Cricket Central

Ted, Ethan, Navod and Peerson discuss how Australia managed to pick themselves up after an humiliating first two Tests and vanquish India on the most devilish pitch of the lot. We also debate where Nathan Lyon ranks in the pantheon of spinners and look ahead to the final Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium. 

Ted, Peerson and Ethan record an impromptu podcast to react to a remarkable finish to the 2nd Test between England and NZ. 

Ted, Peerson and Navod discuss how Australia swept their way to oblivion in the 2nd Test while Ashwin and Jadeja performed yet another masterclass. 

Ted, Ethan and our resident Premier cricketer, Om Satija, discuss Australia's capitulation in the first test and the reactions to it.  We ask whether Australian cricket is really in a position where we can afford to be ridiculing the views of figures such as Allan Border and whether we need to return to playing with a harder edge. Plus, was Head's dropping really the right call and what should the team be for Test 2. Finally, Om puts on his leg-spinners hat to discuss Todd Murphy and the greatness of the Indian spinners. 

Ted and Ethan discuss the drama-filled start of Australia's tour of India. We discuss the MYSTERY PITCH OF NAGPUR, the unveiling of Todd Murphy, the bluffing of Ravi Jadeja and Australia's inability to bat in India. Also, was dropping Head the right move? Plus, much more...

Ted, Ethan and Peerson return for another season of Cricket Central with a comprehensive round-up of 2022's cricketing action. We reflect on all the big stories and individual matches and performances which caught our eye. We also discuss "the m-word" much to Peerson's displeasure and sing the praises of Cam Green (also to Peerson's displeasure). 

We debate who the best players were for each format and discuss which matches were the most enthralling.

Finally, we ask who can lay claim to being the greatest cricketing country in the world. 

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Ted and Ethan discuss Australia's desperate fight against the clock to beat South Africa 3-0. Did Hazlewood just show Boland that he's still top dog? Do SA need to take lessons from Simon Harmer? Does the clean catch rule need to be clarified?

Ethan and Ted reflect on more Australian domination. Was Marnus out? Did SA try too much this innings? Could we possibly be getting sick of stunning Aussie batting?

Ted and Ethan are joined by Peerson from over in America to discuss Australia's triumphant bowling performance to beat South Africa at home for the first time since 2005. 

Despite our suggestions, Peerson still claims that he doesn't fear the Aussies. 

Ted and Ethan discuss a day which began with a glimmer of hope for the visitors and ended with another dominant performance by a member of the increasingly deep Aussie batting order. We ask if Australia is on the brink of something very special.

Vas and Ethan recap an eventful day two from the MCG where David Warner battled sweltering conditions to bring up a third career test match double century including a stand of 239 with Steven Smith (85). The pair also dive into where it has all gone wrong for South Africa as the tourists stare down the barrel of yet another embarrassing defeat. 

Ethan and Ted discuss a breakthrough Boxing Day 5-for from Cam Green as he seized control of the match after counter-attacking fifties from Verreyne and Jansen. We also discuss the fall-out from the Gabba greentop.   

Ted and Om discuss an enthralling first day from Brisbane on which both sides had their moments of ascendency. Who can stand up from SA's top order? Why Boland is so good? Is Warner having his "Ponting" moment? All this, and much more... 

A well-dressed Peerson joins Ted and Ethan live from a hotel room in Washington DC to discuss England's remarkable two victories over Pakistan on some quintessentially Pakistani pitches. Should Australia fear England's newfound form and will other teams start to emulate their aggressive style? Plus, is Brook really England's new star and how on earth is Anderson so good?

Ted, Ethan and a globetrotting Navod Senanayake discuss all the talking points after Australia recorded a record-breaking 419-run victory over the Windies. Will Boland play in The Ashes? What went wrong for Green? Is Warner's time coming to an end? What next for the Windies? Listen for our views on these and much much more...

