Nuffies and Nude Balls

While the Kiwis are suffering from PTSD, the Nuffies are suffering from Test Cricket withdrawals. Join them as they review the Perth Test, preview Boxing Day and make do with conversations about the Big Bash...On this Episode: PERTH TEST "SUPER OVER" RECAP including:Did New Zealand under-prepare for the pink ball and Australian conditions?Is it cruel to continue picking Jeet Raval?What has changed for Mitch Starc this summer? Is it okay for Justin Langer to pick favourites? Why do we reach for “Bodyline” comparisons in modern cricket so quickly?Boxing Day Test PredictionsWORLD CRICKET SUNDRIES:Should Usman Khawaja be in the Australian ODI squad? Does anyone care about ODI Tour of India during BBL season?Is Josh Philippe Australia’s next Wicketkeeper-Batsman?Are average park cricketers thinking about climate change and cricket in the same breath?And this week’s Park Life Question: “Is T20 Cricket closer to Baseball than Test Cricket?"

After cleaning their spikes of sodden turf from a weekend of sticky wickets Gordo and JB breakdown all the talking points from the week in global cricket and preview the Australia vs. New Zealand Test Series...On this Episode: Should Afghanistan play their scheduled Australian Test in Hobart? Have domestic leagues given players too much labour negotiating power?Will the Australia vs. New Zealand series be played between two sets of "nice" guys?Is the Australian public rooting for a competitive series?Can New Zealand take 20 wickets in Australian conditions?Is there more to the Kiwis' batting than just Kane Williamson?Should Test cricket have heat breaks?Will Mitch Swepson play in Sydney?Who will win the Summer Series?And this week’s Park Life Question is: “Is it ever, EVER, okay to bowl in a cap?

After pausing to reflect on their own “Joe Denly Moments” resident nuffies Gordo, Baz and JB breakdown all the talking points from the Australia vs. Pakistan Test Series including:Is David Warner now in the Pantheon of Aussie Test Openers?Is Mitchell Starc back in the Top Three Test quicks?Why are we so quick to disrespect Nathan Lyon?Are Pakistan right to reflect on the “positives” from this series?Are we ready to fully embrace Day/Night Test cricket?Does Test cricket need divisions?And this week’s Park Life Question is: “Has the role of captain in elite cricket been diminished?

Australian Test Cricket is back and so are the Nude Balls!Resident nuffies Gordo and Baz are here as always, but joining them this season as a regular host is freshly shaven JB!Together, this trio of tragics are here to preview everything you need to know for the Pakistan Test series including:The Park Life Question: What the vibe for this Test summer?“Play or Leave” The Headlines - Pre-Series Primer Edition:Is this Warner’s redemption or retirement tour?Can Babar join the likes of Kohli and Smith this tour?Bancroft’s selection proves that Sheffield Shield is pointless…Khawaja domestic form proved he deserved a spot in the Test squad…This is Tim Paine’s last summer as captain…Naseem Shah is Pakistan’s X-Factor...Alex Doolan is Australia’s “Forgotten Opener”…Jake Fraser-McGurk is a Test bat in waiting…Nicolas Pooran was let off lightly with his 4 ODI ban for ball tampering…Smith and Pattinson dissent charges suggest that CA still has cultural issues…Adam Zampa is right, T20s are “too long”…Plus the boys give their series predictions and Baz makes his “Shout The Bar” bet!

The Urn is returning to Australia and it’s almost exclusively due to one man - Steven Peter Devereux Smith - and a quartet of very handy bowlers. Join “The Nuffies” as the bask in the glory of Smith’s awesomeness and preview the final 2019 Ashes Test…On this episode:1:34 - “Hot Takes and Cold Cuts” - Baz and Gordo breakdown all of the reactions from the Fourth Test at Leeds including:- Is Steve Smith now second only to The Don?- Has Tim Paine proven that he is indeed a good leader and captain?- Can we now confirm David Warner’s flat track bully status?- Is Jofra Archer over hyped, overrated, mis-understood or all of the above?- Has the captaincy robbed Joe Root of a good series, or is he just not as good as some thought?- What effect will losing the Ashes have on English cricket? What effect will retaining/winning the Ashes have on Australian cricket?27:20 - The Boys preview the Fifth Test at The Oval.32:52 - “This Week in Sundries” - After an amazing English Summer of cricket, are we at all excited for BBL|09?NOTE: This episode was recorded before the announcement of the XIs for the Fifth Test.

