Cricket Unfiltered

Australia’s second Test campaign against South Africa has descended into chaos, with a catastrophic batting collapse leaving them on the brink of defeat in Gqeberha. After being bowled out for just 99 in their first innings, Australia were forced to follow on and finished day four at 4/156, still 170 runs behind. Menners examines the batting failures, questions the selectors’ decisions and looks at the futures of Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson and Beau Webster