Ted and Om Satija reflect on a one-sided first day of the day-night test where a depleted Windies were plundered by Marnus and the home-town hero, Travis Head. We ask what went wrong for the visitors, whether Warner should retire and debate the benefits of the Adelaide Oval pitch. 

Ted and Ethan discuss Australia winning an entertaining Test match thanks to Nathan Lyon's masterful 4th innings 6-for. They acclaim a complete performance by the Australians but find much hope in the West Indies' efforts. Finally, they ask whether Holder and Joseph should switch ball for bat.

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Ted and Peerson discuss an interesting day on which Marnus became the 8th person to score a century and double century in one match and Kraigg Brathwaite led a staunch Windies resistance with a chanceless century.

Ted, Navod and Ethan another record-breaking day for Australia. Despite a promising start, the Windies fell for just 289 to an on-song Australian bowling quartet while Pat Cummins took his 200th wicket and Lyon became the 9th-highest Test wicket-taker.

Vas Shipp takes over the hosting chair and Ethan joins him to discuss a historic day for the Aussies where Smith and Labuschagne became just the 5th pair to score double centuries in the same match. 

The Windies openers, led by their bright new hope, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, showed good fight in the final session as they look to force the game as long as possible. 

Ethan and Ted discuss an interesting first day in Perth on which Labuschagne scored his eighth ton and the Australians took control despite some tight Windies bowling. 

Braving a multitude of technical difficulties, the boys nonetheless catch up once again to preview the test series beginning on Wednesday. While we expect it to largely act as a tune-up ahead of the Basil D'Oliveira Trophy series against South Africa, there are still plenty points of interest. In particular, can Tagenarine Chanderpaul be the Windies' new superstar and will Khawaja cement his opening position?

Also, Ethan and Ted salivate at the prospect of a Steve Smith who is "feeling good" and the rise of Travis Head, ODI Superstar. 

Finally, Navod fills us in on Sri Lanka's struggles to make the ODI World Cup, and Peerson celebrates England's T20WC triumph.

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P.S. APOLOGIES FOR THE POOR AUDIO QUALITY.   

We review England's stunning semi-final victory over India and look ahead to the Final. 

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Can anyone beat South Africa? What is going wrong with the Aussies and Pommies? Just how good is SKY?

It's been a huge week of upsets, dramatic matches and spectacular performances. Ted, Ethan, Navod and Peerson dissect all the big stories and try to predict what's going to happen from now onwards.

We also discuss the views of some of our listeners.

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The "Pak Mr Bean" scandal is avenged once and for all as Zimbabwe take an historic one-run victory over Pakistan.

Ted and our Zimbabwean expert, Elliott Cook, analyse the match and reflect on one of the most bizarre cricketing stories in recent history.

We conclude that episodes like this are why we love the game of cricket, and World Cups in particular.

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We try to come to terms with that truly remarkable game of cricket.

Should THAT ball have been called a no ball?

What on earth happened to Nawaz in the final over?

Was Virat's 82 the greatest T20 innings of all time?

PLUS, we discuss NEW ZEALAND'S destruction of AUSTRALIA, ENGLAND V AFGHANISTAN and SRI LANKA V IRELAND

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Ted, Ethan and Navod grade each of the teams from the first round as Zimbabwe, Ireland, Sri Lanka and Netherlands progress while the West Indies, stunningly, are eliminated.

Ted and Ethan take the blowtorch to the West Indies, while Navod is suspiciously kind to Sri Lanka. Navod also is very harsh on T20WC newbies, UAE.

We also look ahead to the Super 12 and predict the result of the Australia v New Zealand opener (if the rain stays away).

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Join us for a blockbuster T20 World Cup Preview.

We analyse the strengths and weaknesses of every team, give predictions on who is going to win and get the thoughts of a special guest, OM SATIJA.

There is a lot of support for the home favourites, Australia, and perhaps less support than expected for England and India.

Plus, could Sri Lanka really pull off a huge upset?

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Our resident umpire, Vas Shipp, joins us this week to discuss the controversial MANKAD decision in an England v India Women's ODI. Ted and Navod strongly argue that, whatever the law may be, it is clearly against the spirit of the game. Peerson, however, as an unexpectedly different take.

Next, we discuss the emergence of Cam Green as a T20 cricketer in the INDIA V AUSTRALIA T20s, dissect some interesting games and ask whether India finally has the team to bring them glory.

Lastly, Peerson brings us up-to-date on the marathon ENGLAND V PAKISTAN T20 series which is currently tied at 2-2. Despite some good performances from England's youngsters and Pakistan's openers, he cast doubt on whether either side can win the T20 World Cup.

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After a short hiatus, we're back to discuss a huge week in both cricketing and world history.

We discuss England's record-breaking victory in the Third Test against South Africa and ask if Zak Crawley has repaid the faith. Plus, where is South Africa's next star batsman going to come from?

Next, we report on that most predictable of cricketing events, an Australian whitewash of the New Zealanders.

We also discuss who should be the next ODI captain and boil it down to two candidates.

Finally, Navod sings the praises of the Sri Lankans after they shocked everyone and won the Asia Cup.

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In a week where we were all busy studying (or not), we find the time to discuss:

• England refinding form in the 2ND TEST, and South Africa's big tactical error.
• The inaugural BBL DRAFT, which had too much unnecessary fussy according to Peerson. We discuss whether the BBL would be disappointed in some of the teams' choices.
• The dramatic final matches of THE HUNDRED
• Pandya's heroics in the ASIA CUP
• The dominant Cam Green in ZIMBABWE V AUSTRALIA

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This week the big story was South Africa's unexpected demolition of the English in the First Test at Lords. We sing the praises of a bowling attack which dismantled the English top-order with incredible ease and ask what this setback means for Baz-ball.

Peerson is also heavily triggered by a stat suggesting that England is a one-man team at 16:40.

In other topics, we give you all the stories from THE HUNDRED including:

- A record score

- A brilliant bowling spell

- The rise of the Originals

Finally, Navod reports on WI v NZ and we discuss the Windies' chances of making the World Cup.

In light of Australia's upcoming ODI series in Far North Queensland, we have a very special guest on for the much-awaited ZIMBABWE SPECIAL (Don't worry, it's not for the whole episode)! Our resident minor nations expert, Elliott Cook, takes us on a humorous tour through the tumultuous recent history of Zimbabwean Cricket. Happily, we find out it's not all doom-and-gloom. In fact, we think they might be a sneaky chance to pick up a win against the Aussies.

We also discuss an entertaining week in THE HUNDRED where numerous records were broken...numerous times!

Also, we Preview the upcoming ENGLAND V SOUTH AFRICA TEST SERIES.

Plus, much, much more.

It's a podcast of top-notch investigatory journalism today as we tackle all the big questions of the cricketing world, including DRS, economy rates and The Hundred Names.

First, in VOX POP:

- Should away test wins be awarded double points?

- What does Trent Boult's decision say about the future of international cricket?

THEN from 19:49, we remember the iconic umpire Rudi Koertzen by discussing some of his most famous quotes.

In particular, Ted investigates whether we should still have Umpire's Call for LBW decisions. He makes the groundbreaking discovery that the margin of error isn't 50% of the ball despite it saying so in the rules.

Later, we express our amusement at some of the HUNDRED team names and discuss the matches so far.

Also, we discover some inconsistencies in the stated economy rates for the tournament.

We begin today by questioning Peerson on some rather striking photos which appeared on his Instagram.

Next, we discuss all the takeaways from yet another English white-ball loss, this time in the T20s to South Africa, and Ted thinks they have only themselves to blame.

From 27:25, we discuss the major story for this week, the results revolutionary results of the recent ICC Annual General Meeting. We discuss how the rise of franchise leagues could destroy cricket in smaller countries and ask if a "doomsday scenario" of domestic cricket taking priority could really happen.

