Cricket for everyone – your friendly guide to the world's strangest sport. Geoff Lemon and Adam Collins combine match analysis with irreverence, politics and cricket history as they follow the game they love around the world and run in-depth interviews with guests. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword.
Listeners of The Final Word Cricket Podcast that love the show mention: quirky, adam, game, knowledgeable, good, listen, love, small suggestion, cricket podcasts.
The Final Word Cricket Podcast is without a doubt one of the best cricket podcasts out there. Hosted by Geoff and Adam, these two cricket enthusiasts bring a wealth of knowledge, insight, and humor to every episode. What sets this podcast apart is their ability to mix in Australian cultural references that add an extra layer of mirth to their discussions. Whether you're a seasoned cricket fan or new to the game, this podcast offers a truly enjoyable listening experience.
One of the best aspects of The Final Word Cricket Podcast is the insightful analysis provided by Geoff and Adam. Their astute minds bring a fresh perspective to the game, with Geoff's background in poetry and Adam's work in politics shining through in their discussions. They never say anything without good reason and remain unbiased throughout their analysis. This unique approach allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sport.
Another highlight of this podcast is the variety it offers. The hosts provide longer weekly episodes as well as daily pods during major tournaments like CWC19. This allows listeners to stay up-to-date with current events while also enjoying in-depth interviews and analysis. The inclusion of interviews with renowned figures such as Harsha Bhogle, Davey Warner, and Ian Chappell adds an extra level of excitement and insight for fans.
While this podcast excels in many areas, there are few minor flaws worth mentioning. One suggestion is to devote a couple of minutes each episode or every other episode for explanations targeted towards newer fans who may not be familiar with certain aspects of cricket terminology or gameplay. This could help grow the fan base for the game, particularly in countries like the US where cricket is less popular.
In conclusion, The Final Word Cricket Podcast is an excellent choice for any cricket enthusiast looking for an informative and entertaining listen. Geoff and Adam's expertise coupled with their witty banter make for a truly enjoyable experience. From insightful analysis to entertaining interviews, this podcast has it all. Just be forewarned, once you start listening, it's hard to stop. The Final Word Cricket Podcast fills a massive hole in the lives of cricket fans and is definitely worth a listen.

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Semi Finals, Day 24 – New Zealand/South Africa: South Africa went into this semi-final confidently, and rightfully, wearing the favourites tag. However, nobody could have predicted the fire and brimstone they had to face if they were to overcome the nice guys of international cricket. Fidel Fernando joins Adam Collins. Get 15% off Step One men's or women's underwear at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19 Episode 30: The superstar England newsbreaker Will Macpherson joins Adam at The Oval exactly a month before the county season begins, prompting consideration about what England might do in the remarkable event that they win a World Cup having so badly botched the Ashes. Also, potential shadow bans for Pakistani players, Alyssa Healy's perfect ending, the Ranji Trophy Final, a prospective European Five Nations and plenty in between. Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword and win a case of Stomping Ground or a pack of Step One jocks Browse the beers at stompingground.beer Or learn more about buying shares in Stomping Ground is right for you https://onmarket.com.au/offers/stomping-ground-eoi Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get 10% off BIG Boots UK boots and socks at bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Super 8s, Day 23 – India/West Indies, South Africa/Zimbabwe: Sanju Samson repaid the faith and has belatedly set alight India's World Cup campaign. It sets up a blockbuster semi-final with England in Mumbai, with last year's epic Test series still fresh in the memory. We also bid farewell to tournament surprise packages, Zimbabwe. Fidel Fernando joins Daniel Norcross. Get 15% off Step One men's or women's underwear at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Super 8s, Day 22 – Pakistan/Sri Lanka: Pakistan's openers put on 176 and had their fans dreaming that the miracle semi-final place was more than a possibility, so what happened from there? Dasun Shanuka happened. Unpacking a rollercoaster day is Bharat Sundaresan flying solo. Get 15% off Step One men's or women's underwear at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, the originator of hair-replacement therapy, the first Australian cricketer with an earring (probably), the man who allegedly brought punk to cricket (not really). You know who we mean. Also, one of the few huge innings to deserve full acclaim, a legend's early foray into something different, and the brief flourish of a player who through no fault of their own might have given more. Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week: 4.01 - David Rosser 4.10 - Andrew Turner 6.27 - Richard Jansz-Moore 3.95 - Rahul Venkat Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Super 8s, Day 21 – England/New Zealand: A tournament that seemed destined for certainty was thrown into chaos by a late England comeback. We now need to wait until Sunday to find out not only who will be in the semi-finals, but also where they will be played. Attempting to untangle the permutations is Fidel Fernando, who joins Geoff Lemon. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One men's or women's underwear at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Super 8s, Day 20 – India/Zimbabwe, South Africa/West Indies: What a difference a day of cricket makes. A powerhouse display from India and a meek top-order collapse from the West Indies have set the scene for a de facto quarter-final between the two in an old-fashioned Sunday night blockbuster. Firdose Moonda joins Daniel Norcross. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One men's or women's underwear at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Super 8s, Day 18 – New Zealand/Sri Lanka: New Zealand's unassuming captain delivered his presence at the crease to turn around The Black Caps stuttering tournament hopes. Sri Lanka will look at the first 14 overs of the match and will wonder what happened afterwards. Senior Writer for Cricinfo, Fidel Fernando, joins Adam Collins. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One men's or women's underwear at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Super 8s, Day 18 – England/Pakistan: The tournament's most perplexing team are the first through to the semi-finals, but how? Harry Brook joined a rare club with the bat, but it still was almost for nothing. What's the route for Pakistan to go through to the knockout stage? Matt Roller joins Bharat Sundaresan. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One men's or women's underwear at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19 Episode 29: After being dumped out of the T20 World Cup, the next question is whether that will affect Australia's qualification for the 2028 Olympics. Also this week, shadowbans of Pakistan cricketers look set to extend from the IPL to most of the other T20 leagues in the world. Once again, follow the money. Australia's women are having a tussle with India, there's a big Shield round, and our first Step One giveaway. Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword and win a case of Stomping Ground or a pack of Step One jocks Browse the beers at stompingground.beer Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get 10% off BIG Boots UK boots and socks at bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Super 8's, Day 17 – West Indies/Zimbabwe: It was a proud day for Zimbabwe as they landed in Mumbai to kick off their inaugural Super 8's campaign in the Men's T20 World Cup. It won't be a day that either their fans or India fans, for that matter, will remember fondly. Firdose Moonda joins Daniel Norcross. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Super 8's, Day 16 – India/South Africa, England/Sri Lanka: A capacity crowd in Ahmedabad were shocked to silence by a powerful South Africa, who provided a blueprint on how to overcome the tournament favourites. Earlier, England continued their stuttering march through the World Cup. Are they the best of the worst? Fidel Fernando joins Daniel Norcross. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, who are the greatest pair of Cambodian cricketers, and what special skills did they have beyond their work on the field? Also, a multinational career unknown to us, a time of truce, and some rare exceptions to a huge career that otherwise went a different way. Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week: 12.50 - Adam T 9.55 - Thomas Melia 4.48 - Damian Sharry 8.96 - Lesley M Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 14 – Australia/Oman: Australia did as you might expect with their campaign officially over, obliterating Omar. But Adam and Bharat Sundaresan are also keen to explore the broader topic of the nation's weird relationship with T20 cricket. Onwards to the Super 8s! Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 13 – Zimbabwe/Sri Lanka, Afghanistan/Canada, West Indies/Italy: Zimbabwe go through to the Super 8 stage unbeaten. They're a serious team making serious strides. West Indies held back a spirited Italy, and Afghanistan bade an emotional farewell to coach Jonathan Trott. Firdose Moonda joins Daniel Norcross. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 12 – South Africa/UAE, Pakistan/Namibia, India/Netherlands: If it's universally accepted India are the team to beat, are South Africa the most likely to knock them off? They've flown under the radar into an undefeated group run and face the men in blue in their Super 8 opener. Meanwhile, Pakistan are straight back on the bike, as three teams say goodbye. Adam Collins has Firdorse Moonda in Delhi with him. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 11 – Zimbabwe/Ireland, Scotland/Nepal, New Zealand/Canada: It's not often that the story of the day doesn't feature any of the six teams scheduled to play. A washout at Pallekele sentenced Australia to an early exit from the World Cup and sealed Zimbabwe's progress to the Super 8 stage. We begin the post-mortem on Australia's campaign. Elsewhere, Nepal and Scotland went down to the wire, and New Zealand looked to get over some tummy trouble in their clash with Canada. Fidel Fernando joins Daniel Norcross. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19 Episode 28: The big game happened, and once again the cricket was a non-event, but have we finally reached a tipping point where something might be done to prevent getting this close to peril in future? Also this week, the Australian men in trouble, the Australian women start a new era with a loss, we go around the domestic grounds, and we have our Tour of Australia segment with Emma John. Australia brings memories that last a lifetime. Visit Australia.com Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword and win yourself a case of Stomping Ground or find their range at stompingground.beer Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 10 – UAE/Afghanistan, England/Italy, Sri Lanka/Australia: A quite stunning run-chase, led by the brilliant Pathum Nissanka, has seen Sri Lanka sink Australia and quite possibly end their campaign too. Huge. Meanwhile, England got it done against Italy but we're still none the wiser if they're any good, and Afghanistan did as they must but won't escape their group. Adam Collins has Matt Roller with him. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 9 – Nepal/West Indies, USA/Namibia, India/Pakistan: Was there ever any doubt? India charges on after another Pakistan capitulation at the hands of their rivals. Earlier, the USA impressed again as the Windies suggest they're going to be a real handful in the Super 8 stage. Andrew Fidel Fernando is at Colombo; he's with Bharat Sundaresan. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 8 – Ireland/Oman, England/Scotland, South Africa/New Zealand: Are England going to be a contender? Does anyone know? They're back on the winners list, that much we do know. Meanwhile, South Africa are up and about, and Ireland are still a chance of making the Super 8s. Today, we have Daniel Norcross with Nathan Joey Johns. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 7 – Zimbabwe/Australia, UAE/Canada, USA/Netherlands: What a performance from Zimbabwe, shocking Australia at a World Cup for the third time. Later in the day, a brilliant UAE chase and then a disaster for the Dutch. We have Daniel Norcross, who was on radio broadcasting on the huge upset in Colombo, joining Adam Collins. Support our show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, how did group chats work in the 1800s? Plus, the 1800s Facebook friend, the all-star era of frugal bowlers, a Danish disaster, and the series that Dale Steyn could not believe he didn't win. Join us for a fun one. Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week: 19.25 - Stephen Westwood 7.43 - Richie B 4.32 - Jack Rule 2.96 - James Sprague Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 6 – India/Namibia, Italy/Nepal, Oman/Sri Lanka: A red-letter day for cricket in Italy, taking points at this stage of the World Cup for the first ever time. India were out to flex their considerable muscle against Namibia, and Sri Lanka were out to do the same against Oman. Cameron Ponsonby joins Adam Collins Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 5 – Afghanistan/South Africa, Australia/Ireland, England/West Indies: The tournament roared into action on a scarcely believable day. Afghanistan and South Africa kicked us off with one of the most memorable international T20 finishes of all time, a double super-over that saw fortunes see-saw with each of the final 30 deliveries of the match. Elsewhere, Australia sent out an SOS for Steve Smith after talisman Mitchell Marsh suffered a gruesome testicle injury prior to their opening game against Ireland, and England and West Indies added another high-octane chapter to their history of playing each other at the Wankhede. Bharat Sundaresan joins Daniel Norcross. Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19 Episode 27: They're back, baby. Pakistan were never going to stay away, were they? After a big pow-wow, they have agreed to play India after all. Also this week, some wholesome Sheffield Shield, our second-last Tour of Australia segment with Emma John, and we catch up with MCC Laws boss Fraser Stewart. Australia brings memories that last a lifetime. Visit Australia.com Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 4 – Netherlands/Namibia, New Zealand/UAE, Pakistan/USA: Pakistan are on the board, but do they have what it takes to touch India? It's the main question for Adam and Andrew Fidel Fernando. And how about those Black Caps? They could not be going any better. As for the Dutch, they've been the best associate on show so far. Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 3 – South Africa/Canada, Zimbabwe/Oman, Scotland/Italy: South Africa were eager to show that they weren't going to suffer a scare against an associate in their opening fixture, but could Canada take some paint off the tournament hopefuls? Elsewhere, the Italian team made their big stage debut against comparative veterans Scotland, and Zimbabwe were out to open their campaign by flexing some muscle against Oman. Firdose Moonda joins Daniel Norcross. Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 2 – New Zealand/Afghanistan, England/Nepal, Sri Lanka/Ireland: England nearly turned back the clock to become an associate member scalp but held their nerve in the end against the rising Nepalese, before Sri Lanka and Ireland played one that won't be spoken of in hushed tones. Earlier, the Black Caps banked an important early result against an Afghan team that made it to the final four last time. In Colombo, we have Andrew Fidel Fernando joining Bharat Sundaresan. Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily, 2026, Day 1 – India USA, Scotland West Indies, Pakistan Netherlands: An expectant full house at the Wankhede fell silent early on as India's top order collapsed to the unfancied Shadley van Schalkwyk. Were Suryakumar Yadav's late fireworks enough to launch India's World Cup defence? Earlier, the Netherlands went hunting for another giant-killing, this time against a shaky Pakistan in a truly bonkers fixture, and tournament latecomers Scotland faced down a barrage from another late arrival, Shimron Hetmyer. Matt Roller joins Daniel Norcross. Get 15% off Step One Men's and Women's underwear. https://uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit https://cbussuper.com.au to sort your Superannuation. Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, why are there so many allegedly famous people in the UK who nobody else has ever heard of? We get into the hosting of niche BBC quiz shows. There's a reason. Also this week, the synchrony between spinners and keepers, wildly incorrect stats, and the coolest before the coolest was the coolest. Give us the specs! Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week: 4.98 - Matt Wing 6.96 - Gareth Cottiss 3.20 - Dane Hansted 2.42 - Big Geoff Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scyld Berry – 500 Declared. The Joys of Covering 500 Cricket Tests A book that, because of the title, can only have been written by one man: legendary writer on the game, Scyld Berry. In a career that began as EW Swanton's secretary for a solitary Trent Bridge week in 1973, he has become the first journalist to cover 500 England Tests. As will become obvious in this chat, Scyld is one of my favourite colleagues. This book has provided a structure for him, in his own timeless style, to explain how the game has evolved in more than half a century of watching as closely as anyone. Buy Scyld's book: bloomsbury.com/uk/500-declared-9781399425902/ Australia brings memories that last a lifetime. Visit Australia.com Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19 Episode 26: We have more drama ahead of the T20 World Cup, with Pakistan's government saying the national team will boycott India during the T20 World Cup, but otherwise will still play. Instead they will likely be kicked out, as the ICC tries to put out this newest fire. Also this week, Harry Brook apologises for his previous apology, Australia's women get a new all-format captain, USA's breakout star Aaron Jones is accused of match-fixing, and there's a lot of white-ball action happening ahead of the ill-fated tournament. Australia brings memories that last a lifetime. Visit Australia.com Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, it's not a fun start but an important one as we look at years of accusations against Michael Slater, something that a lot of reporting skated over, but that Jordan Baker of the Sydney Morning Herald did not. Also this week, a couple of huge days in the Ranji, we have a new team to follow, and the life of a true Sri Lankan legend and Ceylonese pioneer. Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week: 66.6 - Joel Burton 5.94 - Deepak Rao 3.79 - Alan Simpson 144.00 - Chris Mead Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19 Episode 25: Last week, we had Sonny Baker with us, casting an eye to the future of England fast bowling. Today, a player similarly highly-rated, Tawanda Muyeye. In Muyeye's case, having represented Zimbabwe at youth level, his family had to flee as a result of political persecution. A fresh start in England as an asylum seeker followed, which saw him score mountains of schoolboy runs before quickly ending up on Kent's books. Now 24, the stylish right-hander remains in the process of moving from refugee to citizen, but all things being equal, this time next year he should be eligible for England selection. Showing he has what it takes across formats, dreams of wearing the Three Lions burn brightly for this kind and articulate young man. And as you'll detect in this chat, he's someone who is firmly focused on living in the present rather than being trapped within his complex backstory. Australia brings memories that last a lifetime. Visit Australia.com Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19 Episode 24: It's official, Bangladesh have refused to play in the T20 World Cup, meaning Scotland will come in. Justice for Jersey! Pakistan are threatening not to come, even though they will. Italy just beat Ireland. Australia are going to Pakistan. It's all happening in the lead-up weeks, including England's tour of Sri Lanka - where Harry Brook captaining that side just emphasises how significant the problems are that England's team management have made for themselves. Australia brings memories that last a lifetime. Visit Australia.com Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, a clue about a show about nothing - but can that be right? Two long-time contributors to the show have their Nerd Pledge moment, plus one of the great run gluts, and a big day on Ceefax. Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week: 8.22 - Sheahan Arnott 2.60 - Max Bonnell 3.63 - Tobi Wilson 9.57 - Robin Whelan Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, a clue about a show about nothing - but can that be right? Two long-time contributors to the show have their Nerd Pledge moment, plus one of the great run gluts, and a big day on Ceefax. Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week: 8.22 - Sheahan Arnott 2.60 - Max Bonnell 3.63 - Tobi Wilson 9.57 - Robin Whelan Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Stop snoring with 5% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2025 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19 Episode 23: Cricket's small group of nations continues to fracture, with news firming even as we recorded this episode that Bangladesh will pull out of the T20 World Cup due to political conflict with India. Also this week, some unrelated ICC nonsense, and a tour around the overloaded global T20 circuit. Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19 Episode 22: The seasons are changing, and after a white-clothing summer, Steve Smith is dressed in hot pink and smacking balls into orbit. He's no longer in Australia's T20 plans, but can he force a change of direction? Also this week, Ben Stokes falls for the old "ban Australians from county cricket" trick, Virat Kohli goes back to World No.1, while Emma John and former England captain Heather Knight join the show, one to chat about the Harrow cricket museum and the other about the new Lord's team. Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Australia brings memories that last a lifetime. Visit Australia.com Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19 Episode 21: If you listened to the pod through 2025, Sonny Baker is a name that won't be new to you - Adam spoke about him practically every week after seeing him bowl Surrey out in April He's a young man, at just 22 years of age, who already has very high expectations of him when it comes to the pace he can generate and the skill he does it with. And if you thought a chastening international debut in September might've damaged his ambition, think again. A most engaging guest, brimming with energy and curiosity, he's going to be everyone's favourite player soon enough. Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Australia brings memories that last a lifetime. Visit Australia.com Stop snoring with 5% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2025 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, another vast and sprawling tale of a 20th century life that hardly seems true, from the Himalayan foothills to the Venezuelan jungle, of an intellectual and polyglot. Also, a leader who was up against it, some family rivalry, and a niche umpiring question that leads to a fight against infinity. Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week: 3.42 - Sean Smith 8.40 - Sean Tolich 3.60 - Michael Gormley 6.10 - Lara Killick Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Stop snoring with 5% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2025 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pat Rodgers – The Erratic Syd Emery It's always a joy when Pat Rodgers, great friend of the pod, dives into a story from cricket's pre-WW1 golden era. The subject of his latest terrific book is googly wizard Syd Emery, who emerged from the back blocks of Sydney to state and national honours in the unusual 1912 triangular Test tour of England. A star that faded as soon as it rose, Mad Mick, as he was nicknamed, was a complex man of his time who had a life that varied as markedly as his line and length. But at his best, he had what it took to beat the best – that much is beyond doubt. Buy The Erratic Syd Emery here: https://boundarybooks.com or contact Pat directly if that proves difficult from your part of the world, prodgers@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Australia brings memories that last a lifetime. Visit Australia.com Stop snoring with 5% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2025 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 19, Episode 20: It's the weekly show. Normal programming is back. Except for programming at the T20 World Cup, where India's government is now feuding with Bangladesh's government, and threatening to excommunicate another Test nation from the inner sanctum. Also this week, preparing the ground ahead of England's Ashes review, the worst Big Bash segment you've ever heard, and Emma John joins the show to tell us about her travels in South Australia. Get your copy of Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics: linktr.ee/tfwbook Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Australia brings memories that last a lifetime. Visit Australia.com Stop snoring with 5% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2025 at zeussleeps.com Get yourself some lovely BIG Boots UK, with 10% off at this link: https://www.bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Try the new Stomping Ground Final Word beer, or join Patreon to win a case: stompingground.beer Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for workers since 1919: mauriceblackburn.com.au Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices