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With Justin Langer and Darren Lehmann's names being floated as possible English head coach replacements for McCullum, Corbin and Ed break down these vastly different characters and why they may or may not fit the role.The boys also chat through the Ash Gardner news and the relevance to actual cricket, the legacy of Sir Garfield Sobers, the various white ball cricket results from the northern hemisphere and we read out your Bazball haikus.To get in touch, email Corbin & Ed at abccricketpodcast@abc.net.auABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,' hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast'
Jeremy Zakis and John Batchelor explore the deep-rooted drinking culture in cricket, citing Ben Stokes' retirement and the legacy of Sir Garry Sobers. They also discuss the "death" of Bazball, an aggressive strategy that proved physically unsustainable and unsuccessful during long five-day Test matches for England. (1)1920
The Rush Hour Melbourne Catch Up - 105.1 Triple M Melbourne - James Brayshaw and Billy Brownless
Look back at our favourite moments from the week, including footage of a very young Damian Barrett, Topics Brownless, Ariarne Titmus, Billy's Obituary to BazBall, Kevin Sheedy, Twinnies Craft, a World Cup Fat Idiot Song, and Billy's fruity doctor joke.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Get NordVPN with a special discount - https://www.nordvpn.com/goodareas - Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code 'goodareas' at checkout. Download Saily app or go to: https://saily.com/goodareas - Behram and Rob Barron discuss four years of Bazball in the aftermath of Brendon McCullum's sacking as England's red ball head coach. - - To support the podcast please go to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/c/goodareaspodcast - Head over to commbox.tv to learn more about our network. - This podcast is edited and mixed by Ishit Kuberkar, he's at https://instagram.com/ishitk86 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Howie returns from his overseas adventure, but sadly Chief has succumbed to illness and can't join us. Browny, Howie and Damo push on with their favourite headlines from the week, then as Howie returns to the team - Browny and Damo give him a performance review with some KPIs for the rest of the year. Howie's Hot Topics includes questions around BazBall, Alex De Minaur, and Lionel Messi, then Browny promised us an enormous musical guest - and he delivers! Browny asks about some of the big issues in footy with his Conversation Wedges, and Howie tells us all about his trip to North America - including driverless cars and bear spray. Browny questions how often we need to go to the doctor, before opening up the Health Hotline to talk about electrolytes. A serious ankle injury to Max Holmes has soured Geelong's win over St Kilda, and the team dive into this week's media wars - including two kings in the Triple M jungle. Geelong's Ollie Henry joins the show, Damo takes over the Top 5 with some epic rants from James Brayshaw, and Howie wonders why Aussies seem reluctant to want England to win at any sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Premier League winner Christian Fuchs tells Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma about his new love for cricket, hitting sixes into the river Derwent and sledging. The former Leicester City and Austria defender has signed up for his village team Grindleford CC in Derbyshire and is enjoying the switch to a new sport.Is the "Bazball" era coming to an end as Brendon McCullum is sacked as England men's Test coach? He's apologised for results under his leadership but will remain in charge of the white ball sides till the end of next year's 50-over World Cup. The trio discuss the potential contenders to take over the role.And some good news for Afghanistan women's refugee cricketers who have had their funding extended by the ICC. It's hoped the support will help the team towards development for ICC qualification events by 2030. Clare Connor, the Managing Director of England Women, tells Stumped what this means for the team.Photo:Christian Fuchs of Leicester City kisses the Premier League Trophy as players and staffs celebrate the season champions after the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on May 7, 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Check out my stand-up special 'Gamble Responsibly': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HDlhDBPWMw&t=33s Crazy drivers in the country Heckled In Mudgee Radio interview goes off the rails lol Great times in Katoomba Sydney live taping Conor McGregor's knee explodes in first second Heavy Pockets Ash Gardner caught up in cheating scandal, what the bloody hell Death of Bazball at long last New Episode every Thursday! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJscnfTTW_-aO5D81Xi22yw? Facebook: www.facebook.com/billydarcy1 Instagram: www.instagram.com/billy.darcy Music: 'In the Clouds' by RENNANSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gropes is off to Sweden for a well earned holiday and Tommy is fresh off the tarmac with some ripping yarns to share with Jace. The boys dive into Jarome Luai's contract saga with a more light hearted analogy, and Jace goes all in on the death of Bazball. Massive thanks to Neds, CTC and the love a greyhound organisation for making this show possible! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tailenders tech chaos this week as Greg sneaks off from holiday to present live from a southern French location whose WiFi only allows 5 minute cameos. When he does freeze, Felix steps in like Dan Burn to cover his teammate. Issy Wong runs us through an emotionally draining weekend at Lord's, featuring retirements for Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Ecclestone's name on the Honours Boards, and ultimately a convincing India victory… and some kerfuffle over a Rubik's Cube. There was also a men's team announcement in the midst of it; Sir Jimmy Anderson reflects on the cherished early years of the Brendon McCullum era and the impact of the unloved ‘Bazball' moniker.
Season 20, Episode 21: It's finally over. Brendon McCullum has gone, Ben Stokes has gone (at least for now), and Rob Key is incongruously the last man standing, tasked with looking for a sensible adult to lead the England Test dressing room after having spent four years looking for anything but. Bazball had its moments, but did it have much of substance? And what can usefully come next, without reflexively going in the complete opposite direction? Also this week, there are questions over Ash Gardner's judgement after tabloid stories about mixing her personal and professional life, and the ICC restructures both men's World Cups to maximise the chance of more India-Pakistan airtime. Geoff and Adam look over a huge week. Could you support the show? You can send us a Nerd Pledge or become a member at patreon.com/thefinalword, and could win a case of Stomping Ground beer for your trouble. Browse their range at stompingground.beer Get tickets to TFW v Wisden @ Wormsley and support The Lord's Taverners uk.emma-live.com/TFWvsWisden Win two places to play in the game courtesy of Zeus Sleeps. Nominate the worst snorer at your cricket club. Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Will Hamilton, Barby CC player, followed a bad accident in Barcelona with a €40,000 medical bill. Do have a look at his crowdfunder if you're able. With Morie Candles you can buy one item, get 30% off the next, with the offer code TFW5. At morie.com.au Join England's Test tour of South Africa in 2026 with Gullivers Sports Travel. Learn more or book at gulliverstravel.co.uk Check out the Lord's Performance Centre for activities and courses: lords.org/lords/performancecentre Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw or 10% off Duncan Fearnley bats and kit with code TFW10 or 15% off Step One clothes at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 or 10% off BIG Boots UK boots and socks at bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Find more at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Baz McCullum's tenure as England's Test coach is over, and Menners and Damian Watson unpack what they see as the end of the "Bazball" era, debating his legacy, England's coaching future, and the reaction from the English media. They also discuss the off-field headlines surrounding Ash Gardner and the wider implications for professional sporting teams, before diving into the newly released Big Bash schedule, major ICC proposals that could reshape international cricket, and the latest news from around the cricket world. Timecodes (01:00) Baz McCullum's exit headlines a huge week in cricket (02:10) Ash Gardner story and discussion on relationships in elite sport (13:40) Bazball is over: McCullum's departure and England's future (27:25) Big Bash schedule released: India opener, venues and Christmas cricket (42:55) ICC proposals that could reshape international cricket (57:30) World Club T20, tournament changes and future formats (59:20) Can't Let It Go: Stuart MacGill appeal, Sheffield Shield fixtures and England's miserable fortnight Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We've launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show.