Next, Navod gloats about the resurrection of Sri Lankan cricket, as they record an emphatic victory against Pakistan and Prabtath keeps up his incredible form.

Finally, we discuss WEST INDIES V INDIA and unveil the new bowling superstar, Obed McCoy.

In the 50th podcast we've recorded, we begin by reflecting on a remarkably eventful eight months where we've watched coaches be sacked, records be broken and (of course), our well-researched predictions fail to eventuate. 

Next, we give our takeaways from the final two INDIA v ENGLAND ODIs and ask what needs to improve with the batting of both sides. 

Ben Stokes's retirement was the big story of the week and we ask whether this is just the beginning of early retirements. 

It was heartbreak for Navod in the first PAKISTAN v SRI LANKA Test, but we all appreciate yet another absolute classic of a match.

Ted attempts to explain the BBL DRAFT but is it actually a good idea?

Finally, SAM NORTHEAST scores a quadruple century (yes you read that right)...

And what on earth happened in the T20 BLAST FINAL??

Peerson makes a surprise appearance from England fresh off a debilitating ODI loss. We begin by reflecting on how much our views of Australia, England and Sri Lanka have been forced to change in just one week.

After looking inferior with the bat and without answers with the ball in Test 1, we discuss how Sri Lanka managed to gain the ascendency in the 2nd. Conversely, we rue Australia's inability to capitalise on a strong start with the bat. Plus, would Maxwell have made a difference?

Next, a hilarious VOX POPULI:

- The angry listener returns with a take that leaves us all in stitches

- James sees signs of old habits recurring for the Australians

Next, just how good is Bumrah?

Finally, we discuss South Africa's forfeit and an entertaining series in Ireland.

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Peerson is not here to celebrate another brilliant English victory but we feel obligated to discuss it nonetheless. We analyse how they keep managing to intimidate bowling attacks and reflect on a superb vein of form for both Root and Bairstow. This leads to a broader discussion about who is the greatest of the big 4.

In SL v Australia, a listener was very disappointed about the Lankans aggressive batting causing us to ask what the issue really was. Plus, Travis Head gets a lot of praise.

Finally, we preview the ENG v IND white-ball series' and react to Stokes' plan of a nighthawk.

In Peerson's final episode before escaping to England for the winter, we begin by discussing the first day of the much-anticipated Sri Lankan Test Series.

It was an intriguing day in picturesque Galle as Nathan Lyon spun through the Sri Lankans on a glorified mound of dust. Swepson also chipped in with three though, leading Ethan to give his view on how the apprentice is coming along.

Despite a rocketing start, there was late drama for the Aussies, causing yet more reflection on our ability to bat in the subcontinent.

The main story of the day is THAT SMITH RUN-OUT though, with Ted firmly in the "fully Khawaja's fault" camp.

In other topics, we discuss the many takeaways from a ground-breaking England whitewash and ask if BAZ-BALL could represent a new way for test cricket batting. Some of us are less convinced.

Finally, there's a couple juicy Vox Pop's we have a go at along the way.

It's a good week for the Lions of world cricket with the Sri Lankans recording an unexpected 3-1 ODI series win over the Australians and the English breaking the world record ODI score against the Dutch.

Navod is on again and is pleased with the development of the young Lankans while Ethan raises concerns about a brittle Australian white-ball outfit.

We also sing the praises of friend of the show Scott Edwards, whose heroic performances for Holland have seen him elevated to the captaincy.

In PEERSON'S PROCLAMATIONS:

- Theekshana gets some big praise

- The show devolves into an argument after Peerson makes a huge claim about the English A side

Finally, discussion of an entertaining Surrey v Somerset T20 match leads us onto discussions about the future of T20 cricket.

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We begin this episode by reflecting on one of the great games of cricket and one of the most remarkable innings. Peerson is happy about England's new aggressive mindset but resists the temptation to proclaim that they are back as a force in world cricket.

