The Final Word Cricket Podcast
Geoff Lemon and Adam Collins present a friendly guide to cricket, blending match analysis with irreverence, politics, interviews, and history as they follow the game around the world. The podcast aims to make cricket accessible to everyone, covering both on-field action and off-field stories. Listeners can support the show via Patreon.
Episodes
Australia's path to another WTC final gets tougher
Season 21, Episode 5: With Adam back at Lord's for a day of recording, it's time to start with South Africa's clearing path to the WTC final in the context of current world cricket. Bangladesh have blown a huge opportunity against West Indies, India need all the points against New Zealand, and Australia's path is getting tougher. Is there pressure on McDonald or Bailey? Meanwhile, the next rank of
Exclusive: Glenn Maxwell announces his international retirement
Season 21, Episode 4: It was the cricketing day we've dreaded most, though we knew it had to arrive some day. Glenn Maxwell's time in the green and gold, and in Victorian blue, will come to an end. The career that more than any has fascinated and delighted The Final Word. Don't be sad that it's over, be glad that it happened, but today we're sharing a smile and a tear. Glenn joins Adam and Geoff t
Australia have been belted. What change does the future demand?
South Africa Australia Daily, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 6: Heads have to roll, right? After Australia's batting got ripped to pieces two Tests running, nobody can argue that the problems were not evident. Yet they were not addressed by those in charge. What can be done with this team from here to address issues of structure and of succession, for the huge 10-Test burst that comes up next? To end our
TFW Daily - Torn to shreds - South Africa Australia, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 5
South Africa Australia Daily, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 5: The contest was set up beautifully before a ball was bowled, but with Kagiso Rabada breathing fire in his first spell, the calculus for the day quickly changed. Moments of chaos were followed by tactical resistance, with so many moments that will have ramifications for both teams on a stunning final day. Bharat Sundaresan joins Adam Collins
TFW Daily - All set for a belter - South Africa Australia, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 4
South Africa Australia Daily, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 4: South Africa’s batters continued the ebb and flow of an engrossing series, setting up a classic finish on the fifth day of the deciding Test. Ryan Rickleton and Wiaan Mulder swung the pendulum back to the hosts. All four results are possible in a Test and series that's already a modern classic. Bharat Sundaresan joins Adam Collins in front
TFW Daily - Lyon's late twist - South Africa Australia, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 3
South Africa Australia Daily, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 3: The hits just keep on hitting. Each day of this Test has had a buffet on offer, and it hasn't been the bowling. Australia began with the slenderest of leads, and had to build something, then South Africa had their chance to respond. Bavuma grows in stature, Cummins excels without luck, and Lyon shows that he can still reach his best. Don't m
TFW Daily - Scores are level - South Africa Australia, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 2
South Africa Australia Daily, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 2: A day that could shape the next few years of international cricket. Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, and Matt Renshaw all made their mark on a day that went to the tea break with the same pattern of fluctuating fortunes, not least for the under-fire Marnus Labuschagne. Geoff Lemon joins Adam Collins from Newlands in Cape Town.
Co
TFW Daily - It had everything - South Africa Australia, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 1
South Africa Australia Daily, 3rd Test, Cape Town Day 1: Injury dramas and controversial selections set the stage for a day that featured match-turning partnerships and game-changing collapses. It was high-octane, then sedate, then back to chaotic, and the capacity crowd followed every thrill and spill. Bharat Sundaresan joins Adam Collins in front of the iconic Table Mountain from Newlands,
TFW Daily - Boland, Lyon, or left-field? - South Africa Australia, 3rd Test, Cape Town Preview
South Africa Australia Daily, 3rd Test, Cape Town Preview: Australia go into tomorrow’s series-deciding 3rd Test with more questions than answers. Who plays, and in what order? Gerald Coetzee has been named to replace Anrich Nortje, suggesting South Africa won’t let up on its confrontational approach as Australia return to the scene of their lowest ebb, looking for a first series win in the rainbo
Why do Test teams hate picking openers who are openers?
Season 21, Episode 3: This week, Daniel Norcross joins Geoff to ponder upcoming winter and the conventions of naming storm systems, as we tell ourselves that we'll talk about something other than just South Africa and Australia, then inevitably do that anyway. Also this week, 400s in run chases, 400s in first-class cricket, a weird story about Megan Schutt, and Jimmy Anderson reaches the end of hi
TFW Daily - Fight to the finish - South Africa Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 5
South Africa Australia Daily, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 5: It wasn't supposed to go that deep. But then, a nightwatchman isn't supposed to bowl all day. And a team's fourth seamer isn't supposed to bowl the best deliveries. The unexpected came around in various ways in the push to the finish line at Gqeberha. What a Test match, defying the rain.
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TFW Daily - The worst collapse since last time - South Africa Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 4
South Africa Australia Daily, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 4: It may be the tipping point for some careers to end in the Australian top order, as only Travis Head was able to make a score of note against the world-class bowling of the South Africans, with Marco Jansen backing up his batting with five wickets. Australia still has a way out, but can they resist the South African attack? Bharat Sundaresan
TFW Daily - A knock for the ages - South Africa Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 3
South Africa Australia Daily, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 3: It would take something monumental to flip the series on its head, and the man smallest in stature stood the tallest to do just that. Can Australia come out swinging tomorrow to keep their 1-0 advantage? Bharat Sundaresan joins Adam Collins at St George's Park in Gqeberha.
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TFW Daily - Boland v Bavuma - South Africa Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 2
South Africa Australia Daily, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 2: There was a long wait to get onto the park, but a session of highlights followed - a blinding catch, supreme bowling, and some balls flying out of the park as Temba Bavuma tried to drag South Africa out of the Scott Boland-shaped hole . Geoff Lemon joins Adam Collins from St George's Park in Gqeberha.
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TFW Daily - Boland goes bang bang - South Africa Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 1
South Africa Australia Daily, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 1: Australia pulled the Scott Boland lever and got the result they wanted. Nathan Lyon made way again. What does that mean for the next 12 months? Geoff Lemon joins Adam Collins from St George's Park in Gqeberha.
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TFW Daily - Lyon faces the drop again - South Africa Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 0
South Africa Australia Daily, 2nd Test, Gqeberha Day 0: One day out from the 2nd Test, and it might be an all-pace battery one again for Australia, if the signs from the nets are anything to go by. And who better to read the nets than Bharat Sundaresan? He joins Adam Collins from Australian team training.
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Story Time 291 – The Bharat Sundaresan request line
It’s Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, a few listeners have been hanging out for Bharat to come back on the show, but it's been a while. This week, he tells two stories designed for him to tell, both involving icons of the 1980s. Also, another Bharat-linked tale going all the way back to Bodyline, and fate delivering for the English captain who most deserved to be wha
John Farnham will see you at Rundle Mall, bright and early
Season 21, Episode 2: The weekly show! Coming to you from St George's Park, in Gqeberha, the city formerly known as Port Elizabeth. But what else is happening beyond South Africa? There's Stick Cricket in India courtesy of Shai Hope and his West Indies side, the Sheffield Shield has started, some great signs for Bangladesh women in their series against Australia, big scheduling problems with the w
TFW Daily - Are the Aussies good now? - SA Australia, 1st Test, Durban Day 6
South Africa Australia Daily, 1st Test, Durban Day 6: Time to look back. This was one of the more significant engagements for Australia for a while, and a match that could have gone so badly wrong ended up going very strongly right. How much of that is built on solid foundations, and what needs ongoing repair? Also, why did South Africa choose to start their series on a ground where they always lo
TFW Daily - Hazlewood’s magnificent six - South Africa Australia, 1st Test, Durban Day 5
South Africa Australia Daily, 1st Test, Durban Day 5: It didn't come as quickly as expected, but Australia's relentless bowling paid dividends, with Josh Hazlewood taking 6 wickets. As ever, Aiden Markram provided stern resistance for the hosts. What happens with selection in Gqeberha? Pat Cummins hinted at shuffling the pack. Bharat Sundaresan joins Adam Collins from Kingsmead in Durban.
