The Grade Cricketer

The West Indies go 1-0 up in the series thanks mostly to Stuart Broad not being picked and Jason Holder now usurping Faf du Plessis as the greatest rig in world cricket. How do you get on the front dog to the great man!? We're talking England going all-in on the pace-train, Ollie Pope looking good at all times (and costs), Shannon Gabriel castling blokes for fun and how everything is a little bit 'private-school'. Monty Panesar makes his debut on the show and we get into all sorts of Oliver Twist, apple watches at mid-off, smoke-bombing spinners in Brighton, Greg Matthews, being abused in grade cricket and leg pressing his couch. Jason Gillespie is on the show to talk about back sweat, Jofra and everything yet to come, how to make it swing and BLM. #AskTGC gets into dealing with sad news, Army vs Navy vs Air Force and how to get a girl to like you. With very special thanks to our good friends at Budgy Smuggler - budysmuggleruk.com And our latest partners Wisden. An exclusive offer for TGC listeners, you'll get 6 issues of Wisden Cricket Monthly for just £9.99 / AUD14.99 - that's a 100-page magazine every month for just £1.67 / AUD 2.50; Compatible on all major devices. Link here: bit.ly/wcmgradeEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An important announcement up top before we get into the usual rareness. Ben Stokes is set to become the 81st Test Captain of England but where’s the gritty salad that took him to the top? Mark Wood is singing ‘Jerusalem’ from the rafters while Robelinda2 reminds us of Steve Waugh’s best BBQs. Dave Warner’s doing TikToks and does hand sanitizer make the Dukes hoop? Steve O’Keefe is on to talk about great circuits, who’s good, ominous texts from people about to tell you that you’ve lost your contract and how grim it is to go from Test cricket to doing the covers for your club side. Jonathan Wilson tells us about natural vectors of disease, West Indies greats playing league cricket in villages in Sunderland and the return of club cricket in the UK after his shoulder rehab. And Tim Bresnan takes time out of his first half an hour at Warwickshire training to speak to us about changing clubs, only talking to England players and the hierarchy of peacocks..... before hanging up on us to do some sprints. #AskTGC is from all over the globe and ranges from breaking up with your girlfriend for lost love, never being as good as your dad, and hating your mates because of their stick. Feels good to be going around again.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We commence our farewell to the season in the only way we know how: by discussing safety, Fathers, MyCricket and Shane Warne. That’s all before Justin Langer is finally granted the privilege of joining our fair show, whereupon he muses on his early club cricket forays with Dennis Lillee, kicking over the bin at Headingley, TikTok with his daughters, players he thought were knobs but turned out okay, and the pandemic-inducing destruction of professional sport as we know it. All normal stuff. Aaron Finch follows, and we wisely use that time to walk through WhatsApp politics, his axing at the hands of Fox Sports, and how to correctly ‘blow up’ post-dismissal when an Amazon camera is filming you, among other things. AskTGC has questions about the definition of veteran status, dealing with an abhorrent client who does fielding drills at the gym, and a girlfriend’s face smelling like a cricket bat. Finally, our live-streamed, (Virtual) End of Season Presentation to the nation is taking place Thursday April 9 at 8pm AEST. We are calling on anyone who’s played club cricket this year to nominate for: - Best batting - Best bowling - Best overseas player - Most frightening cricket dream - Leading alpha - Best rig - Best rare unit - Best circuit story (that is not defamatory, unsavoury or libellous) There are 8 categories – submissions are open now – please send them either to [email protected], or our Facebook DMs. Special guests include: Justin Langer, Mitch Starc and Alyssa Healy, Adam Zampa, George Bailey, Ed Cowan, Dan Christian, and many more to be announced. To finish: This is the last TGC podcast episode for this season. A huge thanks to everybody who’s tuned in, supported, written in, attended a live show, sledged us, called out our names at the cricket, complimented Higgos’ rig etc. We are very grateful for your support and will continue to ply the cricket world with this material so long as its valued. On that note, please know that The Grade Cricketer intends to keep casting through isolation. We will announce a new venture soon, especially because there’s a good chance our English audience may not see much cricket, if any, through the summer. Stay tuned. *** Big thanks to Budgy Smuggler for their unyielding support throughout the year. We couldn’t do what we do without them. Get around them (as they will you) at budgysmuggler.com.au *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, the pandemic has taken hold and for TGC that only means one thing: overlaying inappropriate and ill-advised cricketing analogies to describe the deepest health and economic crisis in living memory. Gee COVID-19’s hooping ‘em. Because of the times, this week we’ve gone for a ‘we not me’ approach. To offset our intellectually limited analysis with something more responsible, we speak with Cricket Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr John Orchard, about the game’s response, what we can do, and virtual circuits. He’s followed by Sports Feature Writer at Indy Sport in the UK, Vithushan Ehantharajah, before Sutherland, Yorkshire and England stalwart Tim Bresnan joins to talk Sachin, pro sportsmen, Leeds, and his new podcast, Taking the Covers Off (or something). AskTGC tosses up a litany of verbiage about liking Australians, anxiety-free premierships, a strong riposte to a previous AskTGC, and whether or not wearing Budgies makes one more alpha. Finally, a request: we are working on something very exciting which we’re hoping to announce to you guys soon. But we want to get the ball rolling on it now. We are calling on anyone who’s played club cricket this year to make written submissions for: - Best batting innings they saw this year – doesn’t have to be highest runs scored, can be for any reason - Best bowling they saw this year - Most frightening cricket dream they’ve had or heard of - Leading Alpha - Best Club Volunteer - Best Rig - Best Rare Unit - Best Circuit story (that is not defamatory, unsavoury or libellous) There are 8 categories – submissions are open now – please send them either to [email protected], or our Facebook DMs. There will be more info on this in this coming week. Please ply us with those stories from clubland – anywhere around the world – and we will do the rest. To finish: The Grade Cricketer will be here through isolation. We will keep casting. We have a few ideas in the works through this period, especially because there’s a good chance our English audience may not see much cricket, if any, through the summer. Stay tuned. *** Big thanks to Budgy Smuggler for their unyielding support. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of our dear global pandemic, we’ve decided to fast-forward the release of our Blue Carpet special – an episode commemorating a docuseries many of us now have the time to watch: The Test, from Amazon. We “run the rule” (what does this mean?) over the series from a Parramatta carpark, highlighting its key questions: is it PR? Is it glorified club cricket? Did Justin Langer say it, or David Brent? The answers, as ever, may or may not surprise you. Pez then catches up with docuseries Director Adrian Brown in CA Towers, before we head to the Blue Carpet at the SCG premiere, where among other things, we learn about JLs views on botox and champing, Tim Paine conducting a grade cricket coin toss in his Test blazer, Adam Zampa’s new mantra, collagen masks and optimum circuit results, before Pat Cummins asks us “how do you blokes have jobs?” AskTGC rounds us out with questions about hating cricket, adultery, a horse called “Champ” at Cheltenham, and Trobrian Cricket: An Ingenious Response to Colonialism (also on Amazon Prime). Look after yourselves, and lay low if you're able.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Women win a World Cup, break records and make history at a packed MCG. They did it by having a stick first, absolutely smashing them and decimating the opposition before dancing on stage at a Katy Perry concert in full kit. Have we ever felt safer? There's a Men's series that allegedly happened in South Africa at the same time. Nothing has ever meant less. Marnus smashed ‘em but! Alyssa Healy joins us post World-Cup-Winning-Circuit to discuss her six over cover, alpha-ing Mitch Starc, copping a send-off at 1/100 and Molly Strano wearing Katy Perry’s boots. Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon then join us from Sydney to talk about Amazon's documentary, The Test. In doing so, Sidds announces his retirement from Grade Cricket and rounding up his score at Edgbaston, while The Goat talks about Headingley, Joel Wilson and what Steve Smith said to him while they pursued as many runs as possible at Edgbaston. Also, Tim Paine pops in to give some life advice that will likely end up as a tattoo on many listeners’ faces. #AskTGC involves a group of Dads coming to training before finals and one of the better cricket dreams you’ll ever hear. Big thanks to Budgy Smuggler for perpetually enduring us. It's footy season - "run off" them, if you will. Budgysmuggler.com.au So too DMNs new podcast: Generation Betoota. It fearlessly brings the truth to the most often forgotten Australian demographic: the youth. Listen now only on Spotify. *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] ***EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the connection between club cricket collapses and not caring? Also: WWC, Jadeja’s catch, returning to Newlands, Copeland’s 300 and getting around Slug Wbster. Seb Gotch is in unbelievable form as we chat about disappointing his AFL playing and coaching Dad, fashion statements, Ben Dunk putting a microphone down his box, growing up at the CA centre of excellence/Marvel movie lab, Twitter trolls with three beautiful daughters and how his Victorian coach told him he was the worst keeper he's ever seen while winning the Sheffield Shield. #AskTGC gets into wearing Vic kit at swimming carnivals, divorce or die, dream analysis, handshakes and playing cricket on a leap year. Big thanks to Budgy Smuggler for their unyielding support. And get around Generation Betoota: fearlessly bringing the truth to the most often forgotten Australian demographic: the youth. Listen now only on Spotify *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] ***EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Women’s World Cup has kicked off in earnest and we dedicate the first ten minutes to wrong’uns: their violence, their humiliation, and how they look easy to play (for retired third-graders watching on TV). Mankads have also come up again – so we respond in-kind with side-mouthed, black and white analysis because, as we all know, “it’s in the laws”. New Zealand cruised against Sri Lanka, though it didn’t compare to their delectable dispatching of Thailand in a warm-up, which was followed by a coaching session. As we’ve always said, Jesus was the ultimate Alpha. The Men’s Team is in South Africa, and saw Ashton Agar deliver a tangible, substantial, meaningful, game-influencing contribution – thus making good on his unrivalled potential. Which is good for a top 5 draft prospect. South Africa then won the second fixture with a weird score. At least Alex Carey got a hit. The height-based selection of Kyle Jamieson proved a masterstroke as New Zealand destroyed India, which begs the question: can Kohli do it on a rainy day in … Wellington? Hashtag Kohli We then speak with the wonderfully normal Jimmy Neesham in a truly refreshing conversation, hours after he’d spent 155 overs in the dirt for Wellington. We covered the World Cup, Twitter philosophies, retirement, finding himself, working in marketing, Canadian circuits, the pronunciation of Marnus Labuschagne and US Border Security drilling holes in his bat to search for drugs. #AskTGC delved into dating dynamics in the United States, Space Jam, owning one’s virginity, a ten-year old decimating the opposition, and parallels between grade cricket and the military. We don’t do it all for Budgy Smuggler, but we do a large amount of it for them. Head to budgysmuggler.com.au for TGCs latest line of smugglers, titled “Great Australian Rigs” *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.auEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

110. A Nation Expects, with Belinda Clark and Annabel Sutherland The Women’s T20 World Cup is upon us, and as needy Australians perpetually dissatisfied with our sporting success we’re asking: how guaranteed is this trophy for Australia; and if Australia fails, should we be talking effigies? Either way, our lust for trophies has TGC engaged in this tournament, and we’ll be following Lanning, Perry and co’s march toward glory (that we can reflectively bask in on account of passport and birthright constructs). Before then, we meander on the question of cricket in February – where your season’s dreams are over, the wickets are shit, and thoughts turn to your rig revolution through the winter – can you pull off a training singlet next season? Will that be the difference between your selection in the 2s trial, as opposed to the 3s? As ever, we tread the topics others simply will not. Elsewhere, Matt Renshaw has taken a break from cricket, the Shield feels sleepy, and England has dismantled South Africa in a manner Australians will only respect once our own nation succumbs in the land where Australian cricket collapsed in 2018. Gee Moeen Ali looks good though. We’re then joined by the very sporting Annabel Sutherland and Belinda Clark, who both oblige questions from two internet blokes who played a bit of 2s and 3s themselves. As EGM of Community Cricket in Australia, Belinda agrees to listen to the concerns of her constituents by hanging around for an extended AskTGC. Among other things, she concludes there may be “a bit of