In a new segment, PEERSON'S PROCLAMATIONS:

- Kane Williamson's captaincy gets torn to shreds by cold, hard facts

- Liton Das gets the tick of approval

- The Australia A spinners are lauded

Ethan and Ted think Australia's white-ball teams are coming together nicely but with one big caveat.

Next, we report on the much-awaited "Battle of Blackburn South", and try to predict what a potential Justin Langer political career could have in store.

Finally, we discuss some impressive performances by the Saffies over in India.

After Peerson gives us some unorthodox study advice, we begin the show by reflecting on an astounding test match.

WE DISCUSS whether it was truly a case of a brilliant new beginning for the English or whether it was more a New Zealand team in decline. PLUS, just how important was that de Grandhomme run-out? - Prabs thinks, very.

We also play a round of PITIFUL PREDICTIONS by reminding Peerson of a few he has made about Jonny Bairstow and Ollie Pope.

Next, we bring in NAVOD, OUR SRI LANKAN CORRESPONDENT, to preview the upcoming three-format series with Australia. There is split opinion over Steve Smith being in the team. This leads us on to a discussion of whether genuine three-format players still exist.

Next, we touch base with our very own professional cricketer, SCOTT EDWARDS.

Finally, we get you up-to-date on who's performing well in the T20 Blast.

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Peerson is AWOL today for a very suspicious reason, so Ted and Ethan are left to celebrate the dramatic start to the English summer by themselves.

They allow themselves to enjoy the grandeur of Anderson and Broad striding in amidst a resplendent Lords Cricket Ground, safe in the knowledge that no matter how impressive their bowling is, England will go on to suffer an inevitable batting collapse.

In other topics, they recap the IPL FINAL where Ethan thinks the Champion Team beat the Team of Champions. We ask where Gujarat can go from here and laud yet another brilliant Rashid Khan campaign.

CHRIS LYNN gets an apology after delivering a swashbuckling century in the T20 Blast - and he's not the only one who's performing well in the motherland.

Finally, we check in on CRICKET CENTRAL'S VERY OWN, Scott Edwards, batting number 3 for the Netherlands in the West Indies and wonder how the Box Hill Reporter League compares to other esteemed competitions.

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WE BEGIN the podcast with a heartfelt apology to all Virat Kohli fans for our unacceptable slander last episode (only partly tongue-in-cheek).

NEXT, we reveal what the English cricket team and Peerson's political career has in common while Prabs provides an update on the heartbreaking situation in Sri Lanka.

ON a more light-hearted note, Ted disputes the excuse of a South African cricketer done for drug use while Prabs is astounded by a rather unusual scorecard.

IN OUR major topic, we GIVE OUR TAKE on McCullum's selection as the new head coach of England and PREVIEW their upcoming New Zealand series.

FINALLY, we discuss all the stories of the IPL Finals and hand out awards (both good and bad)

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Beginning with an IPL update, Ethan takes us through the shock result of the week with the Mumbai Indians beating the top-of-the-table Titans and he goes a bit too far in singing the praises of Tim David. We also admire Dhoni's evergreen performances, Bumrah's 5-for and more Cummins madness. Plus, we re-evaluate who the best teams are after a tough week for the Titans and a great one for the Super Giants.

In VOX POPULI:

- We agree with Swapnil that Kohli MUST be dropped

- Attack the enigmatic Vas Shipp for his call about Joe Root's captaincy

- And are made aware of a stunning stat which PROVES that Scomo MUST be re-elected (according to Peerson).

Also, we discuss County Cricket News (don't worry, not for long) and honor the great deeds of Ben Stokes - and the Yorkshire captain.

Finally, ETHAN UPDATES US ON THE CONCERNING SITUATION IN SRI LANKA, and what it may mean for Australia's upcoming series.

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After a month-long hiatus, we're back, and back with a bang! Join us for a comprehensive discussion of all things IPL.