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TFW Daily - Hot Hand Matt - South Africa Australia, 1st Test, Durban
South Africa Australia Daily, 1st Test, Durban Day 4: Matt Renshaw's coming-of-age party continued with bat, then subsequently, ball. Concerns over a Steve Smith head knock linger for Australia, whilst their recent nemesis Aiden Markram and the lower order look to invoke memories of Adelaide 2012, with bad light potentially truncating the day. Geoff Lemon joins Adam Collins from Kingsmead in Durba
TFW Daily - Smith's classic catches reel - South Africa Australia, 1st Test, Durban
South Africa Australia Daily, 1st Test, Durban Day 3: Steve Smith created his own highlight reel in the slips, and Australia piled on the pressure off the back of his mits. South Africa are still scrapping hard to keep in the contest, and there was chance for Nic Maddinson. Bharat Sundaresan Joins Adam Collins from Kingsmead in Durban.
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TFW Daily - A coming of age - South Africa Australia, 1st Test, Durban
South Africa Australia Daily, 1st Test, Durban Day 2: A big Queenslander made Australia feel comfortable again, whilst South Africa searched for answers and battled hard. It was a day of Test cricket like the old days, with Day 3 and the series set up beautifully. Bharat Sundaresan Joins Adam Collins from Kingsmead in Durban.
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TFW Daily - Maddinson under the bus - South Africa Australia, 1st Test, Durban
South Africa Australia Daily, 1st Test, Durban Day 1: South Africa Australia Daily, 1st Test, Durban Day 1: Australia pulled another shock beyond Nic Maddinson’s selection by asking him to open. The results won't be something that anyone wants to remember. Lunch was important, Nortje bowled fire, and a see-sawing day ended early for bad light. Geoff Lemon is joined by Adam Collins from Kingsmead i
TFW Daily - Why no Aussie XI? - South Africa Australia, 1st Test, Durban
South Africa Australia Daily, 1st Test, Durban Preview: The talking is almost over. 1 vs 2 in world cricket: a series with narrative everywhere you look. South Africa will play its first home Test since last year’s glorious WTC final, with a lineup very similar to June 2025. One superstar comes in for another: Anrich Nortje replaces the injured Kagiso Rabada, and the experienced spinner Simon Harm
Australia's return to South Africa launches in 3, 2, 1...
Season 21, Episode 1: Another week, a new season, as the southern hemisphere summer swings into action. All things South Africa lead the show, with both that team and Australia making squad changes, some more controversial than others. The one-day World Cup schedule for 2027 is out a year ahead of time, with some surprises and some very unsurprising elements. Mohammed Rizwan is still being hassled
Story Time 290 – When Gavaskar did what Bradman couldn't
It’s Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, one question: was there any game played in the 19th century that wasn't at Lord's? A self-styled pioneer with a pseudonym certainly got his fill of pavilion lunches. Also, do South Australians play for South Australia? We test facts against myth, as well as an unlikely trip to Los Angeles, and a clean sweep even rarer than we ima
TFW Daily - Peake into the future - South Africa Australia, 3rd ODI
South Africa Australia Daily, 3rd ODI, Potchefstroom: South Africa gave some of their younger players a gallop in the North-West University town, and Australia let their big names stretch their legs. Alex Carey and Pat Cummins made Australia look comfortable, but Oliver Peake and Xavier Bartlett might get the country excited for the future, and Ryan Rickelton and gave South Africa huge momentum. I
It's decapitation week at Cricket Australia
Season 20, Episode 32: We called it: CA chair Mike Baird has been knocked off by New South Wales, and the cricket privatisation war could now turn in any directions Can we short-circuit the conflict by crowdfunding the Renegades, and signing Will Bosisto into the bargain? Over in South Africa, the Aussies are floundering in the pyjamas, Kagiso Rabada has been in the hyperbaric chamber with Kouta,
Story Time 289 – Saving Allan Border's secret world record
It’s Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, we might need some help to get this one across the line, but there's a world record that need reclaiming from some dubious operators, and it involves Australia's greatest Test captain. Come with us to find out more. Also this week, will the pitchforks need to come out for a contentious TFW opinion? Plus an Oxford student with a w
TFW Daily - Cam Green troubles - South Africa Australia, 2nd ODI
South Africa Australia Daily, 2nd ODI, Johannesburg: Australia were bullish at the Bullring, talking about levelling the series. South Africa's batters levelled the Australians. The chase was hefty, but the chasing was just as Bison-sized. So could the visitors correct their course this time around, and make use of another massive opening stand? Not when Australia's middle order is busted. Call it
TFW Daily - Big moment, Big Marco - South Africa Australia, 1st ODI
South Africa Australia Daily, 1st ODI, Durban: In the lead-up to the Test series, this one-day series has extra significance. Starc was here, so was Hazlewood, with Cummins in the wings. And in true one-day style, this first game twisted, turned, drifted, and dipped. Matthew Breetzke and Big Marco Jansen had a time, then Mitchell Marsh went into overdrive. The result would rely on how to deal with
Could Mike Baird be knocked off as CA chair?
Season 20, Episode 31: With Mike Baird's CA board seat at risk, a resignation has seen an independent spot open up. Deidre Chambers, what a coincidence. Stephen Fleming arrives as England’s adult in the room, while Mark Wood announced his retirement much more slowly than he bowled. Australia have a fun tussle with Zimbabwe on their way to South Africa, Leicestershire’s pitch rating sees them rele
Story Time 288 – Argentina, global nemesis
It’s Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, a massive tangent from Argentine cricket into Argentine global conspiracy theories. Does it make sense? Not sure, come with us anyway. Also this week, a very puzzling New Zealand story that starts in the 1960s, and a burly and bombastic figure who briefly reached the top. Adam and Geoff are at the controls.
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Story Time 287 – One free Buttercup Bread scratchie inside
It’s Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, what happens when you find a Buttercup Bread scratchie featuring Courtney Walsh from either 1996 or 2000? You find out if we won. Also this week, a disappearing act, tales of the North, and how the best debut wasn't much valued a game later.
Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week:
5.39 - Sam Brown
4.07 - Patch Clap
The soul of Australian cricket (for sale, enquire within)
Season 20, Episode 30: Does anyone have deja vu yet? Another week, another Cricket Australia announcement that they have approved selling the Big Bash even though they can't sell it yet, another round of smashing the panic button to say that if they don't sell now it will be TOO LATE. Also this week, UK race rioters target Pakistani cricketers, but so does the Pakistani cybercrime unit. Indian an
Story Time 286 – The sandpaper redux
It’s Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, Geoff and Adam were meant to do four numbers rather than two, but with the Sandpaper Redux tour looming, it seemed an apt time to revisit 2018 in detail. Also this week, a spot of Bradman mythbusting.
Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week:
3.00 – Andrew Pelechaty
2.60 – Matt Near the Gabba
Could you support the s
TFW Daily - Just for a moment - England Pakistan, 3rd Test, Edgbaston Day 4
England Pakistan Daily, 3rd Test, Edgbaston Day 4: For a final intoxicating moment, the chance of a miracle continued to beckon. But it would take more than a shock comeback to solve the problems of Pakistan cricket. It is telling that our first reaction after a sensational debut is to fear for that player's future. Such is the mess of mismanagement and disaster. Daniel Norcross joins Geoff Lemon.
TFW Daily - Do you believe in miracles? - England Pakistan, 3rd Test, Edgbaston Day 3
England Pakistan Daily, 3rd Test, Edgbaston Day 3: The obituaries of this Pakistan tour to England will mourn the lack of flair, passion, and the unknown of old, but in Razaullah they have unearthed a player who can swashbuckle with the best of them. Nine sixes on debut, to add to his four first-innings wickets, have the true believers whispering that something special could happen on Day 4. Danya
TFW Daily - Hello brink, old friend - England Pakistan, 3rd Test, Edgbaston Day 2
England Pakistan Daily, 3rd Test, Edgbaston Day 2: There is, for a moment, something to cheer for: a tall charismatic young fast bowler with tungsten hair and a silken wrist. Enter Test cricket, for at least a moment, Razaullah. Indeed, if you started this match halfway through the day, you would say that Pakistan have put up some fight. Their bowlers did. Just try not to think about their precedi
TFW Daily - A glimpse of light - England Pakistan, 3rd Test, Edgbaston Day 1
England Pakistan Daily, 3rd Test, Edgbaston Day 1: There is, for a moment, something to cheer for: a tall charismatic young fast bowler with tungsten hair and a silken wrist. Enter Test cricket, for at least a moment, Razaullah. Indeed, if you started this match halfway through the day, you would say that Pakistan have put up some fight. Their bowlers did. Just try not to think about their precedi
TFW Daily - Bring back Shahid Afridi - England Pakistan, 3rd Test, Edgbaston preview
England Pakistan Daily, 3rd Test, Edgbaston preview: As the news of new-look teams gets prepared for the third Test, nobody has any idea who Pakistan might pick to play, or whether any of those players has a future beyond one Test match. Is it time to call for Shahid Afridi? As for England, they can fly under the radar, with the only pressure being on Emilio Gay's season tally and Joe Root's pads.
Marnus Labuschagne may never be dropped again
Season 20, Episode 29: It's always Labuschagne season in Australia. We all thought that his time was done for now, but somehow he's been picked on the trip to his country of birth. What is the rationale from George Bailey and his selection troupe? Also this week, Kevin Pietersen is back for England, Hampshire make an inexplicably bad decision, Brydon Carse gets read the riot act, Mohsin Naqvi kee
Story Time 285 – Bring back the Matador BBQ Cup
It’s Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, Geoff and Adam ask if batting on all five days of a Test really is the feat we build it up to be? We look at Mali’s brief and unusual international frolic before reflecting on the second glory period of Australian one-day cricket - the mighty Matador Cup.
Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week:
2.27 – Erin Kane
13.00 – Greg
TFW Book Club - Zaheer Abbas on Pakistani cricket and his life in the game
Zaheer Abbas is an all-time great. An illustrious international career on top of his first-class exploits in Pakistan and England combined for 46,000 professional runs, telling the story in a line. As the only Asian player to score 100 centuries, he was a ton machine as well as a stylist. His new book, A to Zed, tells those tales, and speaking with Daniel Norcross at The Oval, he adds his dismay a
When Pakistan really did say “Sack them all”
Season 20, Episode 28: The PCB go from meme material to utter embarrassment. Lord’s pitch has a renewal plan, Sri Lanka pull off one of the great rearguards, and Kagiso Rabada may miss the entire Sandpaper Redux as Australia make selection moves. The Mr Sheffield Shield re-cuts the cricketing day, the Euro T20 is finally up and running, and a wet County Championship round has title repercussions.
Story Time 284 – Good set of hands in the slips, good set of slips in the hands
It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, some players are top of the good stats, others see things slip through their fingers. There's an unlikely county champ from the far side of the globe, a champion who just popped in from the gardening, and the ultimate purveyor of drowning them in honey... Adam and Geoff are back for Story Time with four long-time pledgers and a d
TFW Daily - Here’s to you, Ollie Robinson - England Pakistan, 2nd Test, Lord’s Day 4
England Pakistan Daily, 2nd Test, Lord’s Day 4: Could it be that Ollie Robinson, in the wilderness for 2 years prior to this summer, is England’s most important bowler? The England seam bowler showed supreme command in helpful conditions against a Pakistan batting lineup that showed flickers of fight, especially Saud Shakeel, but eventually succumbed as expected. Daniel Norcross joins Geoff Lemon.
TFW Daily - Lord’s faces more pitch questions - England Pakistan, 2nd Test, Lord’s Day 3
England Pakistan Daily, 2nd Test, Lord’s Day 3: Lord’s got 24 overs more play than was expected on a day that otherwise would have been abandoned early due to its world-class drainage system, but the pitch is still at the centre of debate. Is it the conditions and a frail Pakistani batting lineup to blame, or is it an inherent problem with the surface that leaves next year’s Ashes Test under threa
TFW Daily - Root concerns as Pakistan wither - England Pakistan, 2nd Test, Lord’s Day 2
England Pakistan Daily, 2nd Test, Lord’s Day 2: The second morning of the second Test began with promise for Pakistan. An injury before play, a wagging tail, and surgically precise bowling changed everything. England’s varied attack challenged Pakistan at every turn, with just enough help in the air and on the ground for the metronomic, mercurial, the nibble, and the fire of England’s fast bowlers
TFW Daily - Abbas fillets England - England Pakistan, 2nd Test, Lord’s Day 1
England Pakistan Daily, 2nd Test, Lord’s Day 1: Leaden skies, rain delays, ‘keeper up and a bit of swing and seam on offer gave Day 1 at the Lord’s Test a familiar county cricket feel, and England struggled to deal with the Championship’s best performer in recent times, Mohammad Abbas. Jamie Smith, with murmurs about his place in the team, was England’s pick alongside his challenger Jordan Cox. Bu
TFW Daily - Lord’s pitch under the microscope - England Pakistan, 2nd Test, Lord’s preview
England Pakistan Daily, 2nd Test, Lord’s preview: England and Pakistan head into the 2nd Test with the series on the line, but it’s issues on the periphery that are dominating the narrative. England’s lingering disciplinary problems and the mounting pressure on the pitch at Lord’s linger in the air. Whilst Pakistan as a unit will be under pressure, Babar Azam will feel the need to carry a we
Nightclubs, drinking, cops: guess which team it is?
Season 20, Episode 27: Brydon Carse’s nightclub handcuffs are the latest on the England incident conveyor belt, while Pakistan’s bigger problems seem endemic. Have Bangladesh seen off Marnus as a Test cricketer? David Warner shrugs off consequences; Mike Hussey is in demand, Yashasvi Jaiswal debuts the Mumbai Kiss, and some fielding capers catch the eye of cricket lawmakers.
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Story Time 283 – Can you hit a clay walnut 300 yards?
It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, exploring some games that ended up with a slightly lower profile than cricket, let's get into the world of Scottish clay walnut beating. Also, an accidentally perfect anniversary, a Turkish adventure, and figuring out who is the best.
Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week:
3.07 - Richard Bond McNally
10.70 - Adam Jones
18.
TFW Daily - The second-shortest Test - Australia Bangladesh, 2nd Test, Day 2
Australia Bangladesh Daily, 2nd Test, Mackay Day 2: The carnage from Day 1 continued apace as the second-shortest Test ever played on Australian soil came to a conclusion, with almost the entire final session remaining on Day 2. More impactful contributions from the usual suspects hastened the end of the first-ever Test played in Mackay. Bharat Sundaresan pours through the rubble with Geoff Lemon
TFW Daily - Another day of chaos - Australia Bangladesh, 2nd Test, Day 1
Australia Bangladesh Daily, 2nd Test, Mackay Day 1: The world’s newest Test venue was christened with more chaotic cricket, with 18 wickets falling on Day 1, 12 of them shared by two supreme left-arm quicks in Shoriful Islam and Mitchell Starc. Naturally, questions will be asked, but the pitch and conditions were blameless on another day played in fast-forward. Bharat Sundaresan attempts to make s
TFW Daily - At least it's over - England Pakistan, 1st Test, Headingley Day 3
England Pakistan Daily, 1st Test, Headingley Day 3: England returned to the winners' dais for the first time in the Root 2.0 era, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue filleting a soft Pakistan underbelly in under 90 overs of bowling across two innings. England were barely made to sweat for their innings victory, and the manner of defeat will hurt Pakistan and their supporters. Danyal Rasool jo
TFW Daily - Crazy bad fielding - England Pakistan, 1st Test, Headingley Day 2
England Pakistan Daily, 1st Test, Headingley Day 2: A few things went right for Pakistan: Ali Usman grafted his way to a five-wicket day, and they're very distantly still in the game overnight, if they can have an excellent third morning. However, it was a day when fielding calamity may have been masked by bowling calamity, but shouldn't have been. Danyal Rasool joins Geoff Lemon from Leeds.