confusion in the minds of those playing.” Well observed, Belinda. Well observed. As always, cheers to Budgy Smuggler for their ongoing support of the cast. *** THE T20 WORLD CUP CLUBS TICKETING PROGRAM The T20 World Cup Clubs Ticketing Program is helping clubs that register to the program raise much needed funds by receiving $5 for every adult ticket they sell to the tournament, and $1 for every child ticket. Clubs around the country can continue to fundraise until the final. Head to t20worldcup.com/clubs for more detail *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.au EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we discuss the art of the Mankad: what’s the best way to celebrate ruining someone’s weekend? The BBL finals are finally here, but are we excited about the big dance, or suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome? Meanwhile, New Zealand’s U19’s team are cheerfully carrying opponents off the field while ours are sledging Indian blokes on Instagram; seems like the future is in good hands. But what’s the “right kind” of youth indiscretion? Jackson Bird joins us to talk about red ball/white ball social dynamics, BBL contract chat, and bowling on Australia’s worst fucking pitch (MCG), before Budgy Smuggler CEO Adam Linforth comes into the studio to give a live performance review of TGC’s ad reads, and reminisces about captaining former school mate Jackson Bird’s cricket team to victory. We also squeeze in a chat with future Australian coach Andrew McDonald while struggling to compose ourselves over his dulcet baritone register. And #AskTGC tackles a range of psychological issues, including more dream analysis (submitted by the wife of a TGC host), the hidden meaning behind wearing an official test playing shirt in public, and whether we did really win the Ashes after all? As always, cheers to Budgy Smuggler for their ongoing support of the cast. *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.au EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Ben Stokes is in trouble for firing back at an Ed Sheeran sledge from a South Africa fan at the Wanderers. Are we happy with his response, or is it a bit stock standard? Moreover, is it possible for anyone to go to this country and not get into some kind form of aggressive altercation/controversy? Either way, huge fears are held for Australia's upcoming ODI tour. Back home, it's the Australia Day long weekend, but there’s no home international one day cricket on, and naturally we are indignant as consumers. Where are the canary yellow kits that have defined our summers since childhood? The BBL marches on – yes, technically there’s more cricket on than ever before – but do we care that the Melbourne Stars are fucking their chances of playing in the “big dance”? Once again, we show ourselves to be utterly consumed by nostalgia and probably out of touch with modern society. Meanwhile, Stars coach David Hussey gets fined for some tongue in cheek comments about pitches: harsh overreaction by cricket authorities, or wholly deserved sanction for deeply shit chat? Michael Paul Vaughan OBE joins the show for some honest reflections on English cricket, including criticisms over Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, and Joe Root's inability to get to three figures. We also touch on Stokes’ reaction to getting sledged at the Wanderers, plus the glorious 2005 Ashes triumph, before Vaughan walks us through his strategy for dealing with anonymous fuckwits on Twitter. Finally, #AskTGC provides advice to a father who deliberately ‘barbecued’ his slow-scoring teammate (and son) in a lower grade fixture, facilitates a birthday shoutout on behalf of a young lady trapped in a relationship with a massive cricket nuffie, and attempts to define the origins of the word ‘salad’ once and for all. As always, big thanks for the @BudgySmuggler crew for their long-standing support of The Grade Cricketer Podcast. *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.auEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That weird India v Australia ODI series has already come and gone since our last podcast, and Mitch Starc bats five for Australia now. What else did we learn from these offshored ODIs, which took place at an ungodly hour behind a paywall, other than what the BCCI wants, it fucking gets? The BBL rolls on (will it ever end?) and the Brisbane Heat are an absolute myth – as is AB deVilliers, according to three blokes from the internet with a combined test match tally of 0. Meanwhile, the ICC pitch ratings are in for the home summer: the WACA is “good” while the Gabba is “very good." But which is a more intimidating venue/airport/city for India to arrive at: Perth or Brisbane? And how do you get a job judging pitches? It’s obvious now that Ben Stokes is the best player that England has ever produced. And the English cricket media is going wild over Ollie Pope, who’s variously the new Ian Bell/future highest run-scorer for England, depending on which Twitter cuck you’re following. (That is until they ruthlessly tear him down 12 months from now.) Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada has earned a one-match suspension for yelling really loudly, or some shit, a situation that is perfectly summed up by the frequently cited and watertight speeding analogy. Also, Pakistan has picked a 14-year-old in their U19 World Cup team – more normal stuff from a normal cricketing nation. In a TGC first, we welcome BBL rivals and Tasmanian grade club mates, Clive Rose and Beau Webster, to answer various questions about each other. From personal branding, Dennis Rodman, being called 'Slug', referring to enormous umpires as "The Big Man" and VIP booth circuiting in Hobart at 'Cargo'. You know, all the normal stuff. And #AskTGC deals with a few important issues, including best practice around Friday night circuiting, while responding to a lower grader’s request for career advice via Linkedin InMail, before ruthlessly dispatching a bloke who has the audacity to sign off his question as ‘Chop King’. Thanks again for the @BudgySmuggler team for backing this podcast week in week out. Great swimwear, great people – get around them and they in turn will get around you. EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The bushfires continue to rage on, but thankfully cricket is stepping up to the plate. Warney’s baggy green has gone for over a million thanks to a heart-warming donation from a beloved Australian financial institution; and a Bushfire Relief game is set to restore us back to Waugh/Buchanan-era levels of safety. As king of the coats Scott Morrison would indeed smugly say, “How Good!” Meanwhile, Stoinis slaps a wristy and "historic" 147* in the Big Bash, friend of the show Chris Green is done for chucking, and... Dale Steyn has apparently left the country/BBL? Didn't realise he was here. Anyway, we’re off to India this week for an ODI series that’s so fucking meaningless that our coach, Justin Langer, isn’t even going. Anyway, it’s happening thousands of miles away in a weird timezone on foreign soil and exclusively available to PayTV subscribers (i.e. the perfect