The Biggest Man in Cricket

Africa Podcast Network

This is not just a cricket podcast. It’s where the game gets personal.

Hosted by David Brooke — a lifelong cricket insider who's worked across stadiums, franchises, and global tournaments — The Biggest Man in Cricket brings you behind the curtain of the sport he’s spent his career living and loving.

From Proteas and International legends to local heroes, each episode is a raw, real conversation about grit, glory, and what cricket reveals about life. Think less press conference, more coffee chat — where the laughs, lessons, and left-field stories come out.

☕ Stories over coffee. Insights over egos.
📍 Available on all major podcast platforms

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20 episodes
Updated July 27

Episodes20

Newest first

July 27 · 1 hr 15 min
Episode 25 - Dr Ali Bacher
Some conversations are interviews. Others become part of history. Dr Ali Bacher has lived almost every chapter of modern South African cricket. From captaining one of the country's greatest teams, through international isolation, the rebel tours and South Africa's return to world cricket, few people have witnessed more from the inside. In this extraordinary conversation, recorded inside Dr Bacher's Johannesburg home and surrounded by priceless cricket memorabilia, he reflects on the moments tha
July 13 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 24 Allan Donald
One of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, Allan Donald joins The Biggest Man in Cricket for one of his most personal and reflective interviews yet. From unforgettable battles with Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Steve Waugh and Michael Atherton, to his legendary years at Warwickshire, representing South Africa after readmission, and why the Royal Challengers Bengaluru family became such a special part of his coaching journey in the IPL, Donald opens up on the moments that shaped his car
June 29 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 23 - Wayne Parnell
For years, Wayne Parnell was one of South African cricket's most talked-about and scrutinised figures. He grew up in the public eye, faced criticism from every angle, and learned some tough lessons along the way. In this honest conversation, Wayne reflects on that journey, how fatherhood has given him a new perspective, and why his greatest purpose today extends beyond his own playing career. While the fire to compete still burns, he's equally passionate about helping shape the next generation
June 9 · 1 hr 35 min
Episode 22 - Dave Rundle
Dave Rundle was one of the premier off-spinners in South African cricket during the late-80s and early-90s, representing both Western Province and South Africa during a distinguished playing career. After hanging up his boots, he became one of the country's most respected player managers, helping guide some of the biggest names in world cricket through the professional era. From managing Jacques Kallis from the very start of his international career to nurturing the next generation of stars suc
May 22 · 52 min
Episode 21 - Laura Wolvaardt
It's The Biggest Man in Cricket's one year birthday, and to celebrate we have invited cricketing royalty to our Bootleggers studio! From making her international debut for South Africa while still at school, to becoming one of the most dominant batters in world cricket, Laura Wolvaardt’s journey has been extraordinary. The Proteas captain reflects on the evolution of her game across all three formats, the pressures of leading her country, and the expectations that come with being one of the fac
May 4 · 59 min
Episode 20 - Robin Peterson
Episode 20 features former Proteas allrounder Robin Peterson, who unpacks the Warriors’ return to silverware, his work in developing South Africa’s rising talent, and his journey as an attacking spin bowling allrounder for the Proteas. Robbie P also shares insights on his move into coaching and his success with the Mumbai Indians family, including MI New York and MI Cape Town. And, of course, there is a fair share of cricketing anecdotes, from bowling THAT over to the great Brian Lara, to the
April 20 · 1 hr 13 min
Episode 19 - Vincent Barnes
From cricket’s isolation era to the heart of modern greatness, Vincent Barnes has seen it all - and shaped a lot of it too. We talk about how he turned a career cut off from the world stage into a coaching journey that helped produce absolute legends like Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel. There are also some proper behind-the-scenes stories, including chaos and laughs with Herschelle Gibbs before that unforgettable 438 game, the 'changing of the guard' from the Pollock to the Smith
April 3 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 18 - Dave Callaghan
The Biggest Man in Cricket is on the road this week, with former Proteas and Eastern Province allrounder Dave Callaghan opening the doors to his beautiful home in St Francis. 'Callars' talks candidly about the characters in that all-conquering EP team, from the larger-than-life trio of Meyrick Pringle, Vlam Michau and Rod McCurdy, to the brilliant - and oftentimes uncompromising - leadership of Kepler Wessels. From his career-defining 169* not out against New Zealand in 1994, to a surreal expe
March 19 · 1 hr 12 min
Episode 17 - Dean Elgar
From his roots in Welkom to grinding it out for Free State, Dean Elgar ’s journey is built on hard work, grit and an unshakeable mindset. He opens up about his rise through the ranks, facing 158km/h thunderbolts from Mitchell Johnson on Test debut in Perth, battles with Virat Kohli, and playing a massive role in setting the Proteas on their way to World Test Championship glory. He reflects on filling some of the biggest boots in world cricket, the battles that defined his career, and what it re
March 6 · 58 min
Episode 16 - Ryan Cook
