The Biggest Man in Cricket

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 experience involving Hansie Cronje as news of the match-fixing scandal shocked the world. And, April being Testicular Cancer Awareness month, he talks openly about his battle with the disease, and how it helped shaped him as a person.

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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 really means to be a true team man. Now in the twilight of his career and enjoying his time with Essex in county cricket, he shares perspective on the journey, the sacrifices, and the moments that made it all worth it. This is a story of resilience, leadership and pride. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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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 India.

In this episode, we get into the detail: the real challenges Associate nations face: How belief is built in environments with fewer resources. The balance between skill and character. Franchise cricket versus international cricket. And what Dutch cricket could look like five years from now. We also look ahead to the upcoming IPL season and what modern coaching at the highest level actually demands.

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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, Stuart Broad and Babar Azam. Insightful, honest and packed with behind-the-scenes stories from one of cricket’s most respected umpires. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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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 unforgettable meetings with Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa.

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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 international cricket, and the resilience required to stay true to yourself at the highest level.

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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 with a man who has lived every chapter of cricket’s evolution. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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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 again for Nottinghamshire as they won the County Championship. He also shares why he loves the current Proteas environment — a team that plays for each other and believes they’re never out of the game.

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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!

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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 built on trust and authenticity.

He speaks candidly about making tough selection decisions, balancing performance with people, and staying true to the team’s values. He also looks back on his playing career during segregated cricket, explores his coaching philosophy and personal identity, and shares how his supportive wife and role as a father continue to shape the man and mentor he is today. With honesty and warmth, he reveals the importance of his close-knit management group, and recalls a recent conversation with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, offering unique insight into leadership and culture across South African sport. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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