The Top Order Cricket Podcast

On this episode of the show, we take a look back at the epic Australia v India Test series. India won 2-1 on the scoreboard, but which individuals saw their stock rise throughout the series? We start the show with captaincy and leadership by contrasting the actions and fortunes of Ajinkya Rahane and Tim Paine, before discussing a host more key figures including: Rishabh Pant Shubman Gill Pat Cummins Nathan Lyon The Australian Selectors The World Test Championship And plenty more as we re-live a fantastic advertisement for Test cricket. Finally, we give our verdicts on whether it was, as some people have called it, the greatest Test series of our lifetime. If you're new to the show, check out our back catalogue. You'll find plenty of timeless interviews with current players, legends, journalists and characters from all over the cricketing world.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter and Facebook & @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or on any of our social channels. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a few special guests lately, the crew are back to the debating table but not quite as a minor Covid scare in NZ had us recording remotely to review the cricketing week that was. There's plenty of action going on around the world, but we start the show at Lippy's old stomping ground, Hagley Oval, where he hopes the Black Caps selectors were watching Dan Vettori's clutch display in the Black Clash. It's to the T20 leagues we head to next, updating the Super Smash, BBL10 and a host of Aussies being cast aside in the IPL, before we touch on Ireland v Afghanistan and West Indies v Bangladesh, where two 3-0 ODI series wins could have big implications for 2023 World Cup qualification. During the second part of the show we turn our attention to England's recent series in Sri Lanka and their upcoming tour to India. Binksy is delighted with Joe Root's return to form, Raj is angry with Mickey Arthur, and Lippy enjoyed Lasith Embuldeniya's magic balls. It was a comprehensive victory for England, but do the boys give them any hope against India? Baldy wraps the show by running through the World Test Championship permutations, which became so confusing that Raj accidentally forgot he was a Black Caps' fan. Keep your eye on the podcast feed in the next 24 hours for another episode recorded on the same night as this one, in which we discuss the winners and losers from the epic Australia v India series. If you can't wait that long, check out our back catalogue. There's plenty of great interviews with current players, legends, journalists and characters from all over the cricketing world.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter and Facebook & @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or on any of our social channels. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s been a lot going on in South African cricket circles lately, both on and off the field, and who better to help us make sense of it all than ESPN Cricinfo’s Southern Africa correspondent Firdose Moonda, who’s been leading the cricket coverage in the region during this challenging time. In this fascinating deep dive into all things cricket in South Africa, we start by discussing the men's side's most recent series, and how difficult it was to assess the team's performance against a Sri Lankan squad decimated by injuries. We talk promising debutants, Quinton de Kock's leadership, the search for a Test captain, changes under Mark Boucher and why Faf du Plessis can't keep his shirt on. As we transition to the boardroom, Firdose takes us through the fallout from the Fundudzi report and we learn how close South Africa was to losing official international status. She frankly discusses communication breakdowns and a lack of cohesion as we explore transformation targets, the Black Lives Matter response, next steps, and the impact of the boardroom on the players and fans. Firdose's in-depth insight into the challenges South African cricket governance have to face, and how well they are currently navigating that path, is absolutely fascinating. We finish the show by taking a look at what's next on the field, starting with the women's team hosting Pakistan as the men head in the opposite direction for two Tests and three T20s - their first tour to Pakistan in 14 years and one that's shaping as a very interesting series as we assess where both sides fit in the Test hierarchy. You can find Firdose's work at Cricinfo at https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/author.html?author=315 - her back catalogue includes further details about many of the topics we discussed on the show. If you're a new listener to the podcast, check out our back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with current players, legends, journalists and characters from all over the cricketing world.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter and Facebook & @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, email us at [email protected] or reach out to us on any of our social channels. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Blackcaps' all-rounder and current White Ferns bowling coach Jacob Oram joins the show to chat about New Zealand's home summer, his playing days, the move to coaching and the Black Clash. In the first part of the show, Jacob talks about being back in the commentary box with Magic Talk, the Blackcaps' #1 Test ranking, what he finds most impressive about Kane Williamson and the rapid rise of fellow tall timber Kyle Jamieson. As we take a walk down memory lane, we bounce around some of the up and downs of Jacob's career, which included six international hundreds, two five-wicket bags, a hat-trick, three World Cups, the IPL and plenty more highlights in between, and how his cricketing education has prepared him for his current role with the White Ferns. We wrap up by discussing Jacob's upcoming challenge - taking on Team Rugby under lights at Hagley Oval on 22 January in the Black Clash. In case there was any doubt, he's predicting a win for Team Cricket, and is already throwing a few jabs at the likes of Israel Dagg and Jordie Barrett. If you'd like to find out more information on the Black Clash, check out https://www.blackclash.co.nz/. The first ball will be bowled at 6:30pm NZ time, broadcast live and full on TV1 here in New Zealand. And if you're a new listener to the podcast, check out our back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with current players, legends, journalists and characters from all over the cricketing world.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter and Facebook & @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.If you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Binksy joins via Zoom but the Top Order are back again to review a fascinating week of cricket and look ahead to the final Australia v India Test in Brisbane. We start the show (0.40) with South Africa's 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka, before discussing the England squad and whether we expect them to follow suit in Galle. Baldy and Lippy then take us through the BBL and Super Smash action so far and what it could mean for international selection. With the Blackcaps' Test summer now concluded, we review another win against Pakistan (17.35). Lippy claims to have run out of superlatives before heaping praise on Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell and the entire New Zealand side, while Raj is concerned about Naseem Shah and Binksy calls for calm heads as Pakistan conduct an internal review. As we move to the Australia v India series, Baldy outlines his frustration while watching a battered and bruised India side hold on for a dramatic draw at the SCG (31.15). We credit India's fighting spirit, wonder why wicketkeepers (and fielders in general) can't catch any more and discuss many of the key individuals of this engaging Test match, including Nathan Lyon, Ravichandran Ashwin, Tim Paine, Rishabh Pant, Steve Smith, Shubman Gill and Will Pucovski. Baldy makes a big call as we wrap the show with our predictions for the final Test in Brisbane and the World Test Championship implications, and we all cross our fingers that India can find eleven players to pull on the whites before the end of the week. Keep your eye on the podcast feed over the coming days. We've got an episode dropping with former Blackcaps all-rounder and current White Ferns bowling coach Jacob Oram in which he gives us his thoughts on the NZ summer and takes us on a walk down memory lane. If you can't wait that long, check out our back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with current players, legends, journalists and characters from all over the cricketing world.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter and Facebook & @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or on any of our social channels. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the show, we welcome current international umpire and former Auckland, Cook Islands and East Coast Bays seamer, Chris Brown.Recorded before the start of the New Zealand's home summer, we talk umpiring logistics, the pathway to the top, what it feels like to get your decisions proved right - and wrong! - home vs neutral umpires, not giving Lippy any LBWs and how Chris wishes he'd donned the white coat as soon as his playing days were over.Since the interview, Chris has made his Test debut (Blackcaps v West Indies, followed by another Test - Blackcaps/Pakistan) and has shone brightly under the spotlight, making some outstanding decisions at that level. We hope you enjoy the chat, and if you have any interest in becoming an umpire yourself, contact your local cricket club or association and, as Chris suggests, 'give it a go'.If you're a new listener to the podcast, check out our back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with current players, legends, journalists and characters from all over the cricketing world.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter and Facebook & @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a new year but same Top Order Podcast, as we recap the final week of 2020. Baldy starts the show (0:45) with a deep dive into the BBL table and a few players who’ve caught the eye so far in that tournament, including Ollie Davies and Tanveer Sangha, before a quick review of the first South Africa/Sri Lanka Test, where injuries played a big part and Faf du Plessis’s 199 set up a big win for the Proteas. We ask whether NZ needs to push for longer Test series, and ask whether David Warner, Steve Smith and Shakib al Hasan deserved to be honoured in ICC Teams of the Decade. As we move to the Australia v India series (24:00), we discuss a stunning response from India at the MCG to level the series. Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane all receive praise, Binksy signals a momentum shift, Baldy comes off the long run about Australian team selection and Raj talks about himself in the third person. We wrap up the show with the thrilling Boxing Day Test at Bay Oval (47:20), where the Blackcaps beat Pakistan just before time expired on Day 5. Kane Williamson moves to #1 in the Test rankings, Neil Wagner has all of us glowing and Mitchell Santner has us discussing a spinner taking the final wicket for NZ in home conditions. Pakistan, with the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Fawad Alam, Faheem Ashraf and ‘Charlie’ Shaheen Shah Afridi, played their part in an excellent Test, but do we give them any chance to level the series? A massive thanks to everyone who has listened to us so far - it really means a lot. If you're a new listener to the podcast, check out our back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with current players, legends, journalists and characters from all over the cricketing world.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter and Facebook & @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of the show finds us still struggling to get our heads around the Australia v India Test in Adelaide, so we call in one of the best cricket writers in the business to help us make sense of it all. Formerly with the Indian Express and now with CricBuzz, Bharat Sundaresan is also a Penguin Random House author, publishing The Dhoni Touch in 2018. Bharat describes the mad scramble for pads on Day 3 as we process India's shocking collapse and discuss how they can move forward and still compete for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With the departure of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, plus journalists and fans alike calling for wholesale changes, we shine the spotlight on Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant and other contenders, before an extended chat about 'Spin Scientist' Ravi Ashwin and the fascinating Cheteshwar Pujara v Nathan Lyon battle. There's breaking news about Rohit Sharma and Bharat reluctantly offers up his prediction for the remainder of the series. Before we finish the show, we dip into Bharat's back catalogue to ask what it was like to write a book about MS Dhoni, and what makes MS one of the most fascinating characters of the modern era. We also discuss Bharat's search for West Indian fast bowler Patrick Patterson, and how that mission became so much more than just another piece of copy. If you'd like to check out more of Bharat's work, you can find his archive at CricBuzz: https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/author/bharat-sundaresan/235 His brilliant article about Patrick Patterson can be found here: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/patrick-patterson-an-unquiet-mind-4762590/ And more info on The Dhoni Touch: Unravelling the Enigma That Is Mahendra Singh Dhoni is available at:https://penguin.co.in/book/the-dhoni-touch/If you're a new listener to the podcast, check out our back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with current players, legends, journalists and characters from all over the cricketing world.