In this episode of the show, Baldy, Jamie and Stu turn a 'short' episode into a long one by reacting to the news that Brendon McCullum has been sacked as England Men's test coach, and then looking back at the Stokes/McCullum tenure. We also discuss England's T20 series victory against India and New Zealand's ongoing ODI series against the West Indies. We start the show with an extended conversation about Brendon McCullum's sacking as England Men's test coach. We talk the timing of the announcement, the reaction so far and the personal side of difficult conversations. We ask whether he'll see out the rest of his white-ball contract, wonder about who might replace him, and look back at the Stokes/McCullum era to consider how that time will be remembered and what, if anything, should be carried forward by their successors. As the show continues, the conversation eventually does turn to recent cricket matches to discuss England's 4-0 T20 series win against India. We saw a return to form for Jos Buttler, some remarkable hitting from Harry Brook and a continuation of Jofra Archer's impressive summer. For India, is it time to panic? Probably not, but the absences of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy certainly left holes that couldn't be filled. And what to do now with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi? To round out the show, there's an overview of the first two ODIs between the Black Caps and the West Indies. New Zealand are much changed from the tests against England, but after an initial loss, it was a group of spinners led by Jayden Lennox who helped them level the series. We also share a few quick thoughts on the first round of New Zealand domestic contracts, and highlight some players we'll be keeping our eye on during the home summer. We'll be back again next week with more news and views. Until then please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter & Facebook, and @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram & YouTube) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our website. You can also dip back into our guest episodes - including conversations with Mike Hesson, Shane Bond and Mike Hussey, current players such as Matt Henry, Sophie Devine and Ish Sodhi, coaches Gary Stead, Jeetan Patel and Luke Wright, as well as Barry Richards, Frankie Mackay, Bharat Sundaresan and many more fascinating people from all across the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at thetoporderpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening. 0:00 Intro 1:15 Brendon McCullum sacked as England Men's Test coach 6:10 Will McCullum see out his white-ball contract? 10:35 Has the Bazball era delivered on its initial promise? 23:20 Which parts should endure into the next era? 34:20 Who will replace Brendon McCullum? 39:30 Could it be Stephen Fleming? 44:30 England beat India 4-0 in T20s 51:10 Are we worried about India's T20 slump? 55:35 How do India manage Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from here? 1:01:35 Black Caps v West Indies 1:09:35 NZ domestic contracts of note Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Cameron, Ben and Phil react to the big news that Brendon McCullum has been stood down as England's Test head coach. They discuss Bazball's legacy, potential replacements, the decision to keep him in the white-ball jobs and more. 0:00 Intro / 1:28 Brendon McCullum / 11:05 Bazball legacy / 20:15 Potential replacements / 38:06 Rob Key / 45:58 Timing of the announcement / 50:06 Keith Prowse / 51:31 T20 Blast / 56:25 Tammy Beaumont & Heather Knight / 1:03:40 Gambling sponsors allowed in The Hundred / 1:11:04 ECB block Euro Nations Cup final at Lord's / 1:14:18 Southall Travel / 1:15:33 ICC board meeting / 1:17:42 West Indies / 1:20:23 Outro KEITH PROWSE
NEW MERCH AVAILABLE NOW SPORT: Josh covers us legally by creating his own royalty free music Harry makes an unbelievable GUINNESS discovery. G's top 5 worst places to be hungover. AFL: Book the bus, Airlines price gouging ahead of GF, Harvey Langdon Burrito. NUFFS: Goodbye Baz Ball, Howie rage bait, Dwayne's callers bash the umpires, & Sam Newman has some tech issues. World Cup: Halland is a meme & spider cam controversy. JOIN OUR PATREON FOR HEAPS OF BONUS STUFF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brendon McCullum has been sacked as English test cricket coach, so was the chapter worth pursuing or are they back where they started? Corbin & Ed assess the Bazball reign that brought wins, aggression and new faces with off field issues and on field brain fades. Expect some contrarian views for a contrarian coach.As well, the boys wonder who coaches England next, whether this opens the door for a Ben Stokes un-retirement for the Ashes in 2027 and there's also news in the BBL with the opening match in India, states disagreeing again plus the listener questions aren't slowing down.To get in touch, email Corbin & Ed at abccricketpodcast@abc.net.auABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,' hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast'
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has received almost 200 complaints about aged care service charges and and fees to residents the this year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how to improve the transparency of the fee structure, what services could and should constitute standard care in contrast to premium services and what the regulator should be doing to prevent over charging.Also in this edition, what went wrong with Bazball, and exploration into how far we have come in treating macular degeneration, plus we celebrate local theatre.
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On today's episode of The Agenda, ACC Head G Lane and Tony Lyall discuss Bazball being no more! So, what's next for England cricket, what's next for Brendon McCullum, and does this mean Tim Southee might have to spend time with his family (06:50)? Also, the Black Caps get beaten by the West Indies in the 1st ODI but not without controversy (13:30)...Next, revisit the weekend's trip to Wellington to commentate the All Blacks, featuring everything from the accommodation to the flat drops to Will Jordan breaking records and a player getting Sent Off for headbutting (17:10)! Plus, we spend 69 seconds on Conor McGregor's humiliating return to the UFC (30:15), and round up the Football World Cup with the exit of the Norwegian's (34:20).Finally, we wrap it all up with an especially inebriated 'Yours Please' (38:00)... Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE! Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the Sports Today update. A snapshot of the latest sport stories from the Tapt Media team including: Cowboys stun Sea Eagles in Golden Point thriller Melbourne not talking AFL finals as top 10 race heats up Baz Ball era over as McCullum shown the door The biggest sport stories in less than 5 minutes delivered twice a day. Subscribe now to make it part of your daily news diet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the Sports Today update. A snapshot of the latest sport stories from the Tapt Media team including: Cowboys stun Sea Eagles in Golden Point thriller Melbourne not talking AFL finals as top 10 race heats up Baz Ball era over as McCullum shown the door The biggest sport stories in less than 5 minutes delivered twice a day. Subscribe now to make it part of your daily news diet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the Sports Today update. A snapshot of the latest sport stories from the Tapt Media team including: Cowboys stun Sea Eagles in Golden Point thriller Melbourne not talking AFL finals as top 10 race heats up Baz Ball era over as McCullum shown the door The biggest sport stories in less than 5 minutes delivered twice a day. Subscribe now to make it part of your daily news diet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oh my god don't get RSV it's so shit. We will be back with TCRP soon. My brain has been goats cheese. It's been a hell of a fortnight but there's a lot going on and it must be laughed at. In the meantime, here is a plethora of Jacks to satiate your auspol cravings. This week the shownotes are slopped to you by GPT 5.5 - which seems to have done an okay job and also sounds a lot less 'chatGPT' which is nice. The titles are way less shit than usual. Maybe that sociopathic compulsive liar Sam Altman is onto something. Nah. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------In episode 163 of The Two Jacks, recorded on 2 July 2026, Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack take a wide-ranging look at the political, economic and sporting stories shaping Australia and the world.The episode opens with Australia's housing market, including recent house price falls, the risks facing first home buyers using the 5 per cent deposit scheme, and the dangers of negative equity. The Jacks then turn to the striking rise of One Nation, debating whether the surge is a genuine long-term disruption in Australian politics or partly a mirage fuelled by social media, disinformation and dissatisfaction with the major parties.Victorian politics comes under close scrutiny, with discussion of Moira Deeming, the Matthew Guy allegation, Jess Wilson's leadership, and Jacinta Allan's handling of the Big Build controversies. Internationally, the episode covers Andy Burnham's likely move into Downing Street, Keir Starmer's defence spending announcement, Trump-era decision-making as explored in Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman's book, congressional stock trading in the United States, and the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war.The show wraps with sport, including Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket, England's reckless loss to New Zealand, the future of Bazball, World Cup football, State of Origin, AFL fixturing and Australia's women's cricket team reaching another World Cup final.00:00:25 — Welcome to Episode 163Jack the Insider opens the show and marks the start of the new financial year in Australia. Hong Kong Jack joins from Hong Kong, where the previous day marked Reunification Day, the anniversary of the handover to the People's Republic of China.00:01:10 — Housing Prices, First Home Buyers and Negative EquityThe Jacks begin with Australia's housing market and recent reports of price declines in suburbs with strong uptake of the 5 per cent deposit scheme. They unpack the risk of highly leveraged first home buyers falling into negative equity, where the debt on a property exceeds its current market value.Hong Kong Jack recalls the early 1990s Melbourne housing market, when banks were reluctant to sell distressed inner-suburban properties because doing so would have further damaged the market. The discussion compares that period with the global financial crisis in the United States and Ireland, where property crashes led to widespread foreclosures.00:04:00 — Can Australian House Prices Keep Rising?The conversation turns to whether Australian housing can continue producing the large capital gains many homeowners have come to expect. Jack the Insider argues that prices in Sydney and Melbourne cannot keep rising at the same pace without locking younger buyers out of the market.Hong Kong Jack makes the broader point that Australia's tax and investment settings have made owner-occupied housing unusually attractive compared with other investments, contributing to long-term affordability problems.00:06:36 — Could Money Shift from Housing to the ASX?Jack the Insider speculates that if housing becomes less reliable as an investment vehicle, more money may flow into equities and the Australian share market. The discussion also touches on the weak outlook for CBD commercial property, with work-from-home trends continuing to affect demand.00:07:25 — The 5 Per Cent Deposit SchemeThe Jacks assess the Albanese government's 5 per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers. Hong Kong Jack says it may provide some help for young people trying to enter the market, but it is not a magic solution to housing affordability.They discuss the practical challenge of borrowing large sums with very little equity, especially if prices flatten or fall. The risk for banks and borrowers is that buyers may end up with little or no equity for some time.00:10:41 — The One Nation SurgeThe episode moves to One Nation's rise in the polls. Jack the Insider notes that One Nation polled around 6.5 per cent nationally at the previous federal election but is now polling far higher, with some figures placing the party in the 20s.The Jacks discuss possible reasons for the surge, including public dissatisfaction with the major parties, the political aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, and the way right-wing voters are shifting away from the Coalition.00:11:48 — Social Media, Bots and the “Mirage” of One NationJack the Insider raises concerns about foreign influence, AI-generated videos, disinformation and bot-like social media activity targeting Australian politics. He cites examples of fake or misleading material involving Natalie Barr, Anthony Albanese and claims about Labor figures selling property after the budget.He argues that some of the online activity appears designed to attack both the government and the Coalition while indirectly benefiting One Nation. He describes part of the One Nation surge as a “mirage”, while acknowledging that real-world results, such as the South Australian election and the Farrar by-election, show the party has genuine support.00:18:20 — Is One Nation the Biggest Political Disruption Since World War II?Hong Kong Jack argues that, even allowing for some mirage factor, One Nation's polling makes it the biggest disruption to Australian politics since World War II. He compares the party's current position with the historical performance of the DLP, Australian Democrats and Greens, none of which reached similar national polling levels.Jack the Insider counters that One Nation's rise appears to be splintering the right-wing vote rather than pulling substantial support from Labor or the left. The Jacks agree the Liberal Party has a major strategic problem: it must rebuild its primary vote while deciding how directly to confront One Nation.00:21:56 — What Should the Liberal Party Do?The Jacks discuss the Liberal Party's path back to competitiveness. Hong Kong Jack says the party should stop obsessing over polls and focus on hard policy work, local campaigning and the basics of politics.Jack the Insider argues the Liberals will eventually need to attack One Nation directly. His view is that conservative voters must be told clearly that a vote for One Nation is likely to help return Labor to government or create instability.00:23:38 — Pauline Hanson, Policy Uncertainty and Senate AttendanceJack the Insider criticises Pauline Hanson's policy understanding and parliamentary work ethic, citing her position on maternity leave and Senate attendance. He argues that One Nation's shifting policy framework and uncertainty will become more apparent under greater scrutiny.The Jacks also discuss preference flows and whether the Coalition can rely on One Nation preferences if the right-wing vote remains fragmented.00:26:51 — Moira Deeming, Matthew Guy and the Victorian LiberalsThe conversation shifts to Victorian Liberal politics. Jack the Insider discusses Moira Deeming, who is likely to face disendorsement, and says Jess Wilson appears to be handling internal party discipline more effectively than previous Liberal leaders.The Jacks examine Deeming's allegation involving Matthew Guy and the CCTV footage that emerged afterward. Jack the Insider argues that the Victorian Liberals must deal firmly with internal destabilisation if they are to present themselves as a credible alternative government.00:31:00 — Don Farrell on One Nation and the Bondi AttackHong Kong Jack notes that Labor frontbencher Don Farrell has attributed One Nation's rise partly to Coalition division and partly to a post-Bondi surge. Jack the Insider questions whether the Bondi attack will become a lasting voting determinant, suggesting it may prove to be a temporary political factor.The discussion also covers One Nation and the Greens voting against proposed bans on hate preachers, despite rhetoric about the issue after Bondi.00:33:08 — Newspoll, Labor's Position and Coalition TroubleJack the Insider discusses polling showing Labor improving, One Nation slipping slightly and the Coalition struggling. He argues that the Coalition must win back a large share of One Nation's support if it is to become competitive.The Jacks consider whether One Nation has reached its high watermark or whether the movement has deeper staying power. They also note that Labor and the Greens together remain in a strong position if the conservative vote continues to fracture.00:38:08 — Jacinta Allan and Victoria's Big Build ProblemsVictorian Premier Jacinta Allan comes under scrutiny over the Big Build projects and allegations surrounding inflated costs and union influence. The Jacks discuss reporting by The Age's investigative unit and Nick McKenzie, including claims about contractors being asked whether they could do deals with unions.Hong Kong Jack says Allan's position looks increasingly terminal, while Jack the Insider says there is widespread anger among Victorians toward the government. They agree the timing of the controversy is politically damaging for Labor.00:41:07 — Could Victorian Labor Replace Jacinta Allan?The Jacks debate whether Victorian Labor has the courage or capacity to replace Allan before the election. Jack the Insider argues that taking over now would be a political kamikaze job, given the scale of Labor's problems.They compare Allan with Daniel Andrews, whom Jack the Insider describes as a much stronger communicator and political operator. The discussion also considers whether Labor still has a narrow path to victory if the right-wing vote splits between the Liberals, One Nation and other parties.00:45:35 — The Age, “Uniparty” Claims and Victorian Labor's DefendersHong Kong Jack shares a social media post attacking The Age as part of a supposed One Nation-Liberal-National “uniparty” media operation. The Jacks use it to illustrate the type of rhetoric surrounding