conditions for another Sandpaper-style scandal) so should be worth keeping an eye on. Josh Philippe joins us to talk about his limited, albeit scaring experiences of grade cricket, playing for the Sydney Sixers, getting picked up in the IPL, how the Coogee Pavillion is the greatest place on earth, circuiting with Steve O'Keefe and one score in the Big Bash can mean that you'll probably be captain of the Test team within 6 months. Finally, #AskTGC provides advice to a young cuck weighing up the benefits of a humanitarian career (i.e. feel better about self, help people) vs a life in Sydney’s financial services sector (i.e. guaranteed SCG membership and premium access to intimate Steve Smith net sessions from close quarters). We also ruminate over the prospect of a Quadruple C (Century, Circuit, Chop, Conception) and ponder whether the Lord's slope also extends to the showers. Thanks once again to @BudgySmuggler for their continued support of this podcast, despite our increasingly wild and tangential ad reads. *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.auEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will we ever lose a test match again? We’re feeling exceptionally bullish as we reflect on a dominant summer of home cricket where we have not felt threatened once (excluding the existential anxiety over climate change, of course, which continues to permeate our lives and influence our every thought, word and action). Marnus continues to hit runs unabated, as Nathan Lyon snares another 5-wicket haul, but will we ever be truly titillated by a bloke who bowls “these ones”? Meanwhile, CA slaps Stoinis gently on the wrist for a grim on-field comment during the BBL; it’s a good thing he didn’t do something really serious (like innocently post a team line-up an hour before its official release). Our guest this week is Sean Abbott, who dishes us some tips on how to curate your BBL personal brand, and why wage discrepancy among T20 players is a growing societal concern. And AskTGC wraps things up with a couple of Dad-related questions (fucking shock me) plus a 6’4” bloke egregiously wasting his natural asset by bowling yuck leg-spin. Finally, a special shout out to our friends at @BudgySmuggler for their ongoing support of this podcast. *** We perform at events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.au EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, Boxing Day is done and dusted. We’ve smashed the Kiwis on home soil and evicted an All Black for daring to drink half a mid-strength beer. We’re feeling safe, and therefore it’s time to play “silly buggers” to show we’ve learned nothing from sandpaper. The MCG pitch was OK, but the bigger story is that the notorious Bay 13 has been replaced by the Boundary Social — yet another win for the corporates. Fucken good view though, while providing tremendous networking opportunities at a reasonable price. Meanwhile Sydney is confirmed as another meaningless dead rubber test (assuming air pollution levels permit the game to go ahead). Regardless, we speculate over who should be dropped, and why Travis Head’s runs make us feel nothing. Kane Richardson joins us for some deeply relatable chat that includes a) which professional kit to wear at grade cricket, b) T20 bowling strategy, and c) setting the record straight on his friendship with fellow vegan Adam Zampa. Finally, #AskTGC tackles some big themes: getting champed by young upstart captains, Jackson Bird’s human sacrifice, and what to do when the woman of your dreams just doesn’t return your texts post-chop. Thanks as always to BudgySmuggler for their ongoing support of this thing. Kaysports.com.au for the support with our debate. And Blinkist (https://www.blinkist.com/nc/partners/the-grade-cricketer) for the New Year's Resolutions. To the rest of you, have a great New Year and catch you next decade. We’re performing live across Australia in 2019/2020. Our dates: Brisbane – Princess Theatre, Thursday November 21, 7.30pm (with Jason Gillespie) SOLD OUT Adelaide – Rhino Room, Saturday November 30, 12pm (with Shaun Tait) SOLD OUT Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Friday December 27, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) SOLD OUT Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Saturday December 28, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Sydney – Comedy Store, Friday January 3, 7.30pm (Richard Chee Quee) Sydney – Comedy Store, Saturday January 4, 7.30pm (Richard Chee Quee) Tickets at https://gradecricketer.club/upcoming-events *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.auEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Games are being cancelled due to climate, and half the country is covered in a thick blanket of smoke. Will the Boxing Day and/or New Year’s Test even go ahead? Thankfully, the BBL is quelling all our greatest fears by providing new marketing-led innovations such as strategic timeouts, yellow leaders hats, and increasingly bright-coloured uniforms. Of course, our anxieties are further triggered by the startling decision to offshore our ODIs to India during the middle of our summer, once again reminding us that the BCCI is God and Cricket Australia is a cuck. Anyway, Usman Khawaja won’t be there because he hasn’t been selected, so we debate it: will he ever play again for Australia? This week Chris Green joins us in-studio to discuss wage-based social hierarchy in the IPL, how easy it is to get a hit at training when you’re a pro cricketer, what’s the best global T20 circuit, and what it’s like to get on Trevor Hohns’ radar. And #AskTGC tackles the age-old question of how to get an early hit at training, before paying tribute to Roy & HG, earnestly considering the value of mid-wicket fist bumps between batsmen, and some more weird fucking dream analysis. Thanks again to BudgySmuggler for their ongoing support of the cast; Kaysports.com.au for the support with our debate; And Blinkist (https://www.blinkist.com/nc/partners/the-grade-cricketer) for the New Year's Resolutions. And to all: have a great festive break and remember: don’t bowl on your uncle’s pads during backyard cricket this summer, he fucking loves it there. We’re performing live across Australia in 2019. Our dates: Brisbane – Princess Theatre, Thursday November 21, 7.30pm (with Jason Gillespie) - SOLD OUT Adelaide – Rhino Room, Saturday November 30, 12pm (with Shaun Tait) - SOLD OUT Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Friday December 27, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) - SOLD OUT Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Saturday December 28, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Sydney – Comedy Store, Friday January 3, 7.30pm (Richard Chee Quee) Sydney – Comedy Store, Saturday January 4, 7.30pm (Richard Chee Quee) Tickets at https://gradecricketer.club/upcoming-events *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.au EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is back to what it does best: mercilessly dominating vastly inferior opponents on Perth-based cricket grounds. Marnus is providing much needed security at number 3, and Starc