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter and Facebook & @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this jam-packed episode of the Top Order Podcast, we take a look at the past week, updating the goings on in the Ford Trophy, BBL10, the England squad to Sri Lanka and the burgeoning international schedule. As we move to the Black Caps v West Indies series, we discuss Henry Nicholls’ big score and what that means for Will Young and Devon Conway — how long will they have to wait for an extended opportunity? We gush over the incredible talents of Kyle Jamieson — will New Zealand ever play another spinner in home conditions? Neil Wagner receives praise for both bat and ball in his 50th Test, and in light of the West Indies’ disappointing performance, we ask whether they can take anything positive from the tour and debate the idea of tiers at Test level. After their demolition of the West Indies, the Black Caps move swiftly to the challenge of Pakistan. We discuss the omission of Ross Taylor from the T20 side, the return of Todd Astle and a potential debut for Jacob Duffy, before Raj gets excited about the prospect of New Zealand’s top 4 and Baldy gets excited about saying the name Shaheen Shah Afridi for the new few weeks. Injuries look set to play a big part in the series, however, as worrying news about Lockie Ferguson and a fractured thumb for Babar Azam wipe out two key players. We wrap up the show with our predictions for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as concussion further disrupts the build up. The lads weigh in on the key selection debates — Pant v Saha, Shaw v Gill and the Australian top order — Lippy gives a shout out to Jasprit Bumrah’s skills with the willow, before asking whether India can truly challenge an Australian side that has been a juggernaut at home in recent times. If you're a new listener to the podcast, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more timeless interviews with current players, legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or @toporderpod on our social channels. With so much cricket going on right now, we'd love to hear what you'd most like us to focus on. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's a lot going on in the world of cricket right now, and the Top Order Podcast have a bumper episode to celebrate getting past the tricky 87. In our 88th episode of the show, the team cover: The cancellation of England's tour to South Africa, what that means for the Proteas, the impact for the BBL and whether the ICC needs to take charge. We then turn our attention to the Black Caps/West Indies series, where Kane Williamson is playing a different game than everyone else right now. The NZ attack of Southee, Boult, Wagner and Jamieson gets plenty of credit for a great all-round performance, and what can the West Indies do to bounce back? The India/Australia series is saved for last, but there's plenty to discuss. Concussions on both sides have caused shake-ups in team lineups, and we break down "like-for-like". Justin Langer and Virat Kohli are pumped up, Ajinkya Rahane is his usual self and Cameron Green has stood tall in the warm-ups, while Baldy has an unusual take on the Australian top order for the first Test. If you're a new listener to the podcast, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more timeless interviews with current players, legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or @toporderpod on our social channels. With so much cricket going on right now, we'd love to hear what you'd most like us to focus on. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, we give a shout out to the Sydney Thunder for winning the WBBL, ponder the impact of Greg Barclay’s appointment as the ICC Chair, and encourage you all to check out NZC live streams of the Ford Trophy. We then dive into the international fixtures going on around the world, starting with the West Indies’ tour of New Zealand, including the coverage provided by Spark Sport. Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Lockie Ferguson get us excited about the Black Caps depth, but does a rain-interrupted T20 series against an under-strength West Indian side mean anything for the upcoming Tests? Speaking of the Test series, we talk the impact of Darren Bravo, debate the Black Caps’ XI without BJ Watling and whether the best line up includes a spinner or not. Moving across the Tasman, Baldy is all smiles after a strong start by Australia, as consecutive 62-ball hundreds from Steve Smith, excellent tactics and contributions everywhere have put India firmly on the back foot. But what impact will David Warner’s injury have? Will India adjust to the conditions and find a way to put the Australian batting line up under pressure? And will Raj’s dream about Virat Kohli come true? In the final segment of the show, we head to South Africa to try to make sense of this England batting order, discuss whether there’s a way back for the Proteas, wonder about Quinton de Kock’s skills in the kitchen and Lippy challenges Binksy about an outrageous Sam Curran claim. If you're a new listener to the podcast, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more timeless interviews with current players, legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or @toporderpod on our social channels. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start our This Week in Cricket by outlining the WBBL semi-finalists before Lippy wraps the first four rounds of the Plunket Shield, which sees Canterbury well on top at the halfway stage. Baldy and Raj explain the new BBL innovations - are they fun, or just confusing? - and Binksy runs the rule over Sam Billings' comment that the England limited-overs side is one of the hardest teams in the world to get into right now. In the second part of the show, we look ahead to the upcoming Black Caps/West Indies tour. How much rotation will we see during the T20 series? Which NZ fringe players will improve their stock? Why is the Test series so important? Has the emergence of Devon Conway made Will Young underrated? Can Kyle Jamieson unseat the incumbent pace trio? Plus Tom Blundell's role, pressure on Henry Nicholls, predictions, banter and more in this wide-ranging chat as we get excited about the start of the international summer. If you're a new listener to the podcast, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more timeless interviews with current players, legends and characters from all over the cricketing world.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.If you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or @toporderpod on our social channels.Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the show, we're joined by award-winning author and ESPN Cricinfo Assistant Editor Daniel Brettig to discuss the Australian summer of cricket and the upcoming India tour. Are India favourites for the white-ball fixtures? Will Cameron Green and Will Pucovski get their chance? How excited should we be about their futures? Who holds the key for India once Virat Kohli heads home? And who will win the battle between David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Jasprit Bumrah? All that plus predictions, BBL innovation chat and much more in this deep dive into one of the most anticipated series of the summer. You can find more of Daniel's work at https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/author.html?author=367And if you're a new listener to the podcast, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with current players, legends and characters from all over the cricketing world.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.If you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or @toporderpod on our social channels.Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the show, we speak with current Melbourne Stars coach David Hussey about his recent experiences with KKR in the IPL, his outstanding career as a player and look ahead to BBL 10. Reflecting on his time as the Chief Mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders, we talk T20 tactics, momentum, confidence, learning from the likes of Brendon McCullum and working with a diverse group that included Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Eoin Morgan and Varun Chakravarthy, just to name a few. As we move to David's playing days, we're introduced to 'Good David' and 'Bad David' as he speaks humbly about his impressive career both in Australia for the Victorian Bushrangers and the national side, and overseas, particularly for Nottinghamshire. We hear how, despite all this success, it took David many years before feeling like he truly belonged at that level. In the final part of the show, we take a close look at a Melbourne Stars squad stacked with high-profile international signings like Jonny Bairstow and Nicholas Pooran, rising star Will Pucovski and explosive all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell. We hear about a few names to watch and explore the coffee habits of Adam Zampa as we look ahead to the upcoming BBL season. If you're a new listener to the podcast, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with current players, legends and characters from all over the cricketing world, including David's brother Mike, in which we first learned about the epic backyard battles at the Hussey household.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or @toporderpod on our social channels.Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the show we speak with Mumbai Indians bowling coach and Sydney Thunder coach Shane Bond. We take a look back at yet another championship season for Mumbai and the outstanding performances of the fast bowling unit, headlined by Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. Reflecting on what was surely the strangest IPL season to date, Shane takes us behind the scenes and into the One Family that is the Mumbai Indians, from Jimmy Pamment, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav's cake antics to the absolute care the owners and franchise has for its players and staff. Before we wrap up the show, we look forward to the BBL (24:00), with Shane outlining the challenging build up, the growth of players like Daniel Sams and Chris Green, the signings of Adam Milne and Sam Billings, plus a few players to watch in the Sydney Thunder squad - including a young legspinner, much to Baldy's delight. Quick note that the audio quality wasn't at it's best during this episode, but it's always great to chat with Shane, so hopefully it won't impact your listening experience too much. If you're a new listener to the show, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with current players, legends and characters from all over the cricketing world, including our first interview with Shane (Episode #17), in which we talked about his playing days from his start in the game right through to his impressive career with the Black Caps.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or @toporderpod on our social channels.Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the show, we welcome back Dr. Jamie Barker, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University, to talk about the impact of bubbles and lockdown from a sporting perspective.Recorded at the beginning of the IPL, Jamie helps us deep-dive into the impacts of isolation and life in a bubble. How do players cope? What are the potential physical and mental impacts of life in a bubble? And how does that affect our performance? Dr. Barker has some keen insights into how we can all manage our life in modern times, and how we can cope with lockdowns and still maximise our own performance and happiness. This is a great episode for everyone navigating our own lives and managing feelings of anxiety and stress.If you're a new listener, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with current players, legends and characters from all over the cricketing world, including our first interview with Jamie.Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show.And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at [email protected] or @toporderpod on our social channels.Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's finals time in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League. Michael and Adam wrap up the last matches of the round-robin [0:55] as Delhi, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and the Royal Challengers Bangalore book themselves a ticket to the playoffs. Then we turn our attention to the finals, as [4:31] Mumbai and Delhi square off for the right to go straight into the final, and [8:10] David Warner and the Sunrisers look to keep their momentum going against Virat Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Then it's prediction time [11:18] as the boys go separate ways in predicting the winners of finals games one and two. Who will be right, and who's prediction will end up as wrapping for Friday night's cod and chips? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A huuuuuuuuge episode of the Top Order Cricket Podcast this week with plenty to talk about as the action ramps up all around the world. We begin by hitting as many topics as we can in This Week in Cricket. The board of Cricket South Africa steps down en masse just weeks before their summer international schedule kicks off - what does this mean for the game in the rainbow nation? A lot has been happening in the bubbles this week, we recap the latest from the players and tease our upcoming interview with Dr. Jamie Barker on mental health and life in the bubble. Stay tuned for that one. We talk about why the current Pakistan/Zimbabwe ODI series has implications for the 2023 World Cup, and debate whether cricket should be an Olympic sport. After the swish we launch into the shields, both Plunket (NZ) and Sheffield (Aus) as several fringe cricketers are putting their hands up for national selection early in the season. Is Kyle Jamieson a lock in the first NZ test side of the summer? When will Devon Conway get his chance? Should Will Pucovski open the battting for Australia? We get a little excited about the breakouts, but how many spots