Victorian politics and the difficulty Labor faces as corruption and governance issues dominate the debate.00:46:46 — Joh Bjelke-Petersen Comparisons and Victorian CorruptionThe conversation touches on comparisons between Victoria's current political troubles and the corruption scandals that brought down Joh Bjelke-Petersen in Queensland. Jack the Insider notes commentary suggesting that corruption can become the defining factor that ends a long-running government.They also discuss the relationship between Victorian Labor and sections of the union movement, including the role of unions in major construction projects.00:50:30 — Andy Burnham's UK ProgramThe Jacks move to UK politics and Andy Burnham's expected rise to the prime ministership. Hong Kong Jack outlines Burnham's program, including a proposal to govern partly from Manchester and devolve more power to regions and councils.Jack the Insider frames this as part of a broader devolution agenda. Hong Kong Jack is sceptical, arguing that devolution has not clearly succeeded in Scotland or Wales and may not deliver the growth Burnham is promising.00:53:59 — Keir Starmer's Defence Spending AnnouncementKeir Starmer's proposed defence spending boost comes under scrutiny. Hong Kong Jack argues the numbers do not add up and describes the announcement as “smoke and mirrors”.The Jacks also discuss Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's performance at Prime Minister's Questions and how she may find Burnham a tougher opponent than Starmer.00:56:59 — “Died” or “Passed Away”?In a lighter aside, the Jacks discuss euphemisms around death, particularly the increasingly common use of “passed” or “passed away”. Hong Kong Jack says he prefers plain language and warns Jack the Insider not to say he has “passed” when the time comes.00:58:28 — Jonathan Swan, Maggie Haberman and Trump's Decision-MakingThe conversation moves to the United States and the book by Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman. Jack the Insider discusses material about Trump's decision-making style, particularly the tendency to favour gut instinct even when advice from officials points in another direction.The Jacks discuss US decision-making around Iran and the dangers of ignoring structured advice in favour of personal instinct.01:04:11 — AI, Congress and Insider TradingThe Jacks discuss claims that AI tools have exposed widespread conflicts between congressional stock trades and the legislative work of US politicians. The system described cross-references stock purchases with bills and committee activity.Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack stress that this is a bipartisan problem, not confined to one party or one administration. They note that the STOCK Act was intended to address congressional trading conflicts but has not produced meaningful enforcement.01:08:47 — Trump, Crypto, Wealth and CorruptionThe discussion broadens to Donald Trump's personal enrichment, including crypto ventures, the Qatar jet issue and business opportunities involving Trump family members. Jack the Insider argues that Trump appears to be benefiting heavily from his second term.Hong Kong Jack says the presidency is difficult to regulate in this area, while Congress has shown little willingness to police itself.01:13:36 — Russia-Ukraine War UpdateJack the Insider discusses Ukrainian drone strikes near Moscow, including attacks on fuel infrastructure and refineries. The Jacks note reports of fuel shortages, long queues and unrest at Russian service stations.Hong Kong Jack explains that Ukraine appears to be targeting specific refinery components that Russia cannot easily replace. The Jacks also discuss reports of Russian troop movements, the pressure on Crimea, and the possibility of political instability inside Russia if the war continues to turn against Moscow.01:18:34 — Drone Warfare and Moscow's VulnerabilityThe Jacks reflect on how drone warfare has transformed modern conflict. Jack the Insider describes footage of Ukrainian drones reaching Moscow while Russian air defences fired ineffectively.They note that when the invasion began, few expected Ukraine to hold out for years, let alone gain the upper hand in key areas through targeted strikes and technological adaptation.01:20:15 — Ben Stokes Retires from International CricketThe sports segment begins with Ben Stokes' surprise retirement from international cricket. Jack the Insider describes watching the announcement unfold during England's Test against New Zealand and says the moment shifted the entire atmosphere of the match.The Jacks argue that England's focus turned into a farewell lap for Stokes rather than a serious attempt to win or save the Test.01:22:10 — England's Reckless Chase and New Zealand's Great WinThe Jacks criticise England's approach to the run chase, including the decision to open with Stokes and the reckless batting that followed. They praise New Zealand for a disciplined, hard-fought victory and highlight Daryl Mitchell's courageous century on a difficult wicket.Hong Kong Jack says New Zealand's series win deserves major recognition, especially given their record away from home under their captain.01:25:16 — New Zealand's Strength and England's Bazball ProblemThe Jacks discuss New Zealand's strengths: preparation, fielding, resilience and intent. They contrast this with England's loose approach and the possible end of the Bazball era.Jack the Insider says Ben Stokes has been a wonderful player and match-winner but argues that England now faces serious leadership and management problems. The Jacks debate the futures of Brendon McCullum, Rob Key and England's Test setup.01:32:19 — World Cup, France and BrazilThe Jacks briefly discuss the World Cup, noting the difficulty of keeping track of the tournament but identifying France as looking particularly strong. Brazil and Norway are also mentioned as teams to watch.01:32:47 — State of Origin PreviewThe conversation turns to State of Origin, with the Blues heading to Lang Park. Jack the Insider says New South Wales have only rarely won a series decider there and does not see it happening this time.01:33:15 — AFL Fixtures and Broadcast FrustrationsThe Jacks preview upcoming AFL matches, including Geelong versus Brisbane, Sydney versus the Bulldogs, and Richmond versus Carlton. Jack the Insider questions the logic of the AFL fixture, particularly overlapping games and the lack of Saturday afternoon free-to-air football.01:36:19 — Australian Women's Cricket Team Reaches Another FinalJack the Insider notes that Australia's women's cricket team has reached another ICC World Cup final after beating India. England and South Africa are due to play for the other spot in the final.He praises the Australian side for remaining a powerful force despite changes from previous line-ups.01:37:11 — Listener Feedback and Sign-OffJack the Insider closes the episode by thanking Hong Kong Jack for his opinions and preparation. Listeners are encouraged to send in comments, criticisms and issues they would like the Two Jacks to tackle in future episodes.Hong Kong Jack jokingly asks listeners not to send anything complimentary.-- Dunno why it did this but it gave another show description? Whatever nobody is still reading at this point. Short Episode DescriptionJack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack unpack Australia's housing jitters, the risks facing first home buyers, One Nation's polling surge, and the Coalition's strategic dilemma. They also examine Victorian Labor's Big Build troubles, Jacinta Allan's leadership problems, Andy Burnham's UK agenda, Trump-era decision-making, congressional stock trading, Ukraine's drone war against Russia and a huge week in sport, including Ben Stokes' retirement and New Zealand's Test triumph over England.Long Episode DescriptionIn episode 163 of The Two Jacks, Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack begin with Australia's housing market, where falling prices in some first home buyer suburbs raise questions about the 5 per cent deposit scheme and the risk of negative equity.The major political focus is One Nation's dramatic rise in the polls. Is it a genuine realignment of Australian politics, the biggest disruption since World War II, or partly a mirage inflated by social media, disinformation and frustration with the major parties? The Jacks examine what this means for the Liberal Party, why the conservative vote is splintering, and how Labor may benefit.In Victoria, the Jacks look at Moira Deeming, Matthew Guy, Jess Wilson, Jacinta Allan and the Big Build controversies that continue to put pressure on the state government. Overseas, they discuss Andy Burnham's UK program, Keir Starmer's defence spending claims, Trump's reliance on instinct over advice, AI-driven scrutiny of congressional stock trading, and Ukraine's drone strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure.The episode finishes with sport: Ben Stokes' international retirement, England's disastrous Test loss to New Zealand, the future of Bazball, World Cup football, State of Origin, AFL fixturing and Australia's women's cricket team reaching another final.