is bowling 145km and displaying excellent body language while doing so. So why do we still feel unsatisfied? Probably because it was 40+ degrees the entire fucking test and the existential fear of climate change continues to dominate our every thought. If day-night tests are really the future of test cricket, then what does that mean for the future of the actual “red” ball? And what would Bradman think about pink ball cricket anyway? Josh Hazlewood is out of the Boxing Day test; will selectors choose to titillate the masses with a left-field replacement, or will Langer institute a reward-based selection? Either way, we desperately need fresh narratives in order to feel something, and also for content reasons. Marcus Stoinis joins us to discuss the role of the traditional alpha dog in modern cricket; how the rare unit movement is challenging perceptions of modern masculinity; and what it’s like to get in the boxing ring against Justin Langer (as a teenager). It’s a strong debut from the Stoin. Meanwhile, #AskTGC delves into ‘keeper vs bowler alpha powerplays and the risk-reward of aggressive manscaping, while reminding us that Jeffrey Epstein didn’t kill himself and the bowlers knew about sandpaper. As always, thanks to our friends at @BudgySmuggler for their ongoing support of whatever this thing is. We’re performing live across Australia in 2019. Our dates: Brisbane – Princess Theatre, Thursday November 21, 7.30pm (with Jason Gillespie) - Sold Out Adelaide – Rhino Room, Saturday November 30, 12pm (with Shaun Tait) - Sold Out Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Friday December 27, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Saturday December 28, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Sydney – Comedy Store, Friday January 3, 7.30pm (Richard Chee Quee) Sydney – Comedy Store, Saturday January 4, 7.30pm (Richard Chee Quee) Tickets at https://gradecricketer.club/upcoming-events *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.auEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MILESTONE EPISODE: The Grade Cricketer has worked one behind square to bring up its 100th Podcast, but will a circuit and chop ensue? Meanwhile the MCG is cancelled for trying new things, stirring nostalgia for the days when Australian pitches actually lived up to their personalities, and reminding us you should never try and be someone you’re not. The Australia v New Zealand test series is fast approaching: will we respect our “nice guy” trans-Tasman rivals, or just embrace our inbuilt alpha reflex and sledge them Brad Haddin-style in WC2015 (while dying inside)? The WBBL is done and dusted with the Brisbane Heat going back to back, so why are we talking about captains who bat 8 and don’t bowl? Because Australian society dictates that somebody's success must always be painstakingly minimised, that's why. GUESTS: Friend of the show Gideon Haigh calls in to discuss the inherent meaninglessness of two-test series – and how Warner’s 335* usurped the actual series itself – and Australia negging New Zealand between 1946 and 1973-74. And John Hastings, who will be guesting at the TGC Melbourne Show (27-28 December, Corner Hotel) calls in to briefly discuss his journey from Hawkesbury's Benson’s Lane to the International stage, and his penchant for getting the baggy green out at home after a few beers (and artificially weathering it to make it look well-worn). ASKTGC: We respond to a 22-year-old struggling to overcome his uncle’s smug references to his vastly superior cricket career, draw The Great Gatsby parallels to accidental prohibition-era champ lexicon, and of course, there’s another fucking question about Dads. Thanks again to our friends at @BudgySmuggler for their huge support in helping get us to our 100th Episode. We’re performing live across Australia in 2019. Our dates: Brisbane – Princess Theatre, Thursday November 21, 7.30pm (with Jason Gillespie) Adelaide – Rhino Room, Saturday November 30, 12pm (with Shaun Tait) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Friday December 27, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Saturday December 28, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Sydney – Comedy Store, Friday January 3, 7.30pm (Richard Chee Quee) Sydney – Comedy Store, Saturday January 4, 7.30pm (Richard Chee Quee) Tickets at https://gradecricketer.club/upcoming-events *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suddenly everyone is hitting runs. Warner’s 335* — brilliant individual performance by misunderstood genius, or meaningless caveat-laden knock? More neatly compiled runs for Marnus as safety levels soar to new heights... are we “too” safe now? Meanwhile, Payne’s declaration is up for debate — should he have pulled Warner in on 334* as homage to the Don, or plundered 700 against a third grade Pakistan? Either way, like all things it’s dividing us as a nation. Anyway Yasir Shah hit a ton batting at 8 so clearly none of these runs mean anything and should thus be stricken from the record effective immediately. The pleasure is ours as we interview in-person one of the truly “great men” (earnest use of the term) of grade cricket: Richard Chee Quee. Cheeks takes us through 90s grade cricket and copping bumpers from Mike Whitney as a 14-year-old, to Mercantile Mutual Cup glory, to tonning up against Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, before performing a special unplugged version of his Aria chart-topping single, Can’t Bowl, Can’t Throw (featuring Dave on guitar). Then Cheeks sticks around to answer your questions on #AskTGC, which include indoor cricket glove etiquette, being alpha’d by glamorous European gentry, and the inevitable homogenisation of the “rare unit” within Australian cricket. As always, nothing possible without the legendary folks at BudgySmuggler. We’re performing live across Australia in 2019. Our dates: Brisbane – Princess Theatre, Thursday November 21, 7.30pm (with Jason Gillespie) Adelaide – Rhino Room, Saturday November 30, 12pm (with Shaun Tait) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Friday December 27, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Saturday December 28, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Sydney – Comedy Store, Friday January 3, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Sydney – Comedy Store, Saturday January 4, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Tickets at https://gradecricketer.club/upcoming-events *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.au EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer is here. We’ve decimated Pakistan at the Gabbatoir; our number 3 batsman hit a nerdy, well-compiled Daddy Hundred; and Davey Warner did the Toyota leap thingy. As a nation, we're rightfully approaching Bicentennial/Expo ’88 levels of safety. However, India continues to send warning signs from abroad as their frightening attack rips through Bangladesh in a Pink Ball test. Across the Tasman, Mitchell Santner moves from “bloke who bats 8” to test centurion, while Joe Root continues to face criticism over his leadership from blokes with 43 followers and an egg for a Twitter