are actually up for debate in the Black Caps and Australian sides at the moment? Finally, in act three, it's climax of the round-robin matches in the IPL. Recorded Sunday night we run through (almost) all the permutations, and put our predictions on the line for how we think the playoffs will shape up. Will we be wrong? Almost certainly - in fact, some of us already will be by the time this podcast goes to air, but it's an enjoyable chat nonetheless. One thing we do know - Mumbai will take some beating this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the fifth episode of our preview series shining a light on the NZ domestic circuit, we're joined by Wellington Firebirds fast bowler Hamish Bennett. Despite a challenging start to the Plunket Shield, good things are happening in the capital, and Hamish wasn't shy about giving us some of the best insights into his squad. From Frank the Tank's body hair, to Fraser Colson's banter, the incredible wrap on Tom Blundell's net skills and Hamish's career with the Black Caps, this one has it all! If you're a new listener, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with players from the NZ cricket scene, plus legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. And if you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch at [email protected] or @toporderpod on our social channels. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lippy joins Baldy and Binksy on the IPL wrap show in episode 08 to cover matches 34 - 43 of IPL 2020. We covered some old ground from wrap show 7 in the first few minutes, but those super over games were too exciting not to talk about when we got together. In this episode, check out our quick fire summaries of each match, who the boys have missing the playoffs, who is peaking at the right time, and who is a shining light in an otherwise bleak season for the Super Kings. Can the Kings XI keep their winning streak going to keep their playoff hopes alive? Check it out here on episode 08 of the IPL wrap show for season 2020. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What an absolute pleasure it was to be joined by Canterbury Magician and commentator Frankie Mackay for a wide-ranging chat about the women's game. We talk the White Ferns v Australia series to discuss what makes this Australian outfit so impressive, and the boys look for positives in defeat for the NZ side. This leads to a conversation about the wider game, both in NZ and around the world - the challenges and the way forward as women's cricket continues to gain in popularity and stature (14.00). We then get an update on the Canterbury Magicians squad to ask if anyone can take down the Wellington Blaze in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and Super Smash in 2020/21 (25.10), before talking to Frankie about a few ups and downs from her own career (38.50), both on the field and in the commentary box as part of the Sky Sports team (45.00). Keep an eye on our podcast feed in the coming weeks - we've got a packed schedule with interviews from all around the New Zealand domestic circuit, as well as our IPL coverage and This Week in Cricket shows. Remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you're a new listener, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we continue our trip around the New Zealand domestic provinces, we speak with Auckland Aces captain Robert O'Donnell. Plenty to talk about with Rob, including who's the boss between the O'Donnell brothers, the ins and outs for the Aces this summer, and who to watch out for as key players push for Black Caps honours. There's also lots of laughs in a great rundown of the characters within the squad as we look towards the Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy and Super Smash seasons. Keep an eye on our podcast feed in the coming weeks - we've got a packed month with interviews from all around the New Zealand domestic circuit, as well as our IPL wraps and This Week in Cricket shows. Remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you're a new listener, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 7 of the IPL wrap show and the games just keep getting better and better. Baldy back in the diary hot seat to review another 5 games over the weekend, climaxing on Sunday night with a triple super over double-header. [01:46] Lockie Ferguson announces himself with a bang as KKR beat the Sunrisers in super over number one. [5:09] and if one super over wasn't enough, Mumbai and Kings XI battle it out in a double super over thriller, and Kings came up trumps [09:56] Then we rewind to Friday night as Eoin Morgan's captaincy debut for KKR ended in a defeat to the Indians [11:58] The Royal Rumble in Dubai as AB de Villiers shows why he should bat in the top 4 as the Challengers beat the Royals [14:45] CSK and Delhi meet in Sharjah as Dhawan tons up for the Caps. Loving the show? Let us know by tweeting us @toporderpod, and please consider subscribing to help others find the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we continue our trip around the New Zealand domestic provinces, we travel south to speak with Otago Cricket white-ball captain and NZ A seamer, Jacob Duffy. We talk about seeing the sights during preseason, get an update on the status of Dean Foxcroft and discuss Otago's desire to build on an encouraging 2019/20 season. A common theme emerges as we take a closer look at the playing group and we do our best to throw fire on a domestic feud, before Jacob opens up about his international ambitions as we look ahead to the Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy and Super Smash seasons. Keep an eye on our podcast feed in the coming weeks - we've got a packed month with interviews from all around the New Zealand domestic circuit, as well as our IPL wraps and This Week in Cricket shows. Remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you're a new listener, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam predicted an upset in the IPl this week, it just wasn't the one that we thought it would be! Baldy takes us through four games in this IPL wrap, quickfire style with 90 seconds on the clock to wrap up each match, and a bit of extra time to talk who's trending up and down in DreamXI fantasy cricket. [1:35] - RCB and AB flex big time in a huge win over KKR [4:35] - CSK change up the order and get their season back on track against Sunrisers [8:16] - Injury concerns for Delhi's batting, and more scrutiny for the Royals [11:21] - The return of the Universe Boss as KingsXI do it the hard way in the last over to deliver a banana skin for RCB as consistency concerns persist for the Challengers. Let us know what you think of the shorter format on twitter @toporderpod! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we're back around the table as a group to discuss the White Ferns tour of Australia, South African cricket and the T20 Blast in a quickfire This Week in Cricket. We then take a look at the IPL as a whole as we approach the halfway line of that competition: Are finishers coming in too late? Should we lock in a Mumbai/Delhi final already? Is Sharjah too small? Can we put a line through CSK's chances? Will anyone change their original predictions? Answers to all that and much more in this free-flowing chat about the game we love. Keep your eyes on the podcast feed this month - we've got content galore with interviews from all six NZ major associations to preview the home summer, starting with the Plunket Shield on 19 October. You'll find regular IPL wrap shows, as well as more banter-based episodes right throughout October and into November. Please remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really is the best way to help the show, support what we're doing and to help others find our episodes. If you're a new listener, make sure you check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us, we're always keen to hear your suggestions, requests, guest ideas, corrections or anything else at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second instalment of our journey around the New Zealand domestic provinces we're joined by Canterbury Cricket captain and NZ A all-rounder, Cole McConchie. With Cole we look ahead to the Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy and Super Smash seasons. We discuss the return of Peter Fulton as a coach at Canterbury, the arrival of Daryl Mitchell, and a young player to watch. Then we deep-dive to the important questions: Which bowler bowls off 18-yards in the nets? Does anyone spend more time in the weights room than Cam Fletcher? What's the best sledge you've heard at the domestic level? Our attention then turns to Hagley Oval, Lippy gets in his standard mention of Riccarton Cricket Club and we talk individual and team goals and ambitions for the upcoming season. Keep an eye on our podcast feed in the coming weeks - we've got a packed month with interviews from all around the New Zealand domestic circuit, as well as our IPL wraps and This Week in Cricket shows. Remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you're a new listener, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more great interviews with legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've maxxed our overseas contingent today on the Top Order Podcast with both Binksy and Baldy teaming up to cover a huge week in the IPL. It was a week of teams starting to assert themselves on the competition: [01:40] - Mumbai topple Delhi in a top of the table clash [05:06] - RR bounce back against Sunrisers to keep the Royals in touch with the top four. Then we go back in time to cover the last week of IPL clashes [10:46] - Delhi dominate the Royal Challengers Bangalore [12:58] - The Mumbai juggernaut rolls on as problems emerge for Rajasthan [15:17] - KKR take care of teams below them on the table as trouble emerges for CSK. [16:50] - Kings XI final themselves staring at the crest of a slump as Sunrisers rack up a massive score batting first in Abu Dhabi [19:05] - Fast bowlers keep it tight in Sharjah as Delhi take care of the Royals [22:51] - Kings XI come within a gnat's whisker of knocking off KKR, and where to from here for Kings. [29:00] - Leaks start to appear in the ship for CSK as their batters come under fire from MS Dhoni himself. [33:09] Finally, we preview the four upcoming games in the IPL Monday through Thursday as some telling encounters loom for the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the ramekin in Sharjah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Zealand's domestic and international schedules have been announced, and the Top Order is deep-diving into a player-driven preview of our home summer. First cab off the rank is Northern Districts batsman Dean Brownlie. We cover preseason, the challenges of being spread out over multiple districts, players to watch, expectations for the Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy & Super Smash season ahead and find out which bowler bowls off 18 yards in the nets (there's always one - or two in this case). Then we take a quick dive into Dean's Black Caps career, including green wickets in Hobart and what it was like representing NZ after growing up in Australia. Keep an eye out on our podcast feed in the coming weeks - we've got a packed month with interviews from around the domestic circuit, as well as our IPL wraps and This Week in Cricket shows. Remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. Also check out the back catalogue, there's plenty more great interviews with legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back with another episode of the IPL wrap show. And what an incredible four days of IPL action we've seen: [1:30] Mumbai Indians and Rohit start to get the juggernaut rolling over the KingsXI. [4:27] Priyam Garg has a night out to as catching woes consign CSK to the bottom of the table. [7:34] We lean into the first of the double-headers as King Kohli and Devdutt Pandikkal defeat the Rajasthan Royals [10:13] Another day, another run-fest in Sharjah - Shreyas Iyer, take a bow! [12:33] Mumbai restrict the Sunrisers in Sharjah as Krunal Pandya helps himself to a strike-rate of 500! [15:19] Watson winds back the clock and he and Faf du Plessis chase down KXIP [17:35] Baldy breaks down trends from the first third of the tournament, and the importance of balance in your fantasy team, and some high quality encounters coming up in the next few days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In another attempt to strengthen our batting on the Top Order Podcast, we’re joined by recent CPL winner with the Trinbago Knight Riders, Colin Munro. We discuss that unbeaten campaign and the dynasty TKR are building with the likes of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo and coach Brendon McCullum. We also take a wider look at T20 leagues around the world and the mindset and approach needed to succeed at the top in a format that moves at such a fast pace. It should also come as no surprise from someone with a 14-ball 50 for the Black Caps, but the quickfire round is a treat, including one of the funniest sledge stories we've heard to date. Remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. Also check out the back catalogue, there's plenty more great interviews with legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well what a difference a couple of days can make to the IPL! Baldy back in the Top Order IPL diary room to wrap up another couple of days of IPL action as both undefeated teams experience their first loss: [01:14] Sunrisers upset the Delhi Capitals and fantasy strategy hints [08:08] Another upset! KKR take down Rajasthan Royals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this IPL Wrap Show, Binksy chats through the KXIP v Rajasthan Royals clash, which saw 29 maximums! We also cover the Super Over showdown with RCB taking on the mighty Mumbai Indians. We give props to Zooter McGavin and remind you to change your skipper! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, a special episode as we kick off our first IPL show for 2020. We wrap up the first 2020 edition of the IPL as: [01:20] CSK break their drought against the Mumbai Indians [06:04] Delhi Capitals and the Kings XI Punjab thrill us with a controversial super over [10:04 ] Sunrisers Hyderabad suffer an epic collapse in going down to Kings XI [13:10] Samson the hero as records tumble in Sharjah as the Royals surprise CSK [16:24] Mumbai break their UAE drought over KKR [18:47] Kings XI bully the Royal Challengers and steal their lunch [22:10] Delhi assert their dominance over a disappointing CSK, and [26:39] KKR eclipse the Sunrisers to leave them at the bottom of the table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, we start by discussing the England/Australia T20 and ODI series, before an overview of the women's game at the international level (8.40), crowds but not as we know them to watch the White Ferns tour of Australia (14.30), bat handles and bubble chat (17.40) in This Week in Cricket. In the second half of the show, we unpack the key themes from the first few days of the Indian Premier League (23.00), including umpiring controversy, pitches, super overs, pairs, huge sixes, overseas players and our fantasy league failures. Keep an eye on the feed for some bonus IPL content during the tournament, featuring game wraps and fantasy tips (use at your own risk!). We'll be dropping extra episodes every week, in addition to our regular weekly shows. There's still time to join our IPL Fantasy League - use the link below to sign up: https://fantasy.iplt20.com/season/league/join/801JP3WTLS0105. And, as always, remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@Toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you'd like to reach out to us, correct a mistake or give us some praise, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected], and we're now on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo3GSknJELxxH4IDec2AjUA Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode starts as it often does, with This Week In Cricket, where we congratulate the Trinbago Knight Riders on their unbeaten season, talk more turmoil in the ranks at Cricket South Africa, the value of a TV deal in Australia and the England/Australia limited-overs series. In the second half of the podcast (22.40), we turn our attention to another Cricketing Mt Rushmore, as we debate the best four Pakistan bowlers of all time. There's still time to join our IPL Fantasy League - use the link below to sign up: https://fantasy.iplt20.com/season/league/join/801JP3WTLS0105. And, as always, remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@Toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you'd like to reach out to us, correct a mistake or give us some praise, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected], and we're now on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo3GSknJELxxH4IDec2AjUA Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second part of our IPL 2020 preview, we put the remaining four teams under the microscope. After discussing the Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, we get off the fence and each select a tournament winner. Did we get it right? You be the judge! If you missed Part 1, you can find it in our back catalogue. There's also plenty more IPL content, including interviews with CSK batting coach Mike Hussey, KKR's Lockie Ferguson and Mumbai's Shane Bond and James Pamment, plus plenty more great interviews with legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. As always, remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch at [email protected], and we're now on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo3GSknJELxxH4IDec2AjUA Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the show, we touch quickly on Gary Stead's contract extension, the unbeaten run of Raj's Trinbago Knight Riders, the first Australia v England T20 and Ian Bell's retirement. Then we talk all things IPL with Baldy running us through the logistics before we take a close look at the Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab and the Kolkata Knight Riders in part one of our extended preview of the tournament. Keep an eye out on your podcast feed - part two will be available in a couple of days! As always, remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. Check out the back catalogue: there's plenty more IPL content, including interviews with CSK batting coach Mike Hussey, KKR's Lockie Ferguson and Mumbai's Shane Bond and James Pamment, plus plenty more great interviews with legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. If you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch at [email protected], and we're now on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo3GSknJELxxH4IDec2AjUA Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the show, we speak with Australian Cricket legend and current CSK batting coach Mike Hussey. Mike takes us from his early days battling against David in the backyard, right through his outstanding career as a player and now coach and commentator. He takes us on an amazing journey: from being dropped by WA to winning the Ashes, the World Cup and the IPL, and finishing his playing days with a record that puts him right up there with the greats of the modern era. A brilliant storyteller, Mike talks about wearing the baggy green for the first time, rooming with Brad Hogg, his huge partnership with Jason Gillespie, the aura of MS Dhoni, the calmness of Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting's captaincy, singing the team song all around the world and many more great yarns, as well as sharing his insightful views about the state of the game today, including his recent work for SACA. Share this one widely - it's a cracker. Remember to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. Also check out the back catalogue, there's plenty more great interviews with legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, we talk Test Championship, Caribbean Premier League, NZ's home summer and Binksy compares Raj to MS Dhoni in This Week in Cricket (15.00). We then deep dive into the recently concluded England v Pakistan Test series, including tributes to Jimmy Anderson's 600th Test wicket, Jos Buttler's plus/minus, Mohammad Rizwan, Dom Bess, Yasir Shah's field placement, bad light, the English top 6 and more! If you enjoyed this episode, give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. And if you'd like to reach out to us, get in touch with questions, comments, corrections or guest suggestions at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we speak with Black Caps speedster, Lockie Ferguson. We talk about Machineroad, the app he's developing with his brother that's designed to help aspiring cricketers as well as 'weekend wounders' measure their speeds and generate pitch maps. Then we move to Lockie's own career to discuss fast bowling, taking it easy on tailenders, injuries, the Black Caps fast bowling group, what Pat Cummins eats for breakfast and the amazing learning opportunity that the IPL provides. As always, if you enjoy the episode, remember to like, share and subscribe, as it really helps others discover the show. And check out Machineroad on your app store - it sounds superb! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the show we get some clarity on the scheduling of the Men's ICC T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022, as well as the Women's 50-over World Cup. We discuss Ireland's win against England in the 3rd ODI, before unpacking the first England v Pakistan Test (12.10), which saw England sneak home courtesy of an outstanding partnership between Jos Buttler and the best beard-and-hair combo in the business, Chris Woakes. Finally, we each choose a team to support in the Caribbean Premier League (36.40) and Otago's Nick Kelly joins us from a Trinidad hotel room to take us through his whirlwind call up to the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (43.20). If you enjoyed this episode, give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. Thanks for listening. Quick note here to say that since we recorded this, Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the remainder of the England v Pakistan series for family reasons. And apologies for Lippy's audio in the chat with Nick Kelly - he says microphone malfunction, the rest of us think user error! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The cricket calendar is filling up again and in this episode the panel discuss potential T20 league clashes for both the women and the men, the impact of Covid on the CPL and IPL, plus the first two England/Ireland ODIs in This Week in Cricket. We then wrap up the England/West Indies Test series (16.20) before looking forward to the Pakistan tour (33.50) and our predictions for the three Tests. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With no guest this week, it's back to the banter, and finally there's plenty to talk about. We discuss the BBL, the IPL and the prospect of T20 cricket leagues all summer long. We ask what cricket has been like without fans, address reports about 'healthy conflict' between Gary Stead and Kane Williamson, Jofra Archer's bubble mistake and touch on a few highlights from the first two England v West Indies Tests and the 3T experience in South Africa. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we welcome another international spinner to the show, Canterbury Cricket’s leading wicket-taker and Black Cap in all formats of the game, Todd Astle. Todd speaks openly about his early days as an opening batsman, the U-19 World Cup, his emergence as a spinner, the challenges and highlights of his international career to date, breaking records, World Cup heartbreak, red-ball retirement, his new venture Innerspin, icecreams, sweaty hands, celebrations, bunnies, Aussie crowds and much more in this extended conversation about his life in cricket. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the show we speak with incumbent Black Caps Test spinner Ajaz Patel. You'll hear about his journey from Auckland age-group seamer to international spinner in a relatively short amount of time, the hard work he put in with Dipak Patel and others to make that happen, his move to Central Districts, his dream debut against Pakistan and how he navigates the variety of roles a spinner can play in different locations and even within a game. We knew Ajaz was a hard worker, but came away from this chat with an enormous amount of respect for what he's achieved and the way he goes about his business - it really is a must listen for fans of the Black Caps and spin bowling in general. If you like what you hear, give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the return of international cricket on the horizon, we discuss This Week in Cricket (24.00) before we're joined by ESPN Cricinfo's George Dobell to discuss the upcoming England v West Indies series. We talk the bubble, England's conservative selections, the West Indies pace attack and series predictions, plus we turn our attention to worrying times for county cricket despite the imminent return, managing sources as a journalist and take a speculative look at the upcoming international calendar, including the World T20 and IPL. If you like what you hear, give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We celebrate a half-century of episodes with a real treat. Jeetan Patel played almost 80 matches for New Zealand across all formats during a 20-year first-class career for Wellington and Warwickshire. If that’s not impressive enough for you, he was the leading wicket-taker across the domestic and international game in the 2010s - spinning his way to a mammoth 1075 wickets at an average of 29 with 35 five-wicket bags. Has he played his final first-class game? We don’t yet know, but he’s already transitioned into the next phase of his career, taking up a role as a spin bowling consultant for England during their recent tours to NZ, South Africa and the aborted trip to Sri Lanka. This is a lively, open chat filled with the ups and downs of Jeetan's career, mixed in with plenty of laughs and a masterclass inside the mind of a quality spinner. Remember to like, share and subscribe to the podcast, and follow us @toporderpod on your social media of choice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dipak Patel had a first-class career spanning more than 20 years, including over a decade for Worcestershire before moving to NZ and playing 37 Tests and 75 ODIs for his adopted country. Perhaps best known for opening the bowling in the 1992 World Cup, Dipak repeated the dose in 1993 to help spin NZ to a rare Test victory against Australia. Since his playing days, Dipak stayed in the game as a coach, including stints with Central Districts, NZ U-19 and Papua New Guinea. We talk about coming through the grades predominantly as a batsman, England ambitions, the move to NZ, a tough introduction to international cricket against an incredible West Indies side, the NZ tour to Pakistan in 1990, cutting off Dean Jones and opening the bowling at the 1992 World Cup, plus plenty more. Note: We recorded this interview in two sessions, and unfortunately the audio quality drops for the final 15-20 minutes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the show, we speak with one of England's greatest batsmen of the modern era and current England assistant coach, Graham Thorpe. Graham talks about scoring 100 on debut, learning to be a better player of pace bowling by studying others, his double-hundred in Christchurch that also featured Nathan Astle's memorable innings, the challenges of performing on the field when things aren't going well off it, and where he was on Oval Monday in 2005. Recorded as the West Indies were about to board a plane to the UK for a biosecure tour, Graham also discusses his transition to coaching, the successful four-year campaign to win the 2019 World Cup, building relationships and earning trust as a coach at the international level, and the mindset of the England squad in the post-Covid environment. It's a fascinating discussion with one of the greats - 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