The Final Word Cricket Podcast

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. On ep 70, we planned to clear the decks and get through ever revisit in a BUMPER edition until Geoff had another bike accident before we had a chance to record part two. Don’t worry, he’s fine. Before that we did visit the dustbowl of Pune, returned the white-ball debuts of a couple of Aussie stars and re-lived some memorable moments from the beloved annual one-day tri-series. Further back in time, the day when it all fell apart for Sonny Ramadhin, Robert Croft’s finest hour and the origin of that defiant roar: QUEENSLANDER. Much, much more to come next week. Featuring Nerd Pledge revisits for: 3.33 – Bernie Prins 3.21 – Tom Fisher 19.10 – Anna Forsyth 4.19 – Dan Walsh 4.71 – Andrew Gilbertson 3.10 – Amelia Vine 6.64 – Adam in Vanuatu (not anymore) Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. On ep 69, it's time to follow the guidance of Missy Elliott: lay it down, flip it, and reverse it. We did consider doing the show backwards and forwards at the same time, but eventually went for the chronologically conventional. Still, given how much we enjoyed exploring some deep partnership data, more North American gallivanting, a meeting of wagering enthusiasts, a mid-match vanishing act, and the activities on Don Bradman's honeymoon, we trust that this episode will stay true to its name by giving us pleasure at the same time as doing so for you. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 3.21 - Pat Rodgers & Tom Fisher 3.57 - Rob Sinclair 19.32 – David Jones 4.71 - Andrew Gilbertsão 1.37 - Joel Crosby 8.55 - Alasdair Townsend Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

T20 World Cup Daily: Day 11 South Africa-Bangladesh & Pakistan-Namibia. The Final Word Daily for the 2021 T20 World Cup from the UAE, with Adam Collins and Matt Roller from ESPNcricinfo. A double header in Abu Dhabi. South Africa’s quicks went on the rampage against Bangladesh, securing an easy win and a net run rate boost. Then it was over to Pakistan, who exploded with the bat at just the right time before doing enough with the ball against Namibia to guarantee their progress to the final four. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword Check out previous shows at finalwordcricket.com Get 20% off kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20 Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today, time to head back to Los Angeles and work out what the airspace is used for. Also, did you ever hear about the game Acid Ninja, or when Betty Wilson cut sick, or the ways in which Ian Harvey is better than Wally Hammond? A less safe for work than usual Story Time, for a range of reasons. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 1.80 - Chris Clarke 5.19 - Matthew Johnson & WG Rumblepants 4.60 - Robert Dinsey & Michael Fallon 1.98 - Debashish Biswas 2.36 - Harry Chapman & Keiron Costello Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pakistan-New Zealand. South Africa-West Indies. The Final Word Daily for the 2021 T20 World Cup from the UAE, with Adam Collins and Geoff Lemon. They’re top of the group and have seen off their two biggest rivals: Pakistan are on the surge. Meanwhile, new jobs for Aiden Markram make a difference for South Africa, but have the West Indies tanked? Low scores might become the norm of this World Cup, and Quinton de Kock pulls out of a match for all the wrong reasons. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword Check out previous shows at finalwordcricket.com Get 20% off kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20 Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today, back to The Avenue nightclub in Perth, source of such good times. A flick through cricket magazines from before the First World War, some DOB material from Adam, than a contest as to which Test player had the shortest cricket career. JJ Ferris gets amongst it before Aftab Baloch does the same, in a real Old-Timey Story TIme. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 19.10 - Anna Forsyth 2.43 - Simon Ward 13.90 - Anthony Radford 5.88 - Max Heaton 4.28 - Stephen Frith, Crispn Crunch, Nick Marple Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 11, Ep 4: Four wickets in four balls. The talking point of the cricket week, after Curtis Campher did it for Ireland. Scotland also had a win after a huge comeback, so we got Matt Roller from Cricinfo to make his Final Word debut, telling us all about the early T20 World Cup quallies, warm-ups, and the IPL final. Also on the show this week: Brazil's women start their next campaign, the Mr Sheffield Shield is back, the WBBL beings, the county champo has yet another format, and Cricket Australia are being pointlessly stubborn about making things much harder than they need to be. What a surprise. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 4.35 - The Rev. Dylan Nichols Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today, it's all about the city of Bruce Springsteen's song and Ben Simmons' nightmares: Philadelphia. Also, get set for the Triple Century Knob Index, and the start of our mission to learn more about Australian pioneer Una Paisley. If you know Val Slater, get in touch! Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 6.26 - Jack Firth 2.66 - Richard Jones 1.56 - Matthew Lusty & Clint 1.47 - Tony 3.33 - Bernie Prins 1.01 - Gnana Subramanium Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 11, Ep 3: We have a guest co-host! And it's IPL finals time. In that three of the finals have already happened, and the playoff for the title takes place 24 hours after this show goes live. A great time to talk to CricViz maestro Ben Jones, who examines a ream of analytical data on every ball of the tournament. And with Adam on holiday, Ben sticks around for a spot of Nerd Pledge, a look at Shikha Pandey's wonderball, and some measurement of England's Ashes squad. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 3.12 - Mike Meehall Wood Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Let's learn about a whole lot of running without a lot of smiting, by the last person you would expect it from. How many international caps did Morne Morkel win WITHOUT playing for South Africa? Krejza goes Krazy, Gilchrist goes crazy, and there's a triple-header with a whole lot of permutations. But one question persists throughout: has there ever really been a Test at Adelaide? Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 3.10 – Amelia Vine 12.34 - Rosie Piper 1.54 - Shane Fagg 2.96 - Nick Tewson 3.83 - Timothy O'Mera, Simon Butcher & Jayaprakash Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 11, Ep 2: It's all we keep hearing about - will the Ashes happen? Spoiler alert: yes. We already have early season sightings of trademarked Ashes Bantz, dragging themselves from hibernation and buzzing obnoxiously into view. What are some better things to talk about? India's women bossed their Test match against Australia but ran out of time to press for a win. Sound familiar? Five days please! Then it's time for our feature interview with the lovely Phillip Brown. Best known on the internet as Dudley Platypus, Browny is an Australian-English hybrid and one of the world's best cricket photographers, someone who has spent the best part of 35 years going to the opposite end of the ground as everyone else, sitting in 50-degree heat, and watching every delivery to make sure he doesn't miss a shot. Now he's collected his best photos in a book, and talks us through our favourites. You can find Phil Brown's book right here. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 2.82 - Daniel Price Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today, an early theme emerges with the West Indies and Ireland, leading us to a true scorecard mystery from just a few years ago. Then a pledger becomes a subject before Julios are feted - likewise an underappreciated hero of 2005. Some stunning stats, as always, as we hit the revisits: the most runs off an over (more than you think) and the most economical Test spell ever sent down. Sit back and enjoy. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 5.68 – Luke Reynolds 4.90 - Douglas Wardell-Johnson 2.21 - Andrew Beech 26.25 - Ciaran O’Kane 5.43 - TD Fairbairn 1.77 - Joel Emonsen 3.94 – Matt Laycock 1.05 - Bernhard Sayer New Julio Pledgers: Katy Morris Shravan Kumar Liam Stanley Paul Watts Thomas Cooper Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 11, Ep 1: It's the start of Season 11! And to kick it off, a huge omnibus show after a busy week in the game. We saw two all-time classics in the Australia-India women's one-dayers, one extending the Aussie streak to 26, the next ending it at last. Our view of England's abandonment of touring Pakistan with no evident security concerns. HCL Technologies return to inspire. Moeen Ali retires from Test cricket. Indian players are coming en masse to the WBBL. Perth will not get an Ashes Test this year, but arrangements elsewhere continue apace. Close finishes in England's county championship and in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy. Maxi makes runs in the IPL. Tasmania's Shield team pulls out of Queensland. England's women knock off New Zealand. What did we miss? Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 3.34 - Phillip Meng Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: another Daniel Norcross visit, as we find out the things of which he was a keen observer. Live free or die. Also, a beautiful failure who is getting better bit by bit, a Nerd-Julio hybrid double header, another visit to the Shit List, and tangential Jack Fingleton. Don't forget bloody Benaud taking all the credit. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 2.75 - James Philbrook 2.33 - Leigh Couchman 2.00 - Jack Frantz & Brian Strain 3.09 - Mrunal Nakashe 3.18 - Thilo Fob 2.31 - Chris Dobbins 25.06 - Heidi Minchin New Julio Pledgers: Nick Baskaran Andrea Balcombe Matt Danson Akshay Krishnakumar Oliver Mattock Rion Gulley David Adamson Caroline Andrew Ruddick Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 22: She wowed the world last week with her four run-outs of the non-striker while bowling for Cameroon. Now she's chatting with The Final Word: a little bit shy, and just home from school. Maeva Douma is joined by her national vice-captain, Cynerah Dibande, to translate from French. Also this week: New Zealand cancels a men's tour of Pakistan at the 11th hour, and (in real time as we were recording the show) England announced they would follow suit for both their men's and women's teams. Yeesh. Virat Kohli quits as T20 captain for India and in the IPL, and there's a big wrap of women's international cricket around the world. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 6.75 - Alica Daly Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: Adam is back properly, so we get stuck into the revisits that have been piling up during some otherwise busy weeks. Bags of ten wickets, bags of dodgy cash, and bags with Alex Hales - we've got the whole gamut covered. Then doubling back over pears, plums, and The New Pringle. Plenty of fun in an extra-long show. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 3.99 - Jimit Raja 3.25 - Christopher Stock 10.45 - Michael Fallon 10.53 - James Melinson 6.67 - Jeremy Nash 3.59 - Rituraj Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 21: Australia has cancelled on Afghanistan - not formally but in effect - to protest the Taliban's destructive attitudes to women. But identifying the right thing to do is difficult, given that choice also means abandoning Afghanistan's people to extremist rulers. Rather than advocating for one option, we try to look at different aspects to the problem in the hope of understanding it better. Also this week: Nagraj Gollapudi joins the show to talk about the ongoing Old Trafford cancellation kerfuffle between the England and India boards. Cameroon teenager Maeva Douma became a cult hero with four run-outs of the non-striker in a match against Uganda. Matthew Hayden will deliver some fresh word salads as coach of Pakistan. Tim Paine gets his bulge addressed, ahead of a pending Ashes that continues being a will-they-won't-they, and Amy Satterthwaite is not able to wind back the clock. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 5.09 - Avinash Shenoy Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: what could be better than Shane Warne describing Shane Warne? You're in for a treat. Also, Norcross is back for another appearance, and going rogue with possible solutions once again. We remember one of South Africa's least enjoyable days, look at the biggest near-misses you can hope to find, locate the very best at a certain position, and try to figure out how a different player had a career at all. All new numbers this week, back to regular operations as of next weekend. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 1.92 - Max Hanlon & Max Gillespie 4.31 - George Pearson 1.00 - Shaun Tunza Ton 1.55 - Ian Wolstenhome 14.00 - Jon Lansdell 5.20 - Grant Cartledge 7.56 - Graham Hartley Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 20: This week, Guardian writer Emma John joins the show to talk about her recent article drawing together interviews with many of the England team's Black cricketers. This came out alongside the outstanding documentary on Sky presented by Mark Butcher, titled You Guys Are History. Before that, India's second Test win on their tour of England wrapped up at The Oval, and our mate Sachin Tendulkar knocked off Adam's iconic photo of the last wicket falling. Finally, some recognition from the King of the Tweets. Also, Virat Kohli's relationship with the Barmy Army, a preview of the Old Trafford Test, the touring fortunes of New Zealand's men and women, and the late-season county rounds. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 2.61 - Doc Gowler Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 19: Happy Birthday Sachin is back in a big way, in a temporarily upside-down episode. There's a 7 in the morning now? The Australian summer is upside down, with the women's series against India suddenly moved to the Sunshine State. Plus all the wash-up from the Headingley Test, a farewell to Lord Ted Dexter, and England's domestic summer winds on. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 0.00 - Adrian Muller Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly subscriptions at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: when Adam met some gentlemen in the Caribbean who were working to uphold the reputation of Australians overseas, one Orchy bottle at a time. There's a detour from there up to Canada, and to see which number ended up as so many women's career best. When was the most Durham team that ever Durhamed? And would your favourite cricket podcast include the sentence "Hugh Tayfield loved to f**k"? Also! Daniel Norcross rejoins us for a moment, for one last look at the famous 9.04. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 3.22 - William Kaye 4.49 - Emil Varghese & Willem van Denderen 8.69 - Simon Robertson 3.90 - Nigel Browne 7.99 - Dane Hansted 4.78 - Peter Halton Plus revisits and confirmations. Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find other episodes at finalwordcricket.com Get 20% off Woodstock kit with code TFW20 at woodstockcricket.co.uk Get 44% off a Wisden Cricket Monthly subscription at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane at bricklanebrewing.com The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 18: It's far from the most important question facing the country. But given that Afghanistan's cricket team has been a consistent good-news story for the last couple of decades, those who follow the game worry about what will become of it with the Taliban back in power. Shadi Khan Saif is a journalist who has covered Afghanistan politics for years, and who escaped from Kabul the night before joining The Final Word. Also this week: Justin Langer's tenure as Australian coach remains fraught, with players angry that Cricket Australia publicly backed him before meeting with them. Malcolm Conn of the Sydney Morning Herald also joins the show to talk through the developing story. Plus, we prepare for England and India's third Test, more runs for Fawad Alam as Pakistan play West Indies, Adam is back from holiday, and Ian Botham is the UK's new trade envoy to Australia. Mmmmkay. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 8.50 - David Whiteley Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly at bit.ly/wcmtfw 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: Daniel Norcross once more plays the role of Adam Collins with panache and aplomb. Sounds delicious. And we have a huge amount of fun with a particularly dastardly number, a creative solution, a look at the world's biggest roundabouts, the best ducks, the most running, and a Trinidad legend of 1928. Jump in. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 7.75 - Timothy Waud 2.12 - Darren Smith 3.07 - Dan Forman 3.90 - Nigel Browne 11.37 - Tanya Wintringham 9.04 - Chris Arkle Plus revisits and confirmations. Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find other episodes at finalwordcricket.com Get 20% off Woodstock kit with code TFW20 at woodstockcricket.co.uk Get 44% off a Wisden Cricket Monthly subscription at bit.ly/wcmtfw Check out Brick Lane at bricklanebrewing.com The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 17: Daniel Norcross joins the show this week, as Adam - for the first time in Final Word history - has a holiday. That allows Geoff and Dan to luxuriate in recalling the glorious last day of the England-India Test at Lord's, as well as the last-wicket win that West Indies somehow produced against Pakistan. You'll also learn just how passionate that night became between Daniel and former New Zealand captain Jeremy Coney. Also this week: Justin Langer's troubles bubbling over, Australia and England release their players once more to the IPL, a schedule is out for the T20 World Cup, and we update how things have gone with the Hundred. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 4.13 - Ryan Thomas Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Explore the fine work of the Lord's Taverners at lordstaverners.org 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly at bit.ly/wcmtfw 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk kit with the code TFW20 Check out Brick Lane Brewing on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: someone who managed one sixtieth of a Test career, and someone who managed an average that no one else has matched. The lows into highs of a player we've loved to recall. And a magical mystery tour through some of the most wild selector logic. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 5.88 - Jeremy Bourke 2.07 - Vijay 5.30 - Angadh Oberoi 6.41 - James Roder 3.87 - Clayton Lewis 4.41 - Steve Dodd Plus revisits and confirmations. Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find other episodes at finalwordcricket.com Have a look at the Lord's Taverners programs at lordstaveners.org Check out Brick Lane at bricklanebrewing.com Get 20% off Woodstock kit with code TFW20 at woodstockcricket.co.uk Get 44% off a Wisden Cricket Monthly subscription at bit.ly/wcmtfw The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 16: No surprise that the work of Roy & HG has informed the comic sensibility of the Final Word. The voice behind Rampaging Roy Slaven joins the show, in a roundabout way, having spoken to Geoff for a Guardian interview that we thought TFW listeners would like to hear in full. Also this week: the ICC confirms it will try to get cricket into the 2028 LA Olympics, and onwards. A huge shift in policy. We speak to acting CEO Geoff Allardice about how that came about. Plus the shambles of England's Test approach after the first India match, and the shambles of Australia's T20 thrashing in Bangladesh. Tigerland! Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 12.90 - Xavier Bochat Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly at bit.ly/wcmtfw 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk gear with the code TFW20 Check out Brick Lane Brewery on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After all the waiting, Day 4 was a classic. Early strikes from India, dogged resistance from England, that blossomed into one of Joe Root’s best tons. Every time it looked like England might pull away, India pegged them back. So the wrestle went, as England’s lead built. On the brink of Day 5, anything could yet happen. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword Check out previous shows at finalwordcricket.com Get 20% off playing kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20. Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is The Final Word Daily from the England-India Test series of 2021. Adam Collins and Geoff Lemon sum up the action, name Player of the Day, and rank entries for our own Hall of Fame. Another action-filled day despite delays. KL Rahul batted on within sight of a century, in one of his most important Test innings. At the other end, there was plenty of nitro-fuelled fun from Pant, Jadeja, and an unexpected source in Jasprit Bumrah. Find The Final Word’s longer shows on podcast apps. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword Check out previous shows at finalwordcricket.com Get 20% off kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20 Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: a faster episode because we're in the middle of a Test match, but that still leaves time for a Dusty Old Bastard influx. Who did some things first? What's the deal with Tasmania? Have we found another obscure record? And what did Neville Cardus have to say about it? All this and more, on Story Time. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 6.58 - Adam Jones 9.00 - Rory Denis & Paul Cherry 4.97 - Colin Burton 3.42 - Harley Holcombe 2.69 - Simon "Old" Trafford Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find other episodes at finalwordcricket.com Check out Brick Lane at bricklanebrewing.com Get 20% off Woodstock kit with code TFW20 at woodstockcricket.co.uk Get 44% off a Wisden Cricket Monthly subscription at bit.ly/wcmtfw The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Final Word Daily for the England-India Tests of 2021. With play limited play by rain, there was still time for the Test to twist and turn. Jimmy Anderson is as young as ever, Ajinkya Rahane has bought a new car, and KL Rahul now has to be Mr Reliable. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword Check out previous shows at finalwordcricket.com Get 20% off kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20 Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Final Word Daily for the England-India Tests of 2021. Four seamers, big results. England chose to bat and India’s quicks finished them off not long after tea. Only Joe Root stood against the tide. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword Check out previous shows at finalwordcricket.com Get 20% off playing kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20. Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 15: Most of us were kids who dreamed of being rock stars. None of us had the single-minded determination to set about making it happen. Felix did, taking a bunch of mates at uni in Bristol to No.1 on the UK charts with the Maccabees. What's even more unexpected is the part that cricket played in Felix's life, two obsessions forming an unlikely partnership. Now he's written down that story, in a beautiful debut book that ties together ambition, grief, and loneliness, and the extraordinary power that any of those can have. Felix is a very special guest to talk through the tale of It's Always Summer Somewhere. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 3.02 - Glenn Finkelde Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly at bit.ly/wcmtfw 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk gear with the code TFW20 Check out Brick Lane Brewery on Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: Nawabs come in all shapes and sizes. We respect them all. Or do we? There's also one of Adam's favourite weeks at a Test match, plus a little dash of Winnie, and some really really really niche Surrey stuff. No surprises there. Plus some of the biggest names and one of the smallest, for a second turn at being our DOB. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 2.00 - Gareth the Surrey Badger 4.01 - Evan Granger 8.80 - Michael Edelstein 1.20 - Jai Singh 1.88 - SteveStevens 6.49 - Jesse G Plus revisits and confirmations. Check out Adam's Guardian panel at gu.com/guardianlive with Emma John, Taha Hashim, Felicity Ward and Aatif Nawaz Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find other episodes at finalwordcricket.com Check out Brick Lane at bricklanebrewing.com Get 20% off Woodstock kit with code TFW20 at woodstockcricket.co.uk Get 44% off a Wisden Cricket Monthly subscription at bit.ly/wcmtfw The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 14: Like it, hate it, or ignore it, The Hundred is... hunderway? The stakes are high. The bills are high. So is the risk of a stumble. Henry Moeran has been watching more of the actual cricket than anyone, leading the BBC radio coverage. He joins The Final Word to talk through the possibilities and pitfalls of the ECB's big bet. Also on the show this week: might England bail on the Ashes? Not likely but suggestions have begun. India's reserve team gets timed out by covid, so it's time for the reserve reserves - will Rahul Dravid have to strap on the pads? While Australia dodge their own covid brush in the Caribbean and board the plane for Bangladesh. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 1.80 - Darcy Matthews Check out Adam's panel for the Guardian at gu.com/guardianlive Featuring Emma John, Taha Hashim, Felicity Ward and Aatif Nawaz Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Hit the socials for Brick Lane Brewery and say we sent you: Instagram,FB and Twitter 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly at bit.ly/wcmtfw 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk gear with the code TFW20 Hit the socials for Brick Lane Brewery and say we sent you: Instagram,FB and Twitter The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A mini-episode to let people know about our Discord server, which is basically a website where listeners to the show can hang out. It's a bit like the old-school chat boards with different pages for different subjects, but way more high-tech with things like video embedding and voice-chat channels to supplement your keyboard. Being a closed page where we know people's identities, it's a bit more safe and chilled out than public-facing social media. If you want somewhere to chat to people during cricket matches, for instance, without the Wild West elements, listen in for tips from Discord expert Anna Forsyth on what it's about and how to access it. That, Nerd Pledge, and other bonuses are at: patreon.com/thefinalword Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: more proof of the compelling case that the one-day tri-series must return. An understated and underrated turn from Allan Border. The numerical quirks of Bangladesh, and a big day for Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club. Then some long-term revisits take us around the Monopoly board via Arthur Shrewsbury's haunted house. And who's up for the vaccine game at London Fields? Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 11.15 – Tim Vanderpump 2.98 – Dom Philp 2.62 – Will Cuckson 1.43 – Ehite Ekramul Haque Plus revisits and confirmations. Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find other episodes at finalwordcricket.com Check out Brick Lane at bricklanebrewing.com Get 20% off Woodstock kit with code TFW20 at woodstockcricket.co.uk Get 44% off a Wisden Cricket Monthly subscription at bit.ly/wcmtfw The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 13: From captaining boys' under-10s to captaining England goes the story. But retiring as a player brought much more. By now it's fair to say that no one person has driven as much progress for women in cricket as Clare Connor. Through the ECB and ICC, this is the story of that change. It's also the story of the human side of making it happen. On the first day of the controversial Hundred competition, and soon after learning that she will become the first woman president of the Marylebone Cricket Club, we sit down with Clare for a full Final Word special. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 3.28 - Lara Killick Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Hit the socials for Brick Lane and say we sent you: Instagram,FB and Twitter 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly at bit.ly/wcmtfw 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk gear with the code TFW20 Get Geoff’s new book The Comeback Summer The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: a time when it all happened with ease for the Son of Swamp. And a time when Swamp himself didn't go too badly. Plus a freakish coincidence with a previous number, a time when WG had a good run, a hat-related Belfast incident, a visit to Ridley Jacobs, and an untelevised trip to Colombo. There's plenty for all. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 6.16 – Schoumendu Schornikow 2.40 – Danny McGee & Pushkar Godbole 4.50 – Cam Again & Brendan Crabb (yes, we did the wrong number again) Plus many revisits this week, and confirmations. Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Check out our friends Brick Lane at bricklanebrewing.com Get 20% off Woodstock kit with code TFW20 at woodstockcricket.co.uk Get 44% off a Wisden Cricket Monthly subscription at bit.ly/wcmtfw The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 12: It can be hard to follow Justin Langer's line of logic. The Australian men's coach has an extempore media style that over time can veer into inconsistency. After enough misgivings about his coaching style to prompt a formal review, and after talk about embracing the chance to grow, this week the coach had moved back to denying there was a problem to begin with. Let's try to untangle. Also: Langer's team is being smashed up by the Windies in St Lucia. All of the English season is at risk of collapse thanks to COVID running through teams, with The Hundred and the India Tests particularly exposed. India's women played a blinder to stay in their series with England, Harleen Deol took flight, Sri Lanka's ODI series got delayed, and South Africa are in trouble against Ireland in the World Cup Super League. Meanwhile, the ICC chief executive has been quietly pushed out of the organisation. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 1.01 - Jack Jorgensen Hit the socials for Brick Lane Brewing Community and tell them we sent you. @bricklanebrewing for Instagram and FB @bricklanebrewco on Twitter Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Get 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly at bit.ly/wcmtfw Get 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk gear with the code TFW20 Get Geoff’s new book The Comeback Summer The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Story Time, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: there's something about doctors and cricket, they just keep coming up. We try to measure up to the unmeasurable, then wind all the way back to a literary classic born before the First World War, taking in another glimpse of the Test triangular, and look at the most underrated of the underrated, as well as the biggest achievement by far. Plus our listeners Declan Lawlor and Nick Tewson are raising money by the sweat of their brows. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 8.75 – Bob Tronson & Darragh O'Donovan 2.88 – W. G. Rumblepants 4.62 – Sean Barry 5.66 – Will Sandford 7.27 – ED Plus revisits and confirmations. Declan Lawlor's marathons are underway! He is right now running the length of the Thames in the space of four days. You can still donate to his Lord's Tavs fundraiser here. Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Check out our new friends Brick Lane at bricklanebrewing.com Get 20% off Woodstock kit with code TFW20 at woodstockcricket.co.uk Get 44% off a Wisden Cricket Monthly subscription at bit.ly/wcmtfw The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 11: Remember when England's whole team got COVID? Or something like that, we're not big on detail. That's why we've got Will Macpherson on the show to tell us about England having to quarantine an entire squad who caught the bug at home, after pulling out of various trips overseas to avoid catching the same. How did it happen, what's happening, and why weren't more hilarious selections made among the Replacements. Also: Mithali Raj and either the go-slow or the champion's perfect pace, depending which way you see it. Jimmy Anderson gets 1000 first-class wickets. Pavel Florin takes a stack in T20s as Romania runs the table. Ollie Robinson's case gets closed. And everyone loves a review these days - Justin Langer and his players face up to an independent look at his coaching style. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 3.29 - Lachlan Smith Follow the socials with Brick Lane Brewing Community and tell them we sent you. @bricklanebrewing for Instagram and FB @bricklanebrewco on Twitter Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Get 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly at bit.ly/wcmtfw Get 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk gear with the code TFW20 Get Geoff’s new book The Comeback Summer The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Story Time is back, our weekly walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. Today: the coolest band name of Adam's youth makes an unexpected appearance. We crunch some numbers on Lawrence Rowe, tackle a proper cryptic, and look at days when it was all about swinging for the fences, once by a Test player and once by TFW listener Osman Bahemia. There's also another appearance from Geoff's own Jean Valjean. Your new Nerd Pledge numbers: 2.38 – Dom Griffiths 2.85 – Sid 5.96 – Pete Simmons 2.57 – Josh 4.08 – Lachan Pye 1.99 – Alan Simpson Plus revisits and confirmations. If you want to urge on Declan Lawlor to finish his several marathons along the Thames, you can donate to his Lord's Tavs fundraiser here. Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Check out our new friends Brick Lane at bricklanebrewing.com For a discount subscription to Wisden Cricket Monthly, the magic key is bit.ly/wcmtfw Get 20% off Woodstock kit with code TFW20 at woodstockcricket.co.uk The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 10: After much hand-wringing from us over poor over rates, the time has come to step back from the flame and take a closer look at what is happening, why it is happening and how it might be fixed. Andrew Samson, the BBC's master statistician/historian, joined us for part of that chat. Later, we worry about the state of India's women's team before finishing with a thoroughly wonderful story from South London where women and girls players are being looked after like never before. Oh, and we're very excited to welcome a new partner to The Final Word team... Brick Lane Brewing! Follow @bricklanebrewing on Instagram and Facebook. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 3.16 – Jonathan Brand Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Message from anywhere on earth with your ZOLEO, at zoleo.com Get Geoff’s new book The Comeback Summer And here is where can support Dulwich CC's work to revolutionise the Griffin Sports Club: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/a-cricket-ground-that-puts-women-girls-first The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 9: WTC #1 has been run and won, done and done, New Zealand are one from one. The next instalment has the same structure, but from 2023 things could change up. So at the earliest opportunity we're going to thrash out what could be improved, in a conversation with Wisden Cricket Monthly editor Phil Walker. Also this week: Vinoo Mankad freaks, dance in the streets! After a most deserved gong. Ke$hav Maharaj gets a hat-trick, Danni Wyatt gets pushed out of England's ODI team, Eoin Morgan gets nowhere in addressing past faults, Charlotte Edwards gets an overdue honour, and England players get nervous about visiting Australia. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 1.30 – Dannish Babar Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Message from anywhere on earth with your ZOLEO, at zoleo.com Get Geoff’s new book The Comeback Summer The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They’ve done it: after a lot of near misses, the New Zealanders have won a major trophy. A historic one, too, in the first ever World Test Championship. A lot needed to go right for them on the sixth day after so much time was lost to rain, but they made sure that a lot did go right. Each of Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner and Trent Boult made an impression with the ball, before the old firm of Kane Williamson and Luteru Ross Taylor did the job with the bat. Rishabh Pant threatened to take the match away, but was stopped in time. All round a fine achievement. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword. Get 20% off playing kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20. Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yet another excellent day of Test cricket, with a gripping battle between bat and ball all through the morning session. The advantage swung from one team to the other. Kane Williamson produced a masterclass, Mohammed Shami produced some brilliance, Tim Southee produced key interventions, Cheteshwar Pujara produced his high standard. With the sixth day to come, there is still some hope of a win for either side. Find The Final Word’s longer shows on podcast apps. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword. Get 20% off playing kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20. Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another gripping day that again ended prematurely thanks to bad light. Kyle Jamieson set a Test record with another five-wicket haul, up against some fight from Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin. Then it was New Zealand’s turn to be scrutinised against the moving ball, with India’s quicks starting the interrogation but Ashwin getting first results. The most important moment of the day happened in the last five minutes... Find The Final Word’s longer shows on podcast apps. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword. Get 20% off playing kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20. Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a rearguard, what a fight. Sneh Rana, Shikha Pandey, Taniya Bhatia, Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma were all among the stars as India fought back from following on to save the Test against England. Meanwhile, in the men’s final, New Zealand chose to bowl first and had some success with Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner after some flourish from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword. Get 20% off playing kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20. Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We got one XI, we didn’t get the other XI, and we didn’t get a toss. Not much to report on after all the build-up to the match at Southampton. Lucky it goes for six days. Across the country though, India’s women were on the field in Bristol, and despite falling just short of the follow-on mark, Shafali Verma continued to break records. You can support the show at patreon.com/thefinalword. Get 20% off playing kit at WoodstockCricket.co.uk with the code TFW20. Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10, Ep 8: Snehal Pradhan joins the show this week - the former India bowler has become an advocate for women in India, and co-wrote the the report An Equal Hue on the problems and solutions facing women's cricket in the country. Also, our preview of the World Test Championship, Shakib's meltdown in Bangladesh, Tim Paine on troubles with Australia's many-times-quarantining players, Ebony Rainford-Brent's gong, and a surprising appointment to the Cricket Australia board. And yes, this episode came out late. It should have been on Wednesday. Errmm, technical difficulties? Sorry. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 1.78 - Stewart Duncan Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Get 44% off Wisden Cricket Monthly at bit.ly/wcmtfw Get 20% off primo WoodstockCricket.co.uk gear with the code TFW20 Get Geoff’s new book The Comeback Summer The Final Word is part of the Bad Producer Podcast Network Title track by Urthboy Support the show: https://patreon.com/thefinalword See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices