The Top Order Cricket Podcast

In a short aside from the interviews, we discuss the upcoming biosecure West Indies tour to England and how it might be a test run for getting international cricket up and running again. Then we respond to a listener question about the potential for Australia to host the IPL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Neil Maxwell has had a life in cricket like no other. As a player, he represented Victoria, New South Wales, Canterbury, Australia A and his country of birth, Fiji. If that's not enough variety for you, off the field Neil has worked for New South Wales and New Zealand Cricket, he's a player agent for the likes of Brett Lee, Michael Hussey, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood to name a few, and was the CEO of the Kings XI Punjab in the inaugural season of the IPL. This chat is an absolute ripper, and we could have talked to Neil for days. He's a forward-thinker and an excellent storyteller and it was an absolute pleasure to have him on the show. Enjoy. Please remember to subscribe, rate, review and share the podcast, and also check out our back catalogue of interviews with many others from around the cricketing world. If you've got any comments, guest suggestions, banter or you'd like to sponsor the show, reach out to us at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, we're all reunited in the same room once again and we celebrate with a wide-ranging chat about what international cricket might look like when it returns. We cover saliva, sweat, ball maintenance, Covid substitutes, the IPL, T20 World Cup and what it could mean for domestic cricket around the world. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show, please remember to subscribe, rate, review and share the podcast, and get in touch with us through Facebook and Twitter (@toporderpod) or via email:: [email protected]. Remember to check out our back catalogue of interviews - there's plenty more great guests on the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob Moody (aka robelinda2) is a hero to cricket fans all around the world. His archive entertains us at the best of times, but during the Covid-19 shutdowns, it has been an absolute lifesaver. We talk about Rob's favourite clips from his staggering collection, the recent Shane Warne/Steve Waugh controversy, recreating The 12th Man and dealing with trolls, before Rob makes Lippy's day by remembering some classic Richie Benaud commentary from the 93-94 World Series. Remember to give us a like, share and subscribe, and also find us @toporderpod on Twitter and Facebook. If you somehow haven't seen Rob's YouTube channel before, immediately visit https://www.youtube.com/user/robelinda2 Or find him on Twitter: @robelinda2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shane Deitz joins the show to discuss his journey from the Sheffield Shield to Vanuatu Cricket, and what's next for one of the only live cricket destinations in the world during the Covid-19 pandemic. We chat about becoming an online sensation, the unique challenges faced by Vanuatu Cricket, cricket tourism, World Cup ambitions, seeing off the new ball for Darren Lehmann, keeping to Shaun Tait, his two first-class wickets and plenty more. For more information about Vanuatu Cricket or live-stream information for the T10 BetBarter Vanuatu Blast, head to: www.facebook.com/vanuatucricketassociation/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, the panel speaks with current Black Caps' head coach Gary Stead. We chat about his impressive playing career, which included over 200 games for Canterbury and five Tests for New Zealand, plus Gary's love for Riccarton Cricket Club. We discuss the move into coaching from an early age, progressing to the highest level, first with the White Ferns and now in his current role with the Black Caps. To say that his first 18-months in the role have been eventful is something of an understatement. Starting with the first away Test series win against Pakistan in 49 years, to the most recent ODI game in Sydney without fans, with a few Super Overs in between, there’s been no shortage of talking points. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the show, the panel take a break from the interviews to discuss This Lockdown in Cricket, covering the NZ Cricket Awards, what international cricket might look like when it returns, the cancellation of The Hundred, Australia's contract list and Baldy's Sheffield Shield team of the year. (27.00)Then we return to a favourite segment: Cricketing Mt Rushmore, this time debating (heartily at times!) the four greatest Sri Lankan batsmen of all time. Did we get it right? Let us know at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wasim Khan’s cricketing career has taken a pathway of transitions. From being one of the first British-born Pakistanis to play professional county cricket in the UK (for Warwickshire), where he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Dermot Reeve, Brian Lara and Allan Donald, to name but a few, he then became CEO of the cricketing charity Chance to Shine. After taking up the reins as CEO of Leicestershire, then being linked with the ECB Director of Cricket role vacated by Andrew Strauss, Wasim moved his family from Leicester to Lahore, where he