This is a belated Christmas Present from the Howie Games, and you are going to love it!

Saya Sakakibara was arguably the sports story of 2024. 

Through all of her adversity, she persevered to reach the pinnacle of her sport at the Olympic Games. She represented herself, her family and her nation superbly. 

Her smile says it all. 

Enjoy her Player Profile ahead of one of the most moving Howie Games episodes EVER.

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From a backyard cricket prodigy to one of the quirkiest figures in world cricket. Born in South Africa and raised in Queensland, Marnus's love for the game is infectious.

Marnie is more than just his batting stats; he’s a character. Known for his mid-pitch chatters, eccentric habits, and unwavering love for coffee, he’s brought an old-school charm to the modern game.

From a letter from coach Justin Langer, a chance call-up to the top level during the Lord’s Ashes Test in 2019 to an unlikely 2023 World Cup winning performance and overcoming performance slumps. Marnus, really is one of a kind.

He is a beauty.  

*** 

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From a backyard cricket prodigy to one of the quirkiest figures in world cricket. Born in South Africa and raised in Queensland, Marnus's love for the game is infectious.

Marnie is more than just his batting stats; he’s a character. Known for his mid-pitch chatters, eccentric habits, and unwavering love for coffee, he’s brought an old-school charm to the modern game.

From a letter from coach Justin Langer, a chance call-up to the top level during the Lord’s Ashes Test in 2019 to an unlikely 2023 World Cup winning performance and overcoming performance slumps. Marnus, really is one of a kind.

He is a beauty.  

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This is Part A early for you... Part B will be published Thursday morning for us to all enjoy more of Marnus!

*** 

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This bloke LOVES what he does. It's all he has ever known, and all he has wanted to know. 

It will all make sense soon enough. Get to know South African born, Australian star, Marnus Labuschagne. 

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JASPRIT BUMRAH AND KL RAHUL! Meet the worlds best fast bowler, and one of the most stylish openers on the planet. 

These Indian stars have charisma and competitiveness. Get to know them as they take on Australia all summer long. 

From the makings of Jasprit Bumrah's unique run up, to the perfect cover drive of Rahul

Their full stories - their journeys - will blow your mind. 

Thanks to Kayo and Fox Cricket for making these interviews with Mark Howard possible. 

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Time to enjoy some rare insights from one of Australia's best cricket characters. 

And, the boy is in form too. From a domination in the Australian Test Championship, a match winning World Cup performance against the odds, IPL energy and family life. This Aussie batsmen has performed when it counted most.

But, it hasn't always been straightforward for the straight talking, enthusiastic batsmen.

He WILL surprise you. 

This episode is proudly brought to you by Kayo - don't miss a moment of cricket all summer long. 

*** 

Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time to enjoy some rare insights from one of Australia's best cricket characters. 

And, the boy is in form too. From a domination in the Australian Test Championship, a match winning World Cup performance against the odds, IPL energy and family life. This Aussie batsmen has performed when it counts most. But, it hasn't always been straightforward for the straight talking, enthusiastic batsmen.

He WILL surprise you. 

This episode is proudly brought to you by Kayo - don't miss a moment of cricket all summer long. 

*** 

Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RISHABH PANT, NITISH KUMAR REDDY, WASHINGTON SUNDAR AND YASHASVI JAISWAL. 

Get to know some of the worlds biggest cricket stars as they embark on a five Test Match Series against Australia, in Australia. 

They are talented, driven, humble, grateful athletes (and cool too!).

Their full stories - their journeys - will blow your mind. 

Thanks to Kayo and Fox Cricket for making these interviews with Mark Howard possible. 

*** 

Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

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Thanks to our friends at Kayo, get to know one of the best characters of the Australian Cricket Team. Travis Head. 

Trav kindly squeezed our chat between Test Matches, and between his new father duties. Well worth it, as we get to know one of the most in form batsmen in the world. 

Until next week, treat yourself to a Player Profile with it all. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join in the fun as Howie turns the host microphone back to you, the beloved listeners. 

All of your questions answered, in another Howie Games Hotline. 

Imagine interviewing the great Donald Bradman, a certain Barwon Heads stand in cricket captain under fire, the humble beginnings of the Howie Games and plenty more!

Get involved in the next Howie Games Hotline by sending Howie a direct message on Instagram to @MarkHoward03. 

*** 

Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

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A very special Part C of The Showman himself, Glenn Maxwell. 

After a record breaking innings - arguably the greatest ever ODI innings in history - Howie sat down with Maxi in person in India. 

Maxi had freshly scored 201 runs from just 128 balls, with 21 fours and 10 sixes against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup - remarkably keeping Australia's tournament hopes alive - so, Howie went and sat with him for a special  chat.

This is the feature interview courtesy of Fox Cricket. 

Purchase Glenn Maxwell's new book, The Showman today. It is available online here and in all good book stores. The best Christmas present awaits!

*** 

Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

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