In this episode of the show, Binksy, Jamie, Baldy and Stu look back at the Black Caps v England series in an attempt to figure out where to next for both sides. There's also a quick word on the Women's T20 World Cup final, and a nod to some upcoming white-ball series also featuring India and the West Indies. We start the show with plenty of positivity from the New Zealand side of the ledger again as the Black Caps series victory remains at the forefront of our memories. There's a heap of praise on the bowling group and Nathan Smith in particular, along with questions about whether the batting lineup still contains a few areas of concern. Daryl Mitchell's gritty hundred is singled out as a sign of NZ's situational awareness, and we dare to dream about whether this group can go to Australia and win having now ticked off India and England in recent times. As we turn to England, the questions mount up in the wake of Ben Stokes's retirement, and 'Who's next?' is right up there on the list. We discuss the good and the frustrating about the Stokes/McCullum era, what England could take forward with them into the next one and whether Harry Brook is the right person to lead that group. We also speculate about who might replace Stokes at 7, and who might take over as coach if Brendon McCullum is moved on from the test role. After a long discussion, we round out the show with a conversation about the Women's T20 World Cup. We say thanks and farewell to three White Ferns legends in Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu, then look ahead to the final between England and Australia that will play out not long after our recording. There's also a brief mention of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's international debut at the remarkable age of 15 years 99 days, but no doubt there will be longer discussions on his career in the weeks and months ahead. We'll be back again next week with more news and views. Until then please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter & Facebook, and @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram & YouTube) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our website. You can also dip back into our guest episodes - including conversations with Mike Hesson, Shane Bond and Mike Hussey, current players such as Matt Henry, Sophie Devine and Ish Sodhi, coaches Gary Stead, Jeetan Patel and Luke Wright, as well as Barry Richards, Frankie Mackay, Bharat Sundaresan and many more fascinating people from all across the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at thetoporderpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening. 0:00 Intro 1:40 Plenty of positives for the Black Caps 5:35 Depth of NZ's bowling attack 10:00 Black Caps' style 13:45 Daryl Mitchell's throwback hundred 16:20 Could NZ finally beat Australia away? 23:10 How much change is needed for England? 33:05 What should England take forward from Bazball? 38:15 England's leadership 46:00 Who replaces Ben Stokes at 7? 57:05 Women's T20 World Cup 1:06:50 India v England & NZ's ODI squad v West Indies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ben Stokes has just announced his retirement from international cricket. And the person who can best explain what that decision truly costs — and what Stokes has meant as a captain and a human being — is Stuart Broad.Stuart retired in 2023 on his own terms: last ball, The Oval, England versus Australia. In this conversation, he tells the full story of the night he walked down the hotel corridor and knocked on Stokesy's door to tell him it was over. What happened in that room, and how he felt when he woke up the next morning, is something every leader will recognise.But this conversation goes much deeper than retirement. Stuart opens up about the T20 World Cup in Durban — the day six sixes were hit off one over, and how the humiliation changed everything. He explains the mental frameworks he quietly built over the following 16 years: warrior mode, assassin mode, the daily note-making practice that started as a cricket habit and became a life habit. And he makes a case that the game is not 80% mental — it's closer to 90.A brilliant episode on performance, legacy, and knowing when to walk away.Thanks to our partners: Revolut Business
DR Congo, you've been discharged thanks to Thomas Tuchel and Tony Baz's beautiful England boys. But should we be worried about the performance? Marcus, Luke and Jim are here to discuss.Elsewhere, Belgium's win over Senegal is a reminder not to fall asleep mid-match. Plus, we learn how England could keep the blood pumping at altitude against Mexico.Get your Football Ramble x Admiral kit here.Find us on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.No cliches. No ex-pros like Peter Crouch or The Rest is Football. Just the funniest football conversation out there. Your guardian for the season, daily not weekly. Stick to the Ramble, totally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss what's next for England's Test team following Ben Stokes shock retirement. Who will take the armband, how will Stokes international career be remembered and is it the end for ‘Bazball'?Making it as a professional in one sport is impressive enough but to do it in two is pretty special! That's exactly what 2019 World Cup winner Liam Plunkett has done after he made his pro debut in Baseball for the Oakland Ballers. Known for his fast bowling, Liam tells Stumped about his curve ball a strike out in his first game!Plus, we hear from former Ireland captain Alan Lewis about a historic weekend for Irish cricket as the men beat India 2-0 for the first time in a T20 series and the women, led by Alan's daughter Gaby, registered their first ever Women's T20 World Cup victory.Photo: Ben Stokes, captain of England, leaves the field at the tea interval, having announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the current Test Match during day four of the 3rd Rothesay Test Match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge on June 28, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
Ben Stokes' departure as English captain and player has Corbin and Ed declaring it in many ways, a perfect encapsulation of the Bazball era. So a year out from the next Ashes, England are left with questions like who will captain, will McCullum stay on and what does this team represent?Our Aussie women have also made the World Cup semis by eliminating India and it's the T20 resurgence of Ellyse Perry and Sophie Molineux's form that's impressed most.Plus Ireland somehow beat India twice, James Hopes leaves the Sixers for QLD cricket before he's even begun and the listener emails are overflowing.To get in touch, email Corbin & Ed at abccricketpodcast@abc.net.auABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,' hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast'
On today's episode of The Agenda, Manaia Stewart joins ACC Head G Lane to clear the air once and for all about what REALLY happened between him and Willie Mason after the Wahs in Christchurch (00:00)...Next, the fellas discuss the Black Caps being on the verge of a historic Test and series win in England and Ben Stokes' curious decision to quit mid-match (07:20). The All Blacks have confirmed an ANZAC Test for 2027 in Brisbane. But what does that mean for Super Round (20:40)? Plus, the All Whites' World Cup campaign comes to an end at the hands of Belgium (30:00). Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (36:40)... Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE! Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ben Stokes announces his retirement from international cricket, while literally still in the thick of it.We review the match (not really) and Stokes' retirement call, plus a brief look at the enigmatic European erdstalls.
Ben Stokes, one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, announed his international retirement today. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann pay tribute to a remarkable cricketer, remember his highights, ask 'why now' and consider how England replace the irreplaceable. Oh, also, there's still a Test match going on whch New Zealand will probably go on to win and clinch the series. What will that mean for Bazball and the England heirarchy? To read Simon Hughes' piece on Substack predicting this eventuality 2 weeks ago click this link #cricket #england #stokes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Eng v NZ Daily 2026, 3rd Test, Trent Bridge, Preview: A wild series comes to its unmissable conclusion this week at Trent Bridge. For New Zealand, dependable all-rounder Mitch Santner will come in for the rested Kyle Jamieson, but the bigger focus will be on England's changes. A huge chance for Shoaib Bashir to prove his worth on a hot week, of course, but there'll be no greater focus this year than on the return of the suspended skipper, Ben Stokes. Win, and all will be forgotten. Lose, and Brendan McCullum may need a new job. Ben Jones joins Adam Collins. Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword and win a signed copy of Wisden, or a case of Stomping Ground: browse their range at stompingground.beer Welcome back Step One! Get 15% off with code FINALWORD15: uk.stepone.life Experience England's cricket tour of South Africa 2026/27 LIVE with Gullivers Sports Travel. Find out more and book at gulliverstravel.co.uk Check out the Lord's Performance Centre for School Holiday activities and courses: lords.org/lords/performancecentre Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get your This is W̶o̶m̶e̶n̶'̶s̶ Cricket t-shirt here, and learn about Lacuna Sports bespoke cricket wear, created by women for women: lacunasports.co.uk/en/shop/limited-edition/world-cup-t-shirt/ Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw or 10% off Duncan Fearnley bats and kit with code TFW10 or 15% off Step One clothes at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 or 10% off BIG Boots UK boots and socks at bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Menners and Damian Watson break down Australia's unbeaten run to the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals, discuss the growing turmoil engulfing English cricket and the Bazball project, review Australia's successful T20 tour of Bangladesh, and examine the latest twists in the ongoing Big Bash privatisation debate. The pair also assess Matt Renshaw's resurgence, debate Greg Chappell's call for youth-focused Test selection, and wrap up with the latest coaching changes around Australian cricket and some remarkable records from Major League Cricket. Timecodes (2:41) Australia cruises into the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals (7:49) England cricket's latest Bazball crisis and Ben Stokes fallout (18:09) Australia's dominant 3-0 T20 series win in Bangladesh (19:04) Matt Renshaw's resurgence and Test selection prospects (22:25) Joel Davies emerges as a future Australian star (24:26) Coaching merry-go-round: Tim Paine, James Hopes and the BBL (28:04) Greg Chappell's call for a youth revolution in Australian cricket (31:28) Big Bash privatisation debate intensifies as Cricket NSW pushes back Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We've launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show.
In this episode of the show, Binksy, Baldy, Jamie and Stu look back at the First Test between England and the visiting Black Caps at Lord's.. We start the show by throwing it to the victors as England take a 1-0 lead in this Test series. Jamie is cautious with his optimism, while Binksy takes us through the Lord's experience and we discuss how important victory in any form was to kickstart this next phase of the Stokes/McCullum partnership. As the conversation continues, it inevitably turns to the Lord's pitch, which prompted an apology from the MCC after the surface grabbed most of the headlines. Was this game even watchable from a neutral perspective? And can we really take any lessons from what happened during the course of the game? In a much more enjoyable and positive segment of the show, we return to the cricket on display to discuss the bowling groups from both sides. There were bags for the returning Ollie Robinson and Kyle Jamieson, plus two more for Nathan Smith and Gus Atkinson. Throw in the performances of Will O'Rourke, Josh Tongue and to a lesser extent Matt Henry and Ben Stokes and it's easy to see why the batters had such a tough time navigating the conditions. For the batters, a fifty on debut for Emilio Gay was about the only highlight, so there's a temptation to put the game in the shredder and move on, but did either team get the tactics right? Was there a hint that the Bazball approach may well be changing after all? To round out the show, we briefly discuss what's next for both sides. Will Matt Henry be fit for the second Test? Will Jofra Archer return to England's squad? And is Kane Williamson retiring? We'll be back again with more news and views next week, most likely to look ahead to the second Test and look back at what happened elsewhere around the world. Until then please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter & Facebook, and @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram & YouTube) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our website. You can also dip back into our guest episodes - including conversations with Mike Hesson, Shane Bond and Mike Hussey, current players such as Matt Henry, Sophie Devine and Ish Sodhi, coaches Gary Stead, Jeetan Patel and Luke Wright, as well as Barry Richards, Frankie Mackay, Bharat Sundaresan and many more fascinating people from all across the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at thetoporderpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening. 0:00 Intro 2:15 England take a 1-0 lead at the home of cricket 10:20 The Lord's pitch was a shocker 14:30 NZ frustrations 21:05 Impressive bowling performances: England/Ollie Robinson 26:00 Should the Black Caps' batters have been more positive? 35:00 Did we see a change in England's approach? 42:30 Changes and retirements (?) for the rest of the series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jeremy Zakis explores the match-fixing scandal and gang influence threatening Canadian cricket's international status. He details how players potentially "sandbagged" games for gambling purposes. Finally, Jeremy discusses the recent resurgence of "Bazball" in an England-New Zealand match, highlighting the strategic impact of poorly maintained pitches.1928
Neil Manthorp is joined by the former England fast bowler Steve Harmison to look ahead to the start of England's Test series against New Zealand, which starts at Lord's on Thursday. They also hear exclusively from England Head Coach Brendon McCullum, England all-rounder Will Jacks and the 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley. How will Brendon McCullum prove he has changed after England's Ashes defeat? What will Bazball 3.0 look like in this upcoming New Zealand series? How tough a challenge will New Zealand possess? What next for England if they don't win this series?Instagram: @talkSPORT_CricketYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9vsecLHNgTj-yoNumw63lQX: @Cricket_TS @NeilManthorp @Harmy611Hosts: Neil Manthorp and Steve HarmisonProducer: Scott TaylorHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bazball Blunders and Vandalizing CockatoosGuest Jeremy Zakis critiques England's aggressive "Bazball" cricket strategy, noting Brendan McCullum's new five-point plan focused on professionalism and pressure management for the upcoming Ashes. Zakis also updates on his battle with destructive cockatoos, which have returned to his property now that minor birds have fled.1899
An action-packed show for Cam's first episode in the hosting chair. There's chat about the structure of the English summer, potential financial struggles for the ECB in 2027, replacements for the injured Jacob Bethell, England Lions' defeat to South Africa A, Bangladesh's series win against Pakistan and so much more. 0:00 Intro / 1:45 KIA UK / 2:14 Mark Butcher / 16:31 English summer scheduling & finances / 27:46 Jacob Bethell & England vs New Zealand / 40:34 England Lions / 44:18 Women's podcast / 45:19 Club cricket / 47:19 Win T20 Blast tickets with KIA UK / 47:47 T20 Blast / 59:37 IPL / 1:04:42 Bangladesh vs Pakistan / 1:13:09 Outro KIA UK
Season 20 Episode 11: England's Test squad is out, and the end has indeed come for Bazball's mascot. Elsewhere, Australia's captain Pat Cummins gets stroppy at media reports, but isn't it more likely to be people he knows who keep using his name? Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword and win a signed copy of Wisden, or a case of Stomping Ground: browse their range at stompingground.beer If you can, get behind our final Edinburgh marathon for the Lord's Taverners: donations here Experience England's cricket tour of South Africa 2026/27 LIVE with Gullivers Sports Travel. Find out more and book at gulliverstravel.co.uk Check out the Lord's Performance Centre for School Holiday activities and courses: lords.org/lords/performancecentre Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com Get your This is W̶o̶m̶e̶n̶'̶s̶ Cricket t-shirt here, and learn about Lacuna Sports bespoke cricket wear, created by women for women: lacunasports.co.uk/en/shop/limited-edition/world-cup-t-shirt/ Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw or 10% off Duncan Fearnley bats and kit with code TFW10 or 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD or 15% off Step One clothes at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 or 10% off BIG Boots UK boots and socks at bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The ICC suspended funding for Cricket Canada following allegations of corruption, match-fixing, and "Bishnoi mafia" influence. A specific match against New Zealand is currently under investigation. Additionally, England's "Bazball" era appears to be ending, signaled by the removal of opening batsman Zak Crawley from the team. (2/2)1928
An investigation into a T20 match between Canada and New Zealand has uncovered potential match-fixing tied to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. This "mafia-style" group is suspected of coercing selection boards to install specific players, like captain Dilpreet Bajwa, for financial gain. Jeremy Zakis explains that T20 games are easier to fix than five-day matches because results happen in a single day and poor performance is easier to disguise as a "bad day." Meanwhile, the English Cricket Board has made a strategic shift by hiring Australian Marcus North as a senior selector, signaling a potential end to the aggressive "Bazball" strategy. (3/4)1927
The youngest editor of Wisden for 72 years when he was appointed in 2012, Lawrence Booth gets under the skin of the game and its challenges and thrills in this conversation at the Oval on the cusp of the Test summer. The Bazball verdict, Brendon McCullum, Ben Stokes, white ball v red ball, Virat Kohli, Kevin Pietersen, the state of women's cricket, Ashes success and failure, the power of India, The Hundred, the English summer, journalism, making headlines, and a passion for the sport - this is the perfect episode to whet the appetite ahead of a vital few months for the English game.
Alistair Bruce-Ball, Chris Sutton and Statman Dave are joined by golf correspondent Iain Carter ahead of the Masters in Augusta, which you'll be able to hear live across 5 Live, Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.Now we know who's doubling in Gameweek 33 and blanking in Gameweek 34, the pod discuss the best strategy to follow.Should you wildcard this week? Will Chris be able to follow Dave's explanations? Should Ali invest in a gnome from the Masters' gift shop?An imminent interview with Rory McIlroy leads to a short Sutton Death and Ali takes a scattergun approach when asked for tips to win the Masters.To get in touch - email fpl@bbc.co.uk or Voice notes on WhatsApp to 0800 028 9369.Premier League commentaries on 5 Live this weekend: Saturday 11th April - 3pm - Brentford v Everton Saturday 11th April - 3pm - Burnley v Brighton Saturday 11th April - 5:30pm - Liverpool v Fulham Sunday 12th April - 2pm - Sunderland v Spurs Sunday 12th April - 2pm - Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa (Sports Extra) Sunday 12th April - 2pm - Crystal Palace v Newcastle (Sports Extra 2) Sunday 12th April - 4:30pm - Chelsea v Manchester City
Jeremy Zakis discusses the English cricket team's Ashes loss, highlighting their lack of preparation. Recent reports reveal players were involved in nightclub altercations before the series, undermining their "Bazball" strategy and overall team discipline now,. (1)1940
Same prompt as last time except this one is claude 4.6 opus. taking bloody ages no wonder they don't to be robot executioners they wouldn't fire until the target was in another postcode. LLM more like Lame Loading Model. At least Grok was fast. Oh wow Claude is brutal. I think I will stop doing roast shownotes after this but it's pretty funny. Okay yeah this will be the last roast notes so enjoy while it lasts. I ran it again telling it to be less harsh and yeah, it's still harsh. G'day, you legends! Welcome to the notes for Episode 150 of The Two Jacks, where Jack the Insider teams up with Hong Kong Jack (the ex-Labor bloke who's wandered off into conservative wilderness—mate, what happened? We view that shift with the contempt it deserves, like watching a once-solid pub mate switch to light beer). It's all fair dinkum Aussie banter here: politics, elections, wars, strikes, and sport, with a bit of arsehole flair thrown in. We've bumped timestamps forward 25 seconds to account for the theme music—because who doesn't love a dramatic entrance?This ep clocks in at around 1:13:40 (post-theme), recorded on 26 March 2026. Jack the Insider keeps it real, while Hong Kong Jack reminisces about his glory days before his puzzling pivot to the dark side. Strap in for a ripper discussion shaded with our signature contempt for conservative flip-floppers.00:00:25 - Intro & Midsomer Murders BanterJack the Insider kicks off with a warm welcome to Episode 150, "Cause for Raising the Bat." Hong Kong Jack dives into his love for Midsomer Murders—showing his age, but hey, at least it's not as outdated as his politics. Quick chat on media strikes and a teaser for political affiliations. (Light-hearted start, no harm done.)00:00:44 - Political Shifts: Hong Kong Jack's "Evolution"Hong Kong Jack claims his views haven't changed since the Hawke era—pull the other one, mate! He admits ditching faith in government enterprises like Telecom (fair call) but then bangs on about defending Western civilization after eyeing failed states. Jack the Insider wisely points out that's 43 years ago—plenty of time for a bloke to go from Labor loyalist to conservative crank. We shade this with contempt: once a worker's champion, now just another right-leaning relic. Key quote: "My views aren't very different to what they were in 1983." Yeah, nah.00:01:40 - US Democracy Woes & Aussie StrengthsDeep dive into America's broken system—Trump as symptom, not disease. Jack the Insider praises Australia's compulsory voting, independent electoral commission, and preferential system as rock-solid. Hong Kong Jack chimes in on voter registration pitfalls in the US (fair point, even from a turncoat). Education smackdown: Insider calls out red states' poor outcomes; Hong Kong Jack disputes it—next week's debate fodder.00:09:11 - South Australian Election TsunamiLabor surges to 33+ seats, Libs collapse, One Nation rises (but probably won't last—history says they'll implode like always). Insider debunks the "orange tsunami" hype; it's just Lib votes bleeding to One Nation, handing wins to Labor. Shade on Hong Kong Jack's conservative lean: This is what happens when ex-Labor types like you defect—chaos for the right! Big swings in blue-collar seats, but Insider sees two Australias emerging. One Nation's David Payton congratulated... for now. Bet on him bolting to the crossbenches within a year.00:22:39 - Immigration, Patriotism, & Pauline's PerksInsider calls out xenophobia's ugly history in Oz (thanks, White Australia policy—Labor's brainchild, ironically). Hong Kong Jack pushes addressing concerns without dismissing voters—solid, but coming from a conservative convert, it's rich. Chat on embracing migrants as "new Australians" and embracing patriotism (not jingoism). Quick roast: Pauline Hanson cops flak for undeclared flights on Gina Rinehart's jet—quid pro quo much? Insider: Personal attacks won't stick, but policy takedowns will.00:39:44 - Albo's Mosque Visit & Aussie Heckling TraditionPM Albo and Tony Burke get razzed at Lakemba Mosque—fair play in our democracy! Insider recalls Howard and Hawke copping boos too. Hong Kong Jack shares Gough Whitlam's 1974 rugby league zinger. All in good fun—unlike switching political sides mid-life crisis.00:42:25 - ABC Strike DramaABC staff walk out for 24 hours over pay (10% over three years, below inflation). Insider: Not ideal timing with news alternatives booming. Hong Kong Jack jokes about staff showing up just to strike—classic. Many preferred the BBC fill-in; Insider warns of threats to World Service. Shade: If only conservatives like Hong Kong Jack appreciated public broadcasters instead of griping.00:48:00 - Iran War Update: Closer to Peace?Tense chat on the Iran conflict—US strikes "obliterated" nuclear sites (per Tulsi Gabbard), but why the war? Straits of Hormuz choked, petrol prices spiking ($2.50 unleaded in Oz). Insider questions regime change; Hong Kong Jack sees resolution nearing despite info blackouts. Pakistan as backchannel? Saudis pressuring them over defence pacts. Economic forecasts grim: global recession likely. No panic on oil stockpiles—avoid desal plant-style blunders.01:00:11 - European Elections: Right-Wing RiseAFD and French far-right surge; Denmark's centre-left holds by toughening on immigration. Hungary watch: Orbán might fall to TISA—good news for Ukraine. Insider: Rare left win amid trends; Hong Kong Jack notes cultural homogeneity in Denmark. Shade: Europe's right-wing wave? Sounds like Hong Kong Jack's kinda vibe these days.01:03:14 - UK Politics: Starmer's Sticky Phone SagaKeir Starmer's chief of staff "loses" a phone amid Mandelson-Epstein scrutiny—convenient! Polls: Labour up to 19%, Reform down to 23%. Insider: Farage fading; Greens at 18% show alt-left strength. Crime chat: London's rates down, but phone thefts? Dodgy excuse.01:07:39 - Meta's "Big Tobacco" MomentLawsuits hammer Meta ($4.2M payout) for addicting kids like cigarettes. New Mexico case: $375M for failing to protect from predators. Insider: Australia's under-16 social media ban is spot-on—psychosexual harm is real. Porn sites now verifying age? No complaints here.01:13:21 - Sport Wrap: NRL, AFL, Cricket ShenanigansNRL: Sea Eagles vs. Roosters tonight; Broncos stumbling. AFL: Essendon "disaster" talk premature; Suns look top-four bound. Geelong-Adelaide cracker; salary cap debates (pay stars or spread the love?). Cricket: England backs Bazball flops; Warnie's IPL windfall ($50M stake). Sheffield Shield final: Vics dominating SA. Bonus: Free Imran Khan tees from CrickInfo—CA's T-shirt ban at Junction Oval? Pathetic.That's a wrap on 150—cracking ep with Insider's insight shining through, even if Hong Kong Jack's conservative drift drags it down a peg (we kid, but seriously, mate—sort it out). Drop us a line on your political origin stories or media gripes. Cheers, legends—catch ya next week!
Season 19, Episode 39: It's our season finale for the Australian cricket season of 2025/26, with a cracker of a Sheffield Shield final run and won over five days, and a new Australian central contract list moving well away from white-ball formats and investing everything in the extraordinary glut of 21 Tests between this August and the following July. Also this week, separate administrator madness in both Pakistan and India, an all-time performance in the women's game, and more discontent with Brendon McCullum is part of the many stories bubbling away in England before the new county season. Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword and win a case of Stomping Ground or a swag of Step One clothes. Browse the beers at stompingground.beer or get 15% off Step One gear at uk.stepone.life/discount/TFW148 Stop snoring with 10% off a Zeus device: use code TFW2026 at zeussleeps.com CBUS Super - Build your something. Visit cbussuper.com.au to sort your superannuation. Get your big NordVPN discount: nordvpn.com/tfw or 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: t20vision.com/FINALWORD Learn about Lacuna Sports - bespoke female cricket wear, created by women for women: lacunasports.co.uk or get 10% off BIG Boots UK boots and socks at bigboots.co.uk/?ref=thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy 0:00 Award for Best Podcast 11:30 Sheffield Shield Final 23:30 CA Central Contracts 34:00 Beyers Swanepoe 43:00 Jay Shah 22nd Most Powerful Man 52:30 PSL 58:00 Bopara retires 1:00:30 IPL 1:10:00 Amelia Kerr 1:15:00 AusW v WI W 1:19:24 Bazball under fire 1:26:49 County Wrap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Summary 1 Jeremy Zakis discusses the failures of England's aggressive "Bazball" strategy in five-day test matches. Australian cricket legends urge England to adopt a more conservative approach to remain competitive. The conversation also highlights a critical shortage of cricket balls in the Northern Hemisphere caused by supply chain disruptions in the Gulf. (1)1920 EDWARD BALES, WARWICKSHIRE
Menners goes solo to break down a huge week in cricket, from England's controversial decision to stick with Bazball leadership through to major changes looming in Australian cricket. The episode also features a special and heartfelt interview with Koby Jones, son of the late Dean Jones, reflecting on his father's legacy and his own cricket journey. Timecodes: (00:51) Bazball survives: McCullum, Stokes & Key backed despite Ashes disaster (05:30) Courage or cop-out? England's decision and 2027 Ashes pressure (10:26) Big Bash shake-up: Privatization debate & New Zealand league move (14:30) Bombshell: Could the SCG New Year's Test be moved? (18:46) IPL & PSL preview + Aussie player availability controversy (23:40) Pat Cummins on franchise cricket vs international priorities (26:00) Women's team scrutiny: Molyneux captaincy debate heats up (32:00) Koby Jones interview: Dean Jones' legacy and next generation
2. Jeremy Zakis explains Australia's T20 World Championship exit and critiques England's expensive, aggressive "Bazball" strategy. He notes lessons learned for the struggling Australian national side. (27)
Headline: The Failure of "Bazball" and Post-Ashes Fallout Guest: Jeremy ZakisFollowing a devastating Ashes loss to Australia, the English cricket team is reevaluating their aggressive "Bazball" strategy, admitting it acts as psychological warfare that only works against weaker teams. Amidst the fallout, selector Luke Wright has resigned. Meanwhile, an intense heatwave has cancelled local cricket matches and Australia Day festivities.1927
AUSTRALIA RETAINS ASHES VICTORY AS ENGLAND'S BAZBALL STRATEGY FAILS Colleague Jeremy Zakis. Zakis discusses Australia's humble celebration after winning the 2026 Ashes series 4-1, noting that England'saggressive "Bazball" strategy was deemed fundamentally flawed by cricket chiefs. While Australia's bowling remains a focus for improvement, captain Pat Cummins has recovered from injury to continue leading the team.1937
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