Ben Stokes produced the innings of a lifetime to crush Australian dreams in the early hours of a Monday morning a fortnight ago... only now are the Nuffies ready to talk about it and hopefully move on.On this episode:2:04 - “Hot Takes and Cold Cuts” - Baz and Gordo breakdown all of the reactions from the Third Test at Headingley including:- Was that the biggest choke in Australian Cricket?- Was it wrong for fans to blame Joel Wilson for his “not out” LBW decision, when Australia wasted a review?- Was Ben Stokes’ 135no the best Test innings ever?- Did Jack Leach prove that No.11 batting is more about mindset than technique?- Other than “don’t make those mistakes” what would you have changed about Australia’s approach to the 4th innings?- Who’s batting is more brittle? Australia’s or England’s?22:16 - The Boys preview the Fourth Test at Old Trafford.36:26 - “This Week in Sundries” - Are Four Day Tests the future?NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Australian XII for the Fourth Test was announced, so there is no discussion about Usman Khawaja's omission.

Have you been having a rough time of it lately? Hopefully it wasn’t as rough as Smudge’s time at Lords. Did the 2019 Ashes series just witness its “Glenn McGrath” moment? Join “The Nuffies” as they recap the Second Test and look ahead to Headingley…On this episode:2:24 - “Hot Takes and Cold Cuts” - Baz and Gordo breakdown all of the reactions from the Second Test at Lord’s including:- Is Jofra Archer the best bowler in the world?- Is Ben Stokes the bets player in this series?- Should Joe Root give up the English captaincy?- Can Australia win without Steve Smith?- Did Marnus Labuschagne’s “Super Sub” performance prove his is Test ready?- Is this Tim Paine’s last series as Test captain?26:05 - The Boys preview the Headingly Test.36:26 - “This Week in Sundries” - Should helmets be compulsory for all cricketers at all levels?

Getting away with a win that you didn’t really deserve is one of the best feelings in cricket - and that’s what Aussie cricketers and fans alike are experiencing after an remarkable win at Edgbaston. Join “The Nuffies” as they recap the First Test and look ahead to Lord’s…On this episode:1:00 - “Hot Takes and Cold Cuts” - Baz and Gordo breakdown all of the reactions from the First Test including:- Is this Ashes series simply Steve Smith vs. England?- Could Nathan Lyon eventually become the “All Time” GOAT?- Did the 251-run margin flatter the Aussies?- Did England’s World Cup success cost them Test progression?- Is Jason Roy really a Test cricketer?- Should we just get rid of centre wicket umpires?15:22 - The Boys preview the Lord’s Test.26:08 - “This Week in Sundries” - Would you hire Micky Arthur as a national head coach?

Forget the Cricket World Cup, the real show in town is here... THE ASHES! The oldest and greatest sporting contest of them all. And to break down the selections and predictions as well as the fall out from the CWC are the biggest nuffies of them all - "expert" Nude Balls: Gordo and Baz! On this episode: 1:16 - A recap of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, rate Australia's performance and question whether an exciting World Cup makes ODI cricket more relevant.13:08 - A preview of the upcoming Ashes, select their preferred Australian XIs and make their First Test and series predictions.41:13 - The lads partake in a cheeky Super Over to discuss all of the latest in cricket news including the World Test Championship, the new BBL format and the 2019/20 Australian Domestic Cricket Calendar.46:39 - Big Baz puts it all on the line with his "Shout the Bar Bet" for the Ashes Series.

It's the festive season and The Summer Festival of Cricket is here, as are Baz and Gordo to breakdown all of the action. The Nuffies are off the long run and ready to throw down on the following topics: "A Bev in the Sheds" - Perth Test Recap (1:11)Grading the Aussie Newcomers (14:46)Is King Kohli a good bloke or a goose (28:00)Are 100s Overrated? (31:55)Boxing Day Preview (36:23)Sheffield Shield Mid-Season Wrap (42:52)BBL Watch List (55:26)Wanna join us for a Bev in the Sheds after a Day's Play? Contact Gordon via Facebook, Twitter (@HunterGMeredith) or email: contact@sportingchancemag.com

Baz and Gordo breakdown the "Aussie Cricket Crisis" aka the ball tampering furore and what it means for the future of Australian Cricket. Gordo gives England a massive bake. The guys reflect on the West Indies and Afghanistan's performance in the World Cup Qualifiers and they recap (and rant about) the Sheffield Shield Final.

Baz and Gordo pour one out for the dying art of "The Send Off" before breaking down Australia's disappointing loss to South Africa in Port Elizabeth. They check in with how the West Indies World Cup Qualifiers are going, do a drive-by preview on the upcoming New Zealand vs. England Test Series and of course... talk about the Sheffield Shield.  

We're all sad about losing to South Africa in Port Elizabeth, so let's jump in the time machine to talk about it as it hadn't happened yet. The boys also talk about David Warner and the Park Life Question: "When to pull your teammates into line?" as well as 'preview' the rest of the South African series. Then, Gordo and Baz debate whether West Indies will qualify for the 2019 World Cup and talk at length about one of the most exciting Sheffield Shield seasons in memory. (Apologies, this episode was recorded on Wednesday 7th March... sometimes life gets in the way.)

For this week's Park Life Lesson, Gordo asks Baz: "What is IT?" when judging cricketing talent and whether or not you should judge players by what they have now or what they might develop in later? (1:25) The Nuffies then break down the upcoming South Africa vs. Australia Tests including their predictions for the series, (15:36) review Round 8 of the Sheffield Shield (35:23) and preview Round 9. (52:17) Keep an ear out for Baz's #VicsDoItBetter bet...

The lads begrudgingly discuss Australia Tri-Nations T20I series win and talk about the shifting focus from red ball cricket to white ball cricket in the global game. Then Gordo makes Baz smile again when they talk about Sheffield Shield.  

Welcome to cricket's night of nights... The Nuffies Awards! Baz and Gordo hand out some esteemed accolades including The Platinum Cockroach, The "What About Me?!" Shannon Noll Memorial Award and Tomorrow's Legend among many, many more. The lads also discuss the ridiculousness of the Allan Border Medal, chat all things Sheffield Shield and try and solve this week's Park Life Lesson is "How do you get out of a rut?" 

This Week on Nuffies and Nude Balls... The Boys discuss whether finals cliches real after a white ball set back... Then it's down the cricket badger burrow to discuss everything from triple threat players to a Lynn v Maxwell conspiracy and who's going to dominate the Sheffield Shield...(We Love Cricket!)

This Week on Nuffies and Nude Balls...Our Park Life Lesson is: "Who has right of way? Bowlers or Captains?" The Boys go Around the World in Six Deliveries to breakdown all of the stories from U19 World Cup (How about Lloyd Pope?!), the weird and wonderful game at the Wanderers between South Africa and India and the BBL. (They couldn't bring themselves to talk about the ODI series...) They round out the pod by entering into a Selection Smackdown over the Tour of South Africa and T20I squads...

This Week on Nuffies and Nude Balls...Our Park Life Lesson is: "Should we always want to play cricket? (Even if we might lose?!)" The Boys go Around the World in Six Deliveries to breakdown all of the stories from the ODI series between Australia and England, the Test Series between South Africa & India and the U19 World Cup currently on in New Zealand. Finally, the Boys tuck themselves in with a dose of pajama cricket with a BBL recap in their regular segment "Domestic Dreaming" including the pressing question... Is D'Arcy Short the next David Warner or Glenn Maxwell?

This Week on Nuffies and Nude Balls... A special guest! Victorian rising star Will Pucovski joins Baz and Gordo on the pod. They discuss this week's "Park Life Lesson" - 'How much effect does a poor pitch really have on a game?' The Boys find out what Will thinks about in between deliveries whilst he's on his way to yet another 100. The three nuffies breakdown the Ashes series, South Africa vs. India, the BBL and Gordo pits the 'Badger vs. the Pro' as the lads nominate the guys to look for in the U19 World Cup. It was great to have Will on the pod!  

This Week on Nuffies and Nude Balls... The "Park Life Lesson" is 'Is there anything more important than backyard cricket on Christmas Day? Then the Boys wade through the hottakes from the Boxing Day Test with a session of "Play or Leave." There's a "What Are The Odds?! BBL Recap" before rounding out the podcast with some "Badger Banter" about the U19 YODIs between Australia and Pakistan. 

