia and he dismissed England wicket keeper Paul Nixon on the last ball of England 50th over. A month or so later McGrath played a vital role in Australia winning the 2007 World Cup played in the West Indies and retired from international and first class cricket.
Q: Who was the Australian International bowler who took a wicket on the last ball they bowled in Test cricket as well as the last ball they bowled on one day internationals in Australia?
Q: Sometimes you hear snippets of information and think that’s gold, there’s a tale to be told.
The names Lillee and Marsh are synonymous with Australian cricket. Two Australian cricketing legends welded together as a combination as batsman were “Caught Marsh Bowled Lillee”.
But where did it all start, and here’s the great cricket trivia question.
Who was the first batsman in first-class cricket to be “Caught Marsh Bowled Lillee?”
It happened on 2 November 1969 in a Sheffield Shield game at The Gabba between Western Australia and Queensland.
Sometimes you hear snippets of information and think that’s gold, there’s a tale to be told. The names Lillee and Marsh are synonymous with Australian cricket. Two Australian cricketi ...
Q: Talha Qadeer is from Punjab in Pakistan and has a deep love of cricket and supports many competitions around the world.
Tell us briefly about your journey in the game, where you’ve played, what clubs and how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I played at school level, college level, university level, and also playing for a local club. My strongest area is batting.
Who has been your favourite Pakistan captain and if you could add a few words to why?
Babar Azam because he is running the team at level best. He is boosting up the morale of team. He is playing with responsibility. He is even against the political lobby in the team and under his captaincy everyone is playing as single unit.
Talha Qadeer is from Punjab in Pakistan and has a deep love of cricket and supports many competitions around the world.Let’s find out more about Talha passion and insights into the game ...
Q: A great opportunity to play cricket in Ireland.
The Pathways Hills Cricket Club in Dublin, Ireland is looking to secure an overseas professional for their season in 2024.
Head coach, former NSW and Ireland opening batter Jeremy Bray seeks a quality top order batter with the thirst to score runs consistently. The club would also like the player to be able to bowl a good level of spin.
The club offers airfare, accommodation, and earnings of between 10 to 12 thousand euro.
Q: Opportunity for Premier Cricket Clubs in Australia
Middlesex First Class all-rounder Luke Hollman is available to play premier cricket in Australia.
Luke is a left-handed top order batter and bowls leg spin and is keen to play a season of Premier Cricket in Australia
• 23 years old and eligible for a working holiday visa and or 482 key if needed.
• He is currently playing for Middlesex County Cricket Club
• No driving licence
• What's Needed. Flight, accommodation, and a part-time job
• Will be available for the season, including Finals.
For more details please contact Alan Howarth on mobile - 0434 829 376
Back Row – Dennis Monaghan, Joe Marsh, Greg James, Paul Bagshaw, Michael Williams, Dwayne Breckenridge, Pious Gregory
Middle Row – Michael Mainhardt, Sean Appo, Darren Thompson, Bert Pearce, Laurie Marks, Donald Gardner, Les Knox
Front Row – Neil Bulger, Ian King, Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), Mark Ella (Coach), John McGuire (Captain)
The 1988 tour was the first in 120 years after the first Aboriginal cricket team toured England in 1868.
Joe Marsh was only 18 years of age on the tour - you can read more about Joe and his personal highlights of the tour
Back Row – Dennis Monaghan, Joe Marsh, Greg James, Paul Bagshaw, Michael Williams, Dwayne Breckenridge, Pious GregoryMiddle Row – Michael Mainhardt, Sean Appo, Darren Thompson, Bert Pear ...
Q: On the 21st August 1986 Sir Ian Botham became the highest wicket taker in test history when he trapped New Zealand batter Jeff Crowe LBW for 8 on the first day of the 3rd test between England and New Zealand at the Oval.
The record was held by Australian Dennis Lillee who took 355 test wickets.
Botham went on to take 383 test wickets in 102 test matches and held the record until passed by New Zealand paceman Sir Richard Hadlee.