profile pic. The ICC World Championship Test points system makes no sense and therefore needs to adopt the Qantas Frequent Flyer status credits system to determine membership levels. And CA has released a new board game, albeit one that is eerily similar to an existing product in the market. Two phenomenal guests this week. We get Oz rock legend (and self-professed ‘alpha’ of Powderfinger) Bernard Fanning to talk childhood cricket memories, backstage tubbing (not a thing among musos, apparently, although he does share a shower story from a recent charity match), while closing out the chat with a pointed message to Virat Kohli. And @Robelinda2 (Rob Moody) jumps on to clarify the correct pronunciation of his internet moniker, what it’s like to be the Banksy of cricket video uploads, and his altruistic motivation for making people happy (when he could literally be making millions in YouTube advertising). Meanwhile, #AskTGC helps solve a Triple C inquiry from a young man living in a female-starved rural outpost, while earnestly advising on Gen X champings and Brexit-influenced cricket dreams. It’s a bumper show – delivered to your ears free of charge as always – and it's all thanks to the kings and queens at @BudgySmuggler for whom we are greatly indebited. · Thanks to Jarryd Biviano for the cast art @thefifthcreative on Instagram · Thanks Diamantina Podcast Network for their studio *** We’re performing live across Australia in 2019. Our dates: Brisbane – Princess Theatre, Thursday November 21, 7.30pm (with Jason Gillespie) Adelaide – Rhino Room, Saturday November 30, 12pm (with Shaun Tait) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Friday December 27, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Saturday December 28, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Sydney – Comedy Store, Friday January 3, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Sydney – Comedy Store, Saturday January 4, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Tickets at https://gradecricketer.club/upcoming-events *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the eve of the First Test and the summer of Marnus is about to start, so why does this all feel like a Partridge shrug? Pakistan is a decentralised digital currency, or some shit. There’s a conversation around mental health to be had, so we have a crack at it. Meanwhile, James Pattinson allegedly said something vile in a Shield game… what was it? Bob Murphy comes in to discuss woke blokes and AFL/Cricket synergies. Brian Lara discusses his relationship to club cricket, being told to score by his first coach, being 12th man, circuiting with the West Indies and touring Pakistan in the 90s and 2000s. #AskTGC tackles cricket socialism, team WhatsApp dynamics, and how team kit bats are like rescue dogs. None of this possible without our comrades at Budgy Smuggler. We’re performing live across Australia in 2019. Our dates: Brisbane – Princess Theatre, Thursday November 21, 7.30pm (with Jason Gillespie) Adelaide – Rhino Room, Saturday November 30, 12pm (with Shaun Tait) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Friday December 27, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Saturday December 28, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Sydney – Comedy Store, Friday January 3, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Sydney – Comedy Store, Saturday January 4, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Tickets at https://gradecricketer.club/upcoming-events *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.auEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we discuss forgettable T20 cricket, the benefits of memory erasure, and the best dessert wine with which to digest Steve Smith. There’s also England vs New Zealand — yes, it’s happened again, but this time it’s a box office flop sequel — and the concerning devolution of umpires from kindly grandfathers to hardcore porn stars. Adam Zampa goes from representing his country in front of the eyes of the world to sitting watching a 2ndXI game with his girlfriend, calling in to The Grade Cricketer Podcast, while the sounds of the Adelaide Police Department race past the ground. We ask him, what's your message to rare blokes out there? #AskTGC ponders whether you can carpool with the opposition, and is there such a thing as a “moral” hundred? Almost certainly not. None of this possible without our great friends at Budgy Smuggler. *** We’re performing live across Australia in 2019. Our dates: Brisbane – Princess Theatre, Thursday November 21, 7.30pm (with Jason Gillespie) Adelaide – Rhino Room, Saturday November 30, 12pm (with Shaun Tait) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Friday December 27, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Saturday December 28, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Sydney – Comedy Store, Friday January 3, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Sydney – Comedy Store, Saturday January 4, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Tickets at https://gradecricketer.club/upcoming-events *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.au *** Right now, for a limited time Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/cricket to get 25% off and a 7-Day free trial right now *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shopfor the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does international T20 cricket actually need context, or should we just shut up and let the content wash over us like a meaningless Netflix series? Muhammad Irfan is 216 cm tall – how big can bowlers get from here? Shakib Al Hasan is banned from cricket for not reporting a crude match-fixing approach via Whatsapp, but Chinese telco Huawei hasn’t pulled his sponsorship deal. Pete Handscomb joins the cast to discuss “cancel culture” and what it’s like to have prominent former players dissect your technique out of the sides of their mouths. And #AskTGC delves into motherly alpha powerplays, while providing gentle assurance to a young father concerned over the cricketing future of his one-year old son. None of this possible without our good friends at Budgy Smuggler. We’re performing live across Australia in 2019. Our dates: Brisbane – Princess Theatre, Thursday November 21, 7.30pm (with Jason Gillespie) Adelaide – Rhino Room, Saturday November 30, 12pm (with Shaun Tait) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Friday December 27, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Saturday December 28, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Sydney – Comedy Store, Friday January 3, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Sydney – Comedy Store, Saturday January 4, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Tickets at https://gradecricketer.club/upcoming-events *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shopfor the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.auEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A jam packed show! Warner, Finch and Maxwell obliterate Sri Lanka in Adelaide and didn't it feel good. We'll talk England and New Zealand, WBBL, selections on Seek, LinkedIn stalking of bowled victims and #AskTGC for dating advice. Ed Cowan and Russel Arnold join the show for more wild stories about shower culture, sledging international players and realising you're on 156*. None of this possible without our good friends at Budgy Smuggler. *** We’re performing live across Australia in 2019. Our dates: Brisbane – Princess Theatre, Thursday November 21, 7.30pm (with Jason Gillespie) Adelaide – Rhino Room, Saturday November 30, 12pm (with Shaun Tait) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Friday December 27, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Melbourne – Corner Hotel, Saturday December 28, 7.30pm (with John Hastings) Sydney – Comedy Store, Friday January 3, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Sydney – Comedy Store, Saturday January 4, 7.30pm (Guest TBC) Tickets at https://gradecricketer.club/upcoming-events *** We do events, too. If you have sporting entertainment needs and prefer material sourced after 1975, please talk to us. We’ve performed across Australia and the UK, and love telling stories from clubland, or interviewing those who tell them even better. Contact [email protected] for more details. *** We have merch, namely Stubby Holders, and Smugglers. Head to https://gradecricketer.club/shop for the specifics *** Big thanks to Jarryd Biviano @thefifthcreative and Julia Dowe for our podcast art, Toby Shain for the voiceovers + fake ad production, and Adrian Leung for our intro tune. *** Email the show at [email protected] *** We’re able to do all of this thanks to the fit, intelligent, enterprising people at Budgy Smuggler. It either is, or is nearly, summer somewhere in the world. For the entirety of your colourful swimwear needs, head to budgysmuggler.com.auEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The podcast returns for the southern summer of 2019/2020. What storylines will this season bring? Will Australia resume its (rightful) dominance of the men's game amid a plethora of lifeless wickets and broken pre-season dreams and will Steve Smith be dismissed once before the clock's change back? Dan Christian joins the show to discuss next year's T20 World Cup and what he was thinking while watching Prime Minister Scott Morrison catch with crocodile hands. All that before #AskTGC. None of this possible without our good friends Budgy SmugglerEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Cup and The Ashes: it made us feel; it made us emote. We bid farewell to both with our favourite memories, before talking to the true star of the summer, Pavel Florin. #AskTGC covers identity, TGC bingo, newcomers and dreams. Rapturous praise to Budgy Smuggler for permitting our words about the brand.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does everything have to be a tie? England level the series at The Oval thanks to Joe Denly's new-dad-sugar-hit runs and Stuart Broad bowling kryptonite. Australia retain the Ashes, but lets focus on the negatives and how they can bounce back at The Gabba in November. Dean Jones is on the phone from India to discuss being King of The World, batting with a Harrow sized stick in 1st grade and why, because of global warming, his 210 in Madras will soon be the new norm. #AskTGC involves Steve Waugh on a balcony, closing a microwave with a well-timed leave and and Englishman having Steve Smith Stockholm Syndrome.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the Ashes was retained (won); Smith and greatness; reaction and salt; Paine, Warner, Broad, the quicks, everyone. Chris Rogers joins, while AskTGC covers batting awards, corporate life, swings, and hypothetical trysts with AB De Villiers. Big ol' thanks to our friends at Budgy Smuggler 👍EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up on how we're supposed to feel post-Headingley and look forward to Old Trafford for the 4th Ashes Test. Khawaja is out, Starc is in and Mitch Marsh is supposed to be a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. Steve Waugh tells us what it's like being on the balcony during a Test and making a nation feel safe - as well as answering 'that' question about watching his son play; and Doug Bollinger tells us about how fast he bowled with a two-piece ball on astro turf in park cricket before playing for Australia. #AskTGC involves seeing Johnny Bairstow at Twickenham, knocking-in a bat in an apartment block, showering in Smugglers and what cricket has done to one 17 year old in the final year of school. EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That hurt. Please join us as we mine the depths of our despair for therapy and entertainment, chat with The Daily Mirror’s Dean Wilson about ‘Stokesy’, catch up with Tim Bresnan about Mother Cricket, the Joel Wilson Institute and giving Steve Smith gloves, before AskTGC covers timepieces, Trump, shadow batting and Marnus. We appreciate the support of Budgy Smuggler. Ben Stokes wears them. So do we.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We preview the 3rd Ashes Test at Headingley, who's going to bowl and how England are now Australia thanks to climate change. Marnus Labushagne joins the show to tell us what it's like facing Jofra Archer in the dark and to who he thinks his club side should pick on the weekend in their upcoming pre-season game. #AskTGC involves being catfished to strip and watching The Bachelor over the Ashes. EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Pez and Dave reviewing Lord's as Jofra elicits feelings; Smith’s knocked out; ScoMo pipes up; and Marnus both saves and is saved. Trent Copeland then talks Warner, 'claiming it' and SOK stories; and AskTGC is a litany of general male insecurity. Huge shout to Budgy Smuggler: our partners and friends in merchandise and Marnus-worship.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded from Hyde Park and the Australian team hotel on Lord’s Test Eve, we talk full cupboards, XIs, and Boulangeries, before chatting with Peter Siddle about transformations and Jofra. AskTGC looks at Dads on Instagram and urinal tactics, before we get swooped by a flock of Swans. Huge shout to our great mates at Budgy Smuggler for supporting our UK endeavours, and this Ashes podcast series.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're live in the UK; Australia makes history; the Hollies Stand experience; Marcus North; and AskTGC covers changing teams, friendship dynamics, and various social capital issues. Huge thanks to Budgy Smuggler for their support of our UK tour.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Low scores, batting collapses, Ireland's 38, intra-club trials and likely XI's. Cameron Bancroft joins the show to talk about shower politics in the Australia team, yoga and wearing a brown singlet for a TV interview. #AskTGC involves Italian girlfriends, Porsche drivers and running out a 14 year old.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The question of the World Cup asterisk; Australia’s retention of the Women’s Ashes and their (outstanding) decision to bat on; Cricket Australia inflating its average; Warne’s Ashes XII; Alex Carey; #AskTGC covers partner persuasion, counselling, monarchists, and grade cricketers-turned-administrators. Today's show is brought to you by M.J. BaleEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England win the World Cup on a countback in quote possibly the most ridiculous game you've ever seen (not involving Australia). We talk about super overs, DRS, deflected floors, boundary catches, relationships, rule changes, Lord's and Bairstow's salad. #AskTGC comes in from Sydney, India, Canada and New Zealand. Novak Djokovic wins his 5th Wimbledon slam. Not sure what happened at Silverstone today. Today's show brought to you by M.J.BaleEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia are out of the World Cup after getting absolutely hammered by England in their seminary's final. We discuss how to pick a wrong'un on TV, new faces and blood on jerseys. Martin "Two-Toe" Guptill throws New Zealand into back-to-back World Cup Finals, but was Dohni playing for red ink? Izzy Westbury joins the show from the UK, presumably just to laugh at us. #AskTGC gets into escaping the clutches of the game, seeing Shaun Tait in a lift and elements of a coaster contracts. Today's show brought to you by M.J.BaleEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rain-delayed India v NZ semi is another great showcase for our sport, Australia decides on a dangerous, all-club stretching circle, Ellyse Perry talks about that 7-fa and Scott Morrison’s FaceTime technique, while #AskTGC covers net bowling, Adam Parore, Tinder, job interviews and Kindles. Today's show brought to you by M.J.BaleEXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Faf aka Alpha Du Plessis is Dad, England v Australia semi, TMS’s Dan Norcross joins to talk Women’s Ashes and Ponting’s scar, Chris Lynn talks about delaying his first grade debut to play with mates, and AskTGC covers Kipling D Williams, how to quit, New York Pride Month, funny people, and normal girlfriends. This week's show is brought to you by MJ Bale.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bairstow’s the big rare alpha salad dog, Anderson’s calf, drop-in wickets and the AFL death star, Adam Collins talks Women’s Ashes, then #AskTGC delves into ironic cricket, handling a young alpha, handling a wife alpha, and the questionable importance of pins. This week's show is brought to you by MJ Bale.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England comfortably beat India at Edgbaston to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The 31 run victory meaning that victory against New Zealand will guarantee a semi final place, so we celebrate Kiwi culture. We also talk about the importance of MS Dohni's red ink in the run chase and how legacy building is what Obama did. Sort of. George Bailey is on the phone from Tasmania to ask what the score is and Ali Martin from The Guardian calls from a Birmingham pub to tell us that it's coming home again. #AskTGC gets into What England Want Part II, Australian housemates, asserting alpha dominance over your wife, girlfriends with ulterior motives and the Goulburn Supermax XI.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pakistan beat Afghanistan in a thriller, as Gulbadin double pythons his way into cricket shithousery. Australia win again, beating their friends across the ditch at Lord's. Australia may never lose again but what does it all mean? Will Macpherson joins from the same pub in Kennington to talk England, Bairstow, TV deals and Edgbaston as we look forward to the biggest game of the World Cup so far, England v India. #AskTGC involves bench press, grandma's sledging and batting in headphones. EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pakistan, Aladdin and shades of 1992, Atherton calls for England courage, the rise of Australian sporting exceptionalism, an interview with Kurtis Patterson, then #AskTGC covers whether or not Johnny Bairstow is James Harden, keeping lower graders in their lane, and an older brother with poor literacy skills.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The odour of fear hummed high out of Lords overnight, as England succumbed timidly to Australia on a green seamer. Fear governs all. Are England gone? Why are they gone? What is wrong? What has happened? Joining us to survey the carnage is Chief Sports Writer at The Guardian, Barney Ronay. We then announce a raft of excellent guests for our live shows in Australia and the UK, before finishing with an AskTGC that covers the psychological advantages of losing, decolonisation, sexual trysts on the centre square, handling the Chop King tag, and truly hating your housemates. Special thanks to Toby Shain, Adrian Leung, Julia Dowe, and our sponsors. Music credit: DJ Quads EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mohammed Shami takes a hat-trick in the final over vs Afghanistan but does it count? New Zealand remain undefeated in the tournament after a thrilling finish to their game against the West Indies and Carlos Brathwaite is the biggest human alive. Lasith Malinga beats England despite not having done a pre-season fitness Test since the reign for Arjuna Ranatunga. Mark Butcher joins the show from the UK to talk about what's happening with England in the World Cup and we hear from his new album with his single 'Country'. #AskTGC goes into valid visas, alpha dogs, embarrassing moments in front of school children and Mark Ramprakash.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Warner hits 166 balls, so what's the issue? Bangladesh score their highest ever ODI score, yet still fall short of Australia's massive first innings score. Adam Collins joins the show from a Tesco in Nottinghamshire where he tells of just how poorly Bangladesh have been treated by CA over the years, why this Australian team is full of blokes with great salad and what to do during the now inevitable 11 dead rubbers during the World Cup.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kane Williamson takes NZ back to the top of the World Cup table after beating Faf du Plessis' rig and South Africa. Eoin Morgan hits more sixes than you ever have in your entire life, as Rashid Khan goes for nearly as many runs as Mick Lewis did that time in South Africa. Shikhar Darwan is out of the World Cup as Rishant Pant joins the Indian Squad. Steve Smith is shadow batting at 7am, Rwanda dismiss Mali for 6, Daniel Gallen joins from the UK to talk about South Africa's dismal World Cup and #AskTGC discusses stripping, passive aggression, face salad and life decisions.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia go atop of the World Cup leaderboard after a win against Sri Lanka. Aaron Finch scores 153 but Sri Lanka don't have a swimming pool at their hotel. We talk (loosely) about India v Pakistan, Kashmir and viewership records. Vithushan Ehantharajah joins from the UK to talk about the Premier League, England TV rights and how Mitrch Starc is underrated. Ryan Harris is on the phone to talk Crossfit, injuries, bowling Alistair Cook, World Cup and getting out of grade cricket. #AskTGC returns to shower urinating, sloppy rigs and recognising 30's.EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.