This Week on Nuffies and Nude Balls... This Week's "Park Life Lesson" is 'Do we really want a challenge?' Then the Boys decide whether or not "Short form cricket is REAL cricket..." They then let bygones be bygones and give a "What Are The Odds?! BBL Preview" before rounding out the podcast with some "Badger Banter" about the U19 National Championships and Lloyd Pope.

Reckon you can do it better than the pros? Drop us an audition tape! 

This Week on Nuffies and Nude Balls... This Week's "Park Life Lesson" is 'What to do with a rain day?' Then the Boys decide whether to "Play or Leave" some of the "hot topics" from the Ashes so far. They head to the committee room for a "Selection Meeting" to pick the sides for the Perth Test and finish off with a "Domestic Dreaming" wrap, including Baz's heartfelt apology to all lovers of Tasmanian Cricket.

This Week on Nuffies and Nude Balls... This Week's "Park Life Lesson" is 'The Importance of Training and What Makes A Good Training Session.' Then the Boys come "Off The Long Run" as Baz boldly predicts who is going to be the next Steve Smith while Gordo explains why Steve Smith is the next Ricky Ponting. They get throw the ball for a "Super Over" breaking down all of the hot topics from The Ashes this week and then round out the day's play with "Domestic Dreaming" by discussing who will play for Australia again first: Maxy, The Other Marsh or Too Slow To Open Renshaw? As a little bonus, there's a "What Are The Odds?!" segment on a tricky little Adelaide Test prop bet! Enjoy!

This Week on a special LIVE SHOW of Nuffies and Nude Balls... Baz and Gordo talk about how good a 'lazy' day at the cricket is. Gordo counsels podcast WAG Sam about the trials of being a "Cricket Wife." The Boys breakdown the opening three days of the First Ashes Test at the Gabba with some entertaining guest spots. Gordo professes his love for Glenn Maxwell and Baz rounds out the pod with an audacious bet. Thank you to the Yorkshire Hotel for hosting us!

This Week on Nuffies and Nude Balls... Gordo continues his rich vein of head wobble form. This week's "Park Life Lessons" are: Do we secretly like 'boring' cricket? and Should you play to the conditions and Would you ever use a Kashmir Willow bat? Then 'The Boys' bring their What Are The Odds?! form to give some Ashes betting tips and finish off their spell by listing their must-watch Sheffield Shield players in "Domestic Dreaming".

This Week on Nuffies and Nude Balls... Baz and Gordo share a head wobble. This week's "Park Life Lessons" are: What's the hardest thing about being captain? and What causes batting collapses? Then at "Selection Committee" 'The Boys' turn their eyes to the shocking Australian Ashes Test squad and after they pick Baz's brain up off the floor they list their must-watch Sheffield Shield players in "Domestic Dreaming".

Baz and Gordo (and Saul) break down all of the talking points that occurred this week in cricket.

How to go about big 2nd innings chases. What tail-enders should focus on in "junk-time". It's all about sixes and sevens for Australia at the moment. Thoughts on Foakes, Woakes and Stokes. Is T20 too big for its own good? Is Kolhi to big for his own good? Is Smith really going to pick his mates? Should Tests be four days long? And who's dreaming (domestically) of a Baggy Green cap?

What to do when a batsman gets on top. How to stay 'up' in the field. Will Steve Smith ever stop picking his mates? Does the Sheffield Shield even matter anymore? Should everyone play Zimbabwe? Are 'Father and Son" teams the key to international success? And who will win the Sheffield Shield this year? (That's right! Baz and Gordo DO CARE about domestic cricket!)

Baz and Gordo break down all of the talking points that occurred this week in cricket. 

Baz and Gordo discuss the hot topics from their "Week in Cricket" including overcoming the yips (2:20) and opening with spin (6:00). For there the boys move onto the pros to break down the major talking points of the week in the Cricket News Power Play (9:16) including discussions on Australian selection dramas, key bowler analysis, Quinton de Kock and much, much more. "The Boys" then finish off with some Domestic Dreaming, giving their shortlist of players on the fringes of breaking through of a match in the green and gold.  

The Ashes are still 43 days away but Gordo and Baz are excited and so they broke down the talking points (and English squad...)

Baz and Gordo discuss all things in the lead up to the upcoming Ashes series including a health check for Test Cricket, a brief analysis of the Australian Test squad and a more detailed analysis of the English travelling team, some JLT chat, whether or not we are for or against the "Spirit of the Game" and the things we are most looking forward to this summer.