In the first innings of the third test Botham took the wicket of Bruce Edgar to equal Lillee’s record of 355, Jeff Crowe to pass the record and then dismissed Jeremy Coney to finish the innings with 3 wickets. It was Botham first test back after being suspended by the England test and County Cricket Board.
Q: East Hills Boys High School cricket team - 1991 Alan Davidson Shield winners
Back Row - Adam Fairley, Justin Holbrook, Glen Hall, Michael Smith, Brad Parmeter, Jay McInney, Craig Herbert. Ron Perrett (Coach)
Front Row - Gary Trudgett, Paul Crossan, Adrian Barlow (Captain), John Byron, Danny Waugh (Vice Captain)
Q: On the 20th August 1931 Australian test cricketer number 1 Charles Bannerman passed way at the age of 80.
Bannerman faced the first ball bowled in test cricket on 15 March 1877 at the MCG and went on to score 165 before retiring hurt with a broken finger in Australia’s first inning of 245.
Australia had won the toss and elected to bat and after being bowled out in their first innings they dismissed England for 196. Australia was bowled out for 104 in their 2nd innings with Bannerman scoring only 4 and England needed 153 runs to win. Australia bowled England out for 108 and Australia was the test match by 45 runs.
Bannerman played 3 test matches for Australia scoring 239 runs at an average of 59.75.
He played first class cricket for NSW and in 44 first class matches he scored 1,687 runs at an average of 21.62 including one century and nine half centuries.
Bannerman retired from first class cricket in 1888 and went on to become an umpire and umpired in 12 tests matches.
Q: On the 19 August 1992 Sri Lanka wicket keeper batter Romesh Kaluwitharana scored 132 not out on day 3 of his test debut in the first test between Sri Lanka and Australia in Colombo.
In the test match Sri Lanka won the toss and sent Australia into bat and Australia were bowled out for 256.
Sri Lanak declared their first innings 8 for 547 and along with Kaluwitharana, Asanka Gurisinha and Arjuna Ranatunga also made centuries.
Australia scored 471 in their 2nd innings setting Sri Lanka 180 to win.
Kaluwitharana test debut century was in the same test match Australian spin legend Shane Warne bowled Australia to victory with 5.1 overs and took 3 wickets for 11 runs as Australia bowled sri Lanka out for 164 to win by 16 runs.
Kaluwitharana played 49 tests for Sri Lanka taking 119 dismissals, 93 catches and 26 stumpings and scored 1,933 runs at an average of 26.12. He ht 2 centuries and 9 half centuries and his highest score was 132 not out.
In 189 one day internationals Kaluwitharana took 207 dismissals, 132 catches and 75 stumpings and scored 3,711 runs at an average of 22.22. He scored 3 centuries and 23 half centuries in ODI and his highest score was 102.
Q: On the 18 August 1934 Don Bradman and Bill Ponsford shared a world record partnership of 451 on the first day of the 5th cricket test between England and Australia at the Oval.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat and Ponsford’s opening partner Bill Brown was out for 10 and the score was 1 for 21.
Bradman joined Ponsford and they took the score to 2 for 472 when Bradman was out late in the day for 244.
At stumps on day one Australia were 2 for 475 with Ponsford not out on 205 and Stan McCabe not out 1.
An interesting note about the test match was the first day was on a Saturday and Sunday was the rest day after just one day’s play and the test resumed on Monday the 20th of August.
On day 2 of the test Ponsford was dismissed for 266 and Australia were bowled out for 701 and went on to win the test convincingly by 562 runs.
Q: On this day 17 August 1964 former England test opener Geoff Boycott scored his first test century when he was dismissed for 113 in the 2nd innings of the 5th test at The Oval in the 1964 Ashes series between England and Australia.
In 108 test matches between 1964 and 1982 Geoff Boycott scored 8,114 runs at an average of 47.72 with 22 test centuries and 42 half centuries. His highest test score was 246 not out.
Boycott made his first-class debut in 1962 and in a career spanning 24 years he played an incredible 609 first class matches and scored 48,426 runs at an average of 56.83. He hit 151 centuries and 238 half centuries. His highest first-class score was 261 not out.
Geoff Boycott played his last test match in January 1982 at the age of 41.
Q: On the 16 August 2020 former Indian test batting opener Chetan Chauhan passed away at the age of 73.
Chetan Chauhan played 40 tests for India between 1969 and 1981 and was the regular opening partner of Sunil Gavaskar.
Chauhan and Gavaskar shared 10 hundred run opening partnerships in 59 innings.
In Chauhan 68 tests innings he scored 2,084 runs at an average of 31.57 includi9ng 16 half centuries. His highest score was 97.
In July 2020, Chetan Chauhan was admitted to the hospital after testing positive for Covid and died due to complications and multiple organ failure.
Q: On the 15 August 1964 England fast bowler Fred Trueman became the first bowler in test cricket history to take 300 test wickets.
His 300th test wicket was Australia’s number 10 batter Neil Hawke caught at 2nd slip by Colin Cowdrey for 14 on the 3rd day of the 5th Test between England and Australia in the 1964 Ashes series.
The test match was drawn after the 5th days play was washed.
England first innings – 182
Australia first innings – 379
England second innings – 4 for 381 at stumps on day 4.
In 67 tests Fred Trueman took 307 wickets at an average of 21.57 and took 5 wickets in an innings on 17 occasions and in 3 test matches he took 10 wickets.
Trueman is acknowledged as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket's history.
Q: On the 15 August 1964 England fast bowler Fred Trueman became the first bowler in test cricket history to take 300 test wickets.
His 300th test wicket was Australia’s number 10 batter Neil Hawke caught at 2nd slip by Colin Cowdrey for 14 on the 3rd day of the 5th Test between England and Australia in the 1964 Ashes series.
The test match was drawn after the 5th days play was washed.
England first innings – 182
Australia first innings – 379
England second innings – 4 for 381 at stumps on day 4.
In 67 tests Fred Trueman took 307 wickets at an average of 21.57 and took 5 wickets in an innings on 17 occasions and in 3 test matches he took 10 wickets.
Trueman is acknowledged as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket's history.
Q: On the 14 August 1948 Ray Lindwall took the new ball in the 5th test of the Australian and England Ashes series at The Oval and was instrumental in setting up Australia’s victory by an innings and 149 runs.
Lindwall bowled 16.1 overs including 5 maidens and took 6 for 20 as England were bowled out for 52.
Q: On the 13 August 1981 Mike Whitney made his test debut for Australian to become Australian Test cricketer number 313.
Whitney made his debut in the 5th test of the 1981 Ashes series at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Originally not selected in the Ashes squad Whitney was playing for Fleetwood in the Northern League in Lancashire and had played some country cricket for Gloucester when he was called into the test team after injuries to Rodney Hogg and Geoff Lawson.
Whitney first test wicket was David Gower for 23 and he also dismissed Chris Tavare for 69 in the first innings. 17 overs 2 for 50.
In the 2nd innings Whiney dismissed Ian Botham for 118 and John Emburey for 57. 27 overs 2 for 74.
Mike Whitney played 12 tests for Australia taking 39 wickets at an average of 33.97. His best figures were 7 for 27 and he took 5 wickets in an innings on 2 occasions and once took 10 wickets in a test.
Q: St. Joseph College in Sydney First XI in 1925. Former Australian Test batter Stan McCabe is on the left in the front row aged 15 after making his debut for the firsts at 14 the previous season.
Q: On the 12 August 1991 Viv Richards, Jeffrey Dujon and Malcolm Marshall played their last day of test cricket. It was the 5th test West Indies v England at The Oval.
Viv Richards played 121 test matches and scored 8,540 runs at an average of 50.23 including 24 centuries. His highest score was 291 and in 2000, Richards was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Century.
Jeffrey Dujon played 81 test matches and as a wicket keeper took 272 dismissals, 267 catches and 5 stumps. He scored 3,322 runs at an average of 31.894 including 5 centuries. His highest score was 139.
Malcolm Marshall played 81 test matches and is regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. He took 376 wickets at an average of 20.94 and his best figures were 7 for 22. He took 5 wickets in an innings on 22 occasions and 10 wickets in a match four times. He scored 1,810 runs at an average of 18.85 with a highest score of 92.
Q: On the 11 August 1884 Billy Murdoch (211) and Tup Scott (102) scored the first double century partnership in Test cricket playing for Australia in the 3rd test v England in London.
Their partnership yielded 207 runs and Australia scored 551 runs in the first innings off 311 overs.
England were bowled out for 346 off 198 overs in their first innings and were 2 for 86 off 26 over and the match was drawn.
The test match was a 3-day test match from 11 -13 August 1884. Declarations were not permitted in test cricket until 1889.
Q: On the 10th August 1989, Mark Taylor (141*) and Geoff Marsh (125*) batted the entire first day of the 5th Ashes Test in Nottingham, getting to stumps at 0-301.
Michael Atherton and Devon Malcolm made their Test Debut for England
Q: The West Indies cricket team have entertained cricket fans for many decades. The all-conquering Windies of the 1980s and 90s inspired a generation of cricketers throughout the world.
The West Indies, typically cool and exotic names.
Can you name any past or present West Indian cricketers who share the same first name?
Q: Bluey's cricket episode perfectly encapsulates the meaning of the game
Backyard cricket takes centre stage in the latest episode of Bluey, Cricket, which you can watch on iView now.
The episode focuses on one of Bluey's friends, Rusty, who we're told "loves cricket".
That love of the game is shown by him playing at every possible opportunity: With his brothers in their backyard, with his brother's mates "with a real cricket ball" in the park and, when they're not available, by knocking a tennis ball against the wall by himself.
He even sleeps with a cricket bat by his bed.
Essentially, he's a cartoon, Kelpie version of a young Marnus Labuschagne.
I made my first-class debut in 1998 for my county in the United Kingdom • I scored 46 first class hundreds. • I played first grade premier cricket in Australia. • I made a century on my Test debut and scored 21 Test centuries.
I made my first-class debut in 1952/53 and played for 2 states in Australia • 60 first class hundreds • 62 Test matches for Australia • passed 50 in 37 innings in Test Cricket for Australia • took 349 first class wickets • took 383 catches in first class cricket
Q: Within the past 50 years an Australian Test bowler became the first Australian in Test Cricket history to dismiss all 11 opposition batters in a Test match? Can you name the bowler?
A: Correct Kelvin. In the 3rd Test of Australia’s 1979 tour of India Dymock took 5-99 and 7-67 and dismissed all 11 Indian batters across the two innings. Dymock was the first Australian and 3rd in the history of Test cricket after Jim Laker in 1956 and Srinivas Venkataraghavan in 1965.
Q: Within the past 50 years an Australian Test bowler became the first Australian in Test Cricket history to dismiss all 11 opposition batters in a Test match? Can you name the bowler?
Q: On this day 7 March 2004, The Waugh brothers represented New South Wales for the final time, retiring with 50,907 first-class runs, 160 centuries and 457 wickets between them and in total 296 Test matches
Q: If a bowler brushes and disrupts the stumps with their hands or legs as they’re in their delivery stride when bowling the ball, it’s now a No Ball and not a Dead Ball. What is the reason behind the change to the laws?
A: With thanks to Ben Treloar - Education Officer at New South Wales Cricket Umpires Association
Not entirely sure why the change happened, but this may have contributed to it.
In the lead up to the change in application, a bowler namely Stephen Finn from England was known to get very close to the stumps at the bowler end when delivering the ball and would more often than not disturb the bails. When this occurred, it was play on. When it kept happening, the bowlers end umpire started to call Dead ball in case this was distracting the striker prior to playing the ball. When the next edition of the Laws came out, the change had been made to deem the action a No ball.