The Cook name is woven into South African cricket history, but Ryan Cook has built a coaching career that stands firmly on its own. Mentored by Gary Kirsten and Adrian Birrell, his journey has taken him from the Bangladesh national team to the intensity of franchise cricket in the Indian Premier League and SA20, and now to leading the Netherlands on the world stage. Under his watch, the Dutch have become genuine giant killers at World Cups, including the Proteas at the 2023 ODI showpiece in Indi
February 18 · 1 hr
Episode 15 - Marais Erasmus
From first-class cricketer to elite international umpire, Marais Erasmus takes us inside the pressure, preparation and precision required at the highest level of the game. We unpack what it really takes to become an elite umpire, how technology like DRS has changed decision-making, and what it was like standing in the middle during the unforgettable 2019 World Cup Final. Marais also shares stories from the international circuit and opens up about managing big personalities like Virat Kohli, Stua
February 3 · 52 min
Episode 14 - Peter Kirsten
The legendary Peter Kirsten joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on cricket and life. From piling on runs for Western Province and Border to a hugely successful County stint with Derbyshire, 'Kirsy' talks about the challenges of playing during South Africa’s years in isolation, and the pride of wearing the Proteas badge after readmission to international cricket. He reflects on his 1992 World Cup heroics, the Kirsten family legacy, leadership under the late, great Clive Rice, and unforgettab
Dec 23, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Episode 13 - Farhaan Berhardien
From a young boy on the Cape Flats to playing World Cups for his country and becoming the most decorated player in South African domestic cricket, Farhaan Behardien’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, 'Fudgie' opens up about learning his cricket in Cape Town before carving out a legendary career with the Titans, a player opponents hated facing, but a team-mate you’d go to war with every single day. We unpack the highs and lows of his Proteas career, the harsh realities of intern
Dec 3, 2025 · 57 min
Episode 12 - Omar Henry
The Biggest Man in Cricket sit down with Omar Henry, a true historical figure in South African cricket. We explore his remarkable journey from a purpose-driven playing career to his long-standing connection with Scottish cricket, where he now serves in a presidential role. With cricket in his blood, Henry reflects on his memories of the iconic Free State side led by Hansie Cronje and considers whether the successes of the past can guide the future of the domestic game. A powerful conversation wi
Nov 19, 2025 · 59 min
Episode 11 - Kyle Verreynne
South Africa’s Test wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne joins The Biggest Man in Cricket for a grounded, honest and inspiring conversation. 'Scholesy' reflects on earning the Jacques Kallis bursary to Wynberg Boys’ and breaking into a strong Western Province side by performing when it mattered. He speaks about his long-standing relationship with Ashwell Prince, making his Proteas debut, and two career-defining moments: hitting the winning runs in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, and aga
Nov 7, 2025 · 1 hr
Episode 10 - Paul Adams
Paul Adams burst onto the scene with that unforgettable “frog in a blender” bowling action, but his story runs far deeper. From his club cricket roots and a one-on-one lunch with Nelson Mandela, to reinventing himself as a coach and even quoting poetry with the Proteas Women at a World Cup, this episode dives into one of South African cricket’s most iconic and original stars. Plus, hear how he once managed to piss off the fearsome Shoaib Akhtar! Episode proudly powered by Oppo!
Oct 10, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 9 - Shukri Conrad
Shukri Conrad reflects on his remarkable journey, from his early days as a teacher to leading South Africa on the world stage. He opens up about the emotion of chasing the World Test Championship, sharing the personal touch he brought to the team, and the joy of celebrating that moment with family and friends. Conrad discusses the hard yards he’s done as a coach at every level, and how he’s created a Proteas culture where every player belongs, can be themselves, and thrive in an environment buil
Sep 26, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 8 - Vernon Philander
Few players rise through the local club system to become legends of the international game, but Vernon Philander is one of them. From Western Province to the Proteas, he carved out a career defined by precision, grit, and unforgettable moments. His Test debut against Australia was the stuff of nightmares… for the Aussies. Nicknamed 'The Surgeon' for the way he dissected batting line-ups with unerring accuracy, Philander was at the heart of a relentless South African bowling attack that dominated
Sep 10, 2025 · 46 min
Episode 7 - Adrian Kuiper
In the latest episode, The Biggest Man in Cricket is on the road - a road which leads to an apple farm in Elgin in the Western Cape. Strap in for a nostalgic trip down memory lane with the one and only Adrian Kuiper, the big-hitting middle-order batsman whose towering sixes into the Newlands crowd is etched in many a youngster's memory. He talks about the great Benson & Hedges era, squaring up to Clive Rice's 'Mean Machine', being greeted by 80 000 spectators at Eden Park, Rebel Cricket, watchi
Aug 22, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 6 - JP Duminy
From a dream Test debut to IPL stardom and coaching stints around the world, JP Duminy’s career is a story of highs, lows, and fighting back. He opens up about resilience, faith and the tough, honest conversations with coaches like Shukri Conrad that shaped him. We also explore how the JP21 Foundation is changing young lives through cricket — and revisit his unbeaten 50 in the World Championship of Legends final, proving he still delivers when it matters most.