Cou
TFW Daily - Tongue licks tail - England Pakistan, 1st Test, Headingley Day 1
England Pakistan Daily, 1st Test, Headingley Day 1: England wanted to bowl, Pakistan wanted to bat, and while both sides were happy at the toss, only one side was later. There was a moment though, a lovely moment... and then things changed. Danyal Rasool joins Geoff Lemon from Leeds.
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TFW Daily - Captain Root returns - England Pakistan, 1st Test preview
England Pakistan Daily, 1st Test, Headingley preview: It's about to start, and we have no idea how to think about what's going to happen. Do Pakistan have any players? Does the new Mohammed Ali know what Test record he already holds? Does Joe Root really want the job back? Daniel Norcross joins Geoff.
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Among Test chaos, Australia and England face what's next
Season 20, Episode 26: Australia have just gone down to Bangladesh, and England have to pull themselves together against Pakistan. What will be the consequences of Darwin? Also this week, more strangeness out of Cricket Australia, regarding both the Big Bash sale and Ash Gardner's leadership position respectively, and we speak to David Cook of Cricket Iceland about that country's ambitions.
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TFW Daily - Cricket's greatest upset - Australia Bangladesh, 1st Test, Day 4
Australia Bangladesh Daily, 1st Test, Darwin Day 4: Spoiler alert, but the most immense upset in cricket history has been completed. The Test arena is where these results just do not happen, and yet, this is what we're regarding. We won't say anything more, just listen to the show. Bharat Sundaresan joins Geoff.
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Story Time 282 – Paul Kelly channels Bradman
It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, it's difficult to capture sport in song, so let's have a look at Paul Kelly's effort. Also, did we find the career with the highest proportion of great Test matches, and the career with the smallest proportion of first-class appearances? Find out, as Daniel Norcross joins Geoff Lemon.
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7
TFW Daily - Cam Green's big chance - Australia Bangladesh, 1st Test, Day 3
Australia Bangladesh Daily, 1st Test, Darwin Day 3: Can Bangladesh hold their nerve? They're still well ahead of the game, but by now in a position where they can see how Australia might work their way into it. At the centre of this, the man under pressure, Cameron Green. But despite his work, another highly professional day at the office from Bangladesh's spinners and their premier two quicks, bo
TFW Daily - Bangers stay dominant - Australia Bangladesh, 1st Test, Day 2
Australia Bangladesh Daily, 1st Test, Darwin Day 2: The show goes on. Bangladesh winning three sessions in a row in Australia was big news, but now they've gone to make it six, or at leave five and a tie. Australia are not out of this match yet, but a ruthlessly organised and professional performance from the tourists is far beyond what we expected. It's been a genuine thrill to watch this proper
TFW Daily - Aussies get rissoled - Australia Bangladesh, 1st Test, Day 1
Australia Bangladesh Daily, 1st Test, Darwin Day 1: We didn't see this one coming! Bangladesh arrived in the Top End underclubbed, understaffed, and got smashed in a warm-up game by a bunch of kids they'd never heard of. Surely they were going to get their butts handed to them in the Test match? Well, there's a long way to go, but Day 1 was for the ages.
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Aussie odyssey begins
Season 20, Episode 25: Australia’s legacy-defining 21 Test run begins in the Top End, with Bangladesh keen to stifle the run to the WTC Final, and maybe even some careers. England point towards a Test revival for Dan Lawrence, and KP misfires about the death of traditional media. Pakistan arrived in England and perhaps have stumbled across a competitive team. The Hundred makes noise, but did anyon
Story Time 281 – Even when it’s not Laxman, it’s Laxman
It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, it's episode 281, but we don't have a story about Geoff's favourite innings, because we've talked about so many times before. And yet, even when you're not talking about Laxman, you end up talking about Laxman. Yas Rana returns with Geoff Lemon.
