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
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
--------
1:09:25
--------
1:09:25
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 world cricket.
He never backed down from a challenge, relished the banter of the Barmy Army, and made Newlands his fortress — a ground that loved him every bit as much as he loved it. In this episode, we relive the career, the stories, and the legacy of Vernon Philander — a true Proteas great. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
--------
1:01:07
--------
1:01:07
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, watching the scoreboard change to '22 off 1 ball' in 1992, and THAT over from Craig McDermott. Oh, whether he ever hit a cricket ball into a Fish Hoek-bound train for the biggest six in history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
--------
46:02
--------
46:02
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
--------
1:01:05
--------
1:01:05
Episode 5 - Brett Schultz
The Biggest Man in Cricket sits down with former Proteas speedster Brett Schultz, one of South African cricket’s most unforgettable quicks. Mentored by Kepler Wessels in Eastern Province, his story is one of raw talent, relentless aggression, and an impact that far outweighs his short international career.
From terrifying Sri Lankan batsmen to becoming a cult hero in the mid-90s, Schultz brought fire to the Proteas attack during a pivotal time in the country's cricketing history. Injuries may have cut his playing career short, but the legacy is loud. This is a story of passion, pace, and playing with purpose. A must-listen for cricket fans who love the heroes who gave it their all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
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
South Africa