We analyse the pros and cons for every team (surprise, surprise, Tim David is a big con), check in with how the Aussies are faring, and discuss all the big stories ( and trust us, there have been some big ones).

We also discuss Australia's squad announcements for the upcoming Australia and Australia A tour of Sri Lanka and engage in our favourite segment, "Renshaw Watch."

Finally, Peerson is cautiously optimistic about England's future after their recent changes.

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In light of Australia's 1-0 victory over Pakistan, Ted tries to get Peerson to admit they are the real deal. Looking ahead to the India series, he perhaps lets his excitement get the better of him as he makes a bet that not even Ethan can support.

Peerson and Ethan are bemused by a growing trend of the English making decidedly average players look like world-beaters.

In VOX POPULI (FROM 28:43):

- Swapnil believes that players value the IPL more than International Cricket

- Devang claims that Sean Abbott is a better all-rounder than Cam Green

In the IPL RUNDOWN, Ethan is a big fan of Rajasthan and is not hugely surprised by Tim David not exactly setting the world on fire. Peerson engages in a shameless attempt to talk up English players.

We also discuss the Australian Women's Team's dominant victory over England and Alyssa Healy's historic performance.

Finally, we discuss the takeaways from an underwhelming Shield Final.

The band is back together this week as Peerson returns from political duties.

Ethan and Ted are forced to eat humble pie after being overly confident of an Australian win last week. Instead, they are left to rue yet more Australian missed chances in the 4th innings of a test match. They debate what exactly the problems are, and propose possible solutions. As is only just, they also give high praise to the incredible Babar Azam and ask where he ranks in the hierarchy of batsmen.

They then discuss a different series but the same afflictions in response to England's draw with the West Indies. Among other things, Kraigg Brathwaite etched his name into the history books.

In VOX POPULI,

- Ihraam says Warner should be dropped

- Swapnil says a blast from the past, Fuzzy, should be in the Test team

- An anonymous listener says vuvuzela's should be banned

- Aidan predicts Marco Jansen will be the top test bowler at some point

Also, SHIELD SUMMARY

FINALLY, Ted brings up a remarkable 8 runs off one ball.

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We are joined by a very special guest. Om Satija, a Melbourne High Cricket legend and certified cricket tragic, fresh off a Grand Final victory (so fresh he is still wearing the medal!). He takes us through the jubilant scenes in surprising detail.

The Old Boys' victory isn't the only source of joy this week, however, as we discuss Australia's brilliant performance in the second test thus far. Ethan has many good things to say about Cummins' captaincy while we all see this as a very significant match for Australian cricket.

We also discuss the "negative" bowling tactics of Pakistan and reflect more generally on their performance.

In VOX POPULI,

- Swapnil steals the award for "roguest call" off Ihraam after he compares Nauman Ali to a fictional character

- The aforementioned Ihraam spurs debate about Starc's bowling

- Peerson makes another desperate attempt to get us to praise England by discussing their middle order.

We also discuss another dominant India performance and the rise of their next generation.

Finally, we display cautious optimism (if that's the right word) about England's performance against the West Indies.

We begin today's podcast on the saddest of notes after the shock passing of the greatest ever leg-spin bowler, the inimitable Shane Warne. We reflect on how good he was, why he was so loved, and the giant hole his death leaves in the world of cricket.

For our main topic, we analyse what is happening over in Pakistan and discuss the strip of road masquerading as a pitch (FROM 34:19).

Plus, Navod learns what it's like to be an England fan after Sri Lanka were "jadeja-ed" in India.

In VOX POPULI,

- Ihraam strengthens his reputation for roguishness with his call that Steve Smith is washed

- Peerson twists the rules by submitting his own call

- Devang thinks Australia should've played 2 spinners

Finally, in 'WHAT'S CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION?":

- Ethan reports on Englands XII for the first Test against the West Indies

- Navod reflects on the ICC rankings

- Ted brings up some big statements made by Ian Chappell and Michael Vaughan

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