is now CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board. In this wide-ranging and open interview, Wasim discusses the ups and downs of his playing career, phone calls with the Governor of the Bank of England, meetings with the Queen, the political nature of Pakistan Cricket and the potential impact of Covid-19 on the cricketing world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a golden era for Australian test cricket, Colin Miller was a standout in more ways than one. A stellar Shield career spanning more than a decade finally earned him an international breakthrough at the tender age of 34. But don’t worry, he more than made up for lost time, amassing 69 wickets in just 18 tests at a superb average of 26. Whether you’re a seamer or a spinner, that’s an impressive average right there. This guy was both - at test level no less. That’s quite an achievement in itself. We talk nicknames, blue hair, becoming test player of the year, smashing Curtly Ambrose all around the park and much more in this candid interview with Colin 'Funky' Miller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Top Order Podcast, we speak with Joe Scuderi. Formerly from Ingham, North Queensland, Joe was a member of the inaugural intake at the Australian cricket academy, making an immediate impact on Shield cricket. At one point on the verge of international selection in the green and gold, he went on to have a successful career at first class level both in Australia and England, before making his international debut for Italy, where he later became captain and coach. We spoke with Joe just prior to lockdown in the UK, where he now lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode we speak with Andre Adams, Andre had a playing career that spanned almost 20 years. He took over 1000 wickets, represented the Black Caps in all three formats, played in the 2003 World Cup, joined the ICL and was a star of the English county cricket circuit. Once his playing days were over, Andre moved to coaching, where he spent time with Auckland before accepting his current role as bowling coach of New South Wales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode, if you listen very carefully you can hear the Top Order boys pinching themselves throughout this awesome trip down memory lane with Barry Richards, one of the finest batsmen to ever play the game. In an era when South Africa were unable to play test cricket, Barry Richards dominated first-class attacks for over 10 years in both his native South Africa and the UK, scoring nearly 29,000 first class runs at an average close to 55. After playing only 4 tests for South Africa (in which he averaged 70) prior to the apartheid international ban, Barry was once again able to test his skills against the best in Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket. Despite being 34, he averaged nearly 80 with a top score of 207 in his 5 “Super Tests”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, we speak with former Black Cap Dion Nash. Across a 10-year international career, Dion took 150 international wickets for NZ in addition to a number of handy knocks with the bat. He captained his country in both Tests and ODIs, was involved in two World Cups and plenty of other memorable moments along the way. After his playing days ended, he served as a selector, before starting his own business Triumph and Disaster, who’s products a few of us around the table would benefit greatly from using more often. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode of the Top Order Podcast, the Panel talk to James Pamment. Currently the fielding coach of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, James gives us great insights into the inner workings of an IPL team and how he can be most effective in the short amount of time he has with the squad assembled. We look at what success looks like for a fielding coach and touch upon his time as head coach of Team USA Cricket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on this shortened episode of the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss the Australia vs New Zealand ODI, the role of an opener in one day cricket, retro cricket and what should we do with sports seasons that are in mid-flight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wondered what goes through the minds of elite cricketers in key moments that can decide games? How do players cope with stress on the field? Why did Jonathan Trott dig the Mariana Trench while at the crease? We wondered these things too! In this special episode we sit down with highly regarded sports psychologist and mental skills coach Dr. Jamie Barker. While we might not be able to hypnotise you into becoming the next Virat Kohli, Babar Azam or Trent Boult, we can entertain you with an insightful chat around developing mental skills, owning your space and managing stress(and sledging!)on and off the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss reserve days at the ICC Women's World Cup, the Sri Lanka vs England test series and Australia's missing 5th bowling option. They then turn their attention to a review of New Zealand's Test summer in response to an email from The Busted Horse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, The panel talk to former White Fern & current Sky Sports commentator Lesley Murdoch. We take an in-depth look at her playing days, captaining the White Ferns in both tests and ODIs and also how she balanced an equally impressive hockey career that saw her attend the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. We also discuss her transition into the media across a range of sports and what life is like in the commentary box today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss The Colonel, ICC scheduling, radio commentary rights & the Women's T20 World Cup. Then we're joined by Jono Boult (23:15), who talks about BYC battles, pillow fights, the Champions League T20 and his mad dash to the 2019 World Cup final, before the panel discuss the first test between NZ and India (46:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss the Allan Border Medal, No-Balls & the Mankad. They also look at the England T20 series in South Africa and a short preview of the New Zealand vs India Test Series coming up shortly. Special Guests, Glen Memery & Lesley Murdoch join the panel to discuss the upcoming Womens T20 World Cup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, the panel are joined by former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu. Tatenda discusses growing up in Zimbabwe 2:45, the turmoil and death of democracy 34:44, and the dire outlook for the state of cricket in his home country 1:00:00. Tatenda Also discusses his relationships with Andy & Bill Flower, Heath Streak, kidnappings, exile from international cricket and his life being threatened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss the rain soaked Big Bash Final, the Aussie ODI & T20 squads recently announced and the T20 series & first two ODIs played between New Zealand & India. We finish this week’s episode by discussing an interview Vernon Philander recently gave to a South African newspaper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Top Order Podcast, The Panel talk about the BBL playoff structure, wrap up the South Africa vs England Test series, an Australian Under-19 star being sent home after a monkey attack & the New Zealand vs India T20 series. Then, special guest Glenn Memery joins the panel to give us an insight into running match days at an elite level as well as great insights into the Australian dressing room. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode, the panel discuss the best English bowlers of all time, debating which faces should be etched into England's cricketing Mt Rushmore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss Ben Stokes’ tirade on the South African public, Concussion in the BBL, The Goldfield Ashes & the South Africa vs England series. The panel also wrap up the first New Zealand vs India T20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss the Super Smash Final, AB de Villiers' potential return to the international game and the Black Clash. Carl Frauenstein, the Cricket Operations Co-Ordinator and the Team Services and Tour Logistics Manager at New Zealand Cricket, joins the panel to discuss his role at NZC and some stories from his cricketing career. Then the panel wrap things up by discussing the Blackcaps T20 squad named last week and the third test between South Africa & England currently in progress at Port Elizabeth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode of the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss their favourite celebrations, Shane Warne's baggy green, Matt Renshaw's catch, umpire Davidson changing his mind, as well as Stephanie Baldwin’s Australian Country Selection. The panel also discuss the main issues coming out of the New Zealand tour of Australia & England's tour of South Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode of the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss James Anderson's 150th Test, retirees Vernon Philander & Peter Siddle, Anti-Corruption and the prospect of 4-day Test matches from 2023. The attention then turns to extended reviews of the Boxing Day tests at the MCG & Centurion Park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, the panel are joined by Worcestershire's Daryl Mitchell for a full-length interview about his long county cricket career, his role as Chairman of the Professional Cricketers' Association, the work of the PCA, The Hundred, mental health, life after cricket and Binksy's ability with both bat and gloves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss slow over rates, Neil Wagner vs Matthew Wade, Glenn Phillips' return to form and discuss whether New Zealand have figured out Steve Smith. The panel then pick apart the match at Perth and preview the Boxing Day Test, before Daryl Mitchell, chairman of the Professional Cricketers Association in England, stops by to help preview the South Africa vs England series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, the panel are joined by one of New Zealand's best-ever fast bowlers, Shane Bond. We discuss Shane's early years in the game, how he idolised Sir Richard Hadlee and how his confidence grew and his speed increased after joining the police. We hear about the influence of the Cricket Academy, how Steve Waugh sledged him during his Test debut, World Cups and what it was like to break the 150 kph barrier. As we work our way through his career, Shane candidly discusses battling injuries, his experience in the now defunct Indian Cricket League, his subsequent ban from the international game, and how that compares with the Indian Premier League today. We also talk retirement and the move to coaching, discussing stints with the Blackcaps, his current roles with Mumbai Indians and Sydney Thunder and an upcoming gig in The Hundred. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss commentators, balls, South African Cricket and Rahkeem Cornwall during the segment This Week in Cricket. The team then wrap-up the Australia vs Pakistan & New Zealand vs England tests, before turning their attention to the upcoming Australia vs New Zealand series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, the panel bring you This Week In Cricket, which looks at George Bailey, Emily Smith & the pink ball. We also explore the first test between Australia and Pakistan and preview the pink ball test in Adelaide starting this week. The team also heap praise on the Blackcaps after their dominant display in Mt Maunganui and look forward to the second test against England. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, the focus is on the New Zealand vs England test series. James 'The Badger' Buttler shines a light on some new faces in the England squad, as well as the omission of Jonny Bairstow. Then we discuss New Zealand's 15-man squad for the upcoming five tests, with question marks around the make up of the seam attack and the role that spin will play. To close off the show, This Week in Cricket takes us to Afghanistan vs West Indies and India vs Bangladesh, before a live weather report and preview from Baldy over in Brisbane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Top Order Podcast the panel talk to Paul Watson, a Level 4 Umpire in Auckland, about why he became an umpire, his pathway to the top and all the processes umpires go through to make a decision. Then the panel rip into each other discussing the Mt Rushmore of New Zealand batting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast the panel relive the final moments of the NZ vs England T20 series, bring you their thoughts on this week in cricket, including IPL no-ball umpires and mental health, and talk to their first guest, 'The Cricket Badger' James Buttler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast the panel discuss a busy week in cricket, covering the ICC ban for Shakib Al Hasan, the Drew Ginn/Mitchell Starc spat, the Australia/Sri Lanka T20 series, another Devon Conway update and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast the panel discuss the upcoming Australian summer of cricket, wrap up the first round of the Plunket Shield, look at who missed out in the Hundred draft and discuss whether legends should have the chance to call time on their own careers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast the panel discuss Women's cricket, the Mankad makes an appearance, the Australian Men's T20 side is discussed for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and the team preview the upcoming New Zealand domestic season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, the panel discuss Spark Sport's successful broadcasting rights bid in New Zealand, Binksy takes us through the England Test and limited-overs squads, and the team pick apart the second Test between South Africa and India. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Top Order Podcast, the panel explore the new short cricket format 'The Hundred', discuss who England's new coach may be, look at the possibility of multiple coaches in today's game and break down the first test between India and South Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Top Order Podcast, the panel look at the Blackcaps performance so far under Gary Stead, commission the first TTOP Mt Rushmore and keep you up to date with the World Test Championship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Top Order Podcast the panel wrap up the 2019 Ashes, relive the key moments of the series and look at the 'where to' for each side during their respective Summer and Winter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Top Order Podcast the panel discuss the Aussies' massive Ashes win, Steve Smith by the numbers, Malinga's crushing performance vs New Zealand and preview the 5th Test at the Oval. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Top Order podcast, Binksy & Baldy relive 'The Miracle at Headingley' while Lippy & Raj give the Blackcaps a glowing report from the 2nd test in Sri Lanka. The team also preview the 4th Ashes test and give their predictions on what's going to go down at Old Trafford. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of The Top Order podcast features a summary of the Ashes so far, as well as the Blackcaps tour of Sri Lanka. Binksy walks us through soft signals, Lippy and Baldy touch on bowling-action testing and Raj picks apart the concussion rule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first innings of The Top Order podcast, the lads chat through the heartbreak and ecstasy of the Cricket World Cup, discuss neutral umpires and preview the upcoming Blackcaps tour to Sri Lanka and The Ashes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices