There’s no more a passionate cricket person than Matt Ellis, he just loves the game.
Currently living in Dubbo with his family Matt has links with local club team Dubbo CYMS and has played cricket in many parts of Australia.
Cricket NSW is incredibly fortunate to have Matt as their Development Manager in Far West NSW.
From Matt Ellis Linkedin profile:
“My life-long passion for cricket has seen me move into my current role as Cricket NSW Development Manager for Far West NSW. In this role, I continue to strive towards excellence and aim to inspire the next generation of participants in Australia’s favourite Sport.
Matt hosts the popular The Cricket Library Podcast and enjoys writing about the game.
Let’s find out more about Matt’s journey in the game
Welcome Matt,
Firstly, what year you were born?
1978
Can you remember your first game of cricket?
I was 10 playing for the Kissing Point Cricket Club under 11s. I made 3 and 17 with the bat and bowled some off breaks.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Thankful to have played at a number of clubs over the years including;
Kissing Point Cricket Club, West Pymble Cricket Club, Mt Colah Cricket Club, North Sydney, Unley Cricket Club (Adelaide), North Broken Hill Cricket Club, Sandgate Redcliffe Cricket Club (Brisbane) & Dubbo CYMS Cricket Club
What other sports do you play?
I played 20 seasons of soccer and though it may not be obvious to the naked eye, I spend a fair bit of time in the gym.
Who is your favourite sports movie or documentary?
The Rookie which is based on the life of Jim Morris who played Major League Baseball. I also love the movie - documentary on boxer Rocky Marciano. Looking forward to watching The Test on Amazon Prime as well!
What’s the one thing about you most people don’t know about?
I once played clarinet at the Sydney Opera House.
What’s your highest score in senior cricket?
In Dubbo 1st Grade it was 79 not out against Macquarie Cricket Club at Victoria Park Number 3. I also made 94 in a lower grade game for North Sydney in the late 90s pre MyCricket so you will just have to trust me on that one.
What has been your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
I once managed 7-58 with my leg breaks for North Sydney at North Sydney Number 2 in a lower grade game.
Can you tell us which players at Dubbo CYMS we should be looking out for in terms of higher representative honours?
1st Grade Captain Ben Knaggs is an excellent leader with tremendous all round cricket skills. I have had the pleasure of opening the batting with both Tom Coady and Brock Larance at the back end of my time in 1st Grade and they are both young players with plenty of potential.
Who has been the fastest bowler you have played against so far?
Ben Patterson & Henry Railz were always tough to negotiate. Henry Railz now plays first grade cricket for Penrith in NSW Premier Cricket
Who has been the best spinner you have played against so far?
Ryan Medley & Adrian Carey are the two best spinners I have faced.
Who has been the best batsman you’ve played against?
Can I name one from each club? Brad Cox (RSL Colts), Jason Green (Macquarie), Jordan Moran (Dubbo Rugby), Mitch Bower (South Dubbo), Wayne Dunlop (Newtown)
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Brendan Oakes at West Pymble Cricket Club in Sydney
Who was your childhood hero?
Allan Robert Border
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
- A gym session with Hulk Hogan is on my bucket list.
- A net with AB DeVilliers would be pretty cool.
- I only drink one coffee per annum and would love Justin Langer to join me one year for this.
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Kerry O’Keeffe
Who is the local player who has the biggest impact on you?
Having the privilege of playing with the late Jaspal Bansal is something I will always be thankful for.
Jaspal’s batting was on another level and his catching in the gully was incredible. A very humble man who was highly regarded by those who played with and against him. The epitome of a true gentleman.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
The great people I have got to know through the game, the test of physical and mental skills, the banter & I absolutely love rolling the arm over in the nets.
What has been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Hitting my first six at age 25 (All my time in the gym finally paid off)
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
In my first 5th Grade game for North Sydney I was 15 years old, batting number ten and had a match winning partnership with Michael Thompson our opening bowler at Tunks Park finishing with 16 not out against Mosman.
What are your hobbies?
I love spending time with my wife Erinn and our three children. I also host the Cricket Library Podcast & do a bit of writing in my spare time.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Love God, Love Others, Love Self.
What are your cricketing ambitions?
To inspire a love of cricket in Far West NSW, to take my six hitting tally into double figures & to play cricket with my kids.
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