3.43 - Cam
5.70 - Christopher Campbell
4.49 - Bucket of Slugs
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John Arlott, Tim Key, & 9/11 – A new anthology of cricket poetry, TFW Book Club
Cricket attracts romantics. Whatever the form, so much of the game’s prose is dedicated to reflection and understanding. Whilst many fine writers have penned creative words, poetry isn’t as strongly associated. Catching The Light, compiled by authors Nick Hogg and Tim Beard, spans a wide range of contributors, from England’s John Arlott to Guyana’s John Agard, through to Tim Key and Zaffar Kunial
After a fat New Zealander, a thin New Zealander
Season 20, Episode 24: The ECB enclave elects their new leader, and they won’t make the same mistake this time. They jump in the DeLorean to go back to the Root-ure as captain, whilst we get knocked down by the dual feathers of match-fixing on the T10 circuit and revelations of a drink culture within cricket. Perth Scorchers are fielding a team made up almost entirely of players who haven’t played
Story Time 280 – How to take a terrible selfie
It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, Yas Rana makes his Story Time debut, and has to wrestle with the degree of difficulty that our audience has built up over six years of tricks and tales. A Warnie special, a Cayman Islands call-up, a cap number quiz, and a famous miscalculation all feature on this week's show, plus an update on one of our favourite sports correspo
The 2027 Ashes schedule: hot or not?
Season 20 Episode 23: The next twin Ashes series has dates and locations finalised, and it's safe to say there are hairs on the whole schedule. Why is one Test at the least accessible ground on the circuit? Why can't the two boards agree on how a women's series should work? Why does England keep moving the World Test Championship? Also this week, Justin Langer won't coach England, Harry Brook isn'
Story Time 279 – A white whale breaches the foam at last, at last
It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, this show has had many distant dreams, but this week we finally have sweet closure on what may be our dearest of them all. Also, a new rival for Jack Reacher brings a story about giant-killing, and a flame who burned so bright that he eventually burned away an era of national gloom. With Adam and Geoff.
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TFW Book Club - How cricket inspired Sherlock and Peter Pan
The Final Word Book Club: No other cricket team can boast of selling millions of books, let alone inspiring classic characters like Sherlock Holmes, Jeeves & Wooster, and Peter Pan. Authors Cricket Club was formed in the late 19th century to a backdrop of vast social change, and a sudden rise in worldwide literacy. Ollie Randall talks to Daniel Norcross about a team full of entertainment superstar
Justin Langer for… England??
Season 20 Episode 22: Say it ain’t so. Would JL, the most intensely parochial of all the wearers of the Baggy Green, really try to help England to an Ashes win? The rumours are swirling. Also this week, Australia’s Test squad for Bangladesh contains no surprises, and the ICC’s terrible World Cup remodel goes down as badly as expected.
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TFW Daily - Kohli, Rohit attempt final heist - England India 3rd ODI
England v India, 3rd ODI, Lord's: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma threw everything at pulling off a record heist in what many assume to be their final game in England, after Ben Duckett set the record for the highest score at Lord’s in Men’s ODI cricket. A day of high drama, high emotion, and high scoring. Daniel Norcross joins Geoff Lemon.
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Story Time 278 – How to kill a Prince of Wales
It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history. This week, if you need a very roundabout method to dispose of a member of a royal family, we have the advice for you. Also, a celebration of birth, and the processed meat that was actually prime steak. Join Adam and Geoff.
Your Nerd Pledge numbers this week:
8.47 - Dylan Stringer
3.02 - Shawn Rajanayagam
17.51 - Haylee Full
TFW Daily - Joe Root's edging session - England India, 2nd ODI
England v India, 2nd ODI, Cardiff: A proper old-fashioned one-dayer on a proper old-fashioned one-day pitch needed a proper old-fashioned one-day innings. Joe Root is the man for that task. Virat Kohli, too, knows his way around a slow track. But are retirement rumours about Rohit going to eclipse the whole series? Ben Jones joins Daniel Norcross.
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Cricket’s hottest rivalry, at Wormsley on August 10th
After the success of last year’s event, The Final Word will be taking on Wisden Cricket Weekly at Wormsley on August 10th, in support of the Lord’s Taverners. Adam Collins sits down with Cameron Ponsonby, formerly of this parish and now leading the opposition, to discuss the details of the game and the vast array of stars who’ll take part, including Fin Taylor, Horatio Gould, Mattchin Tendulkar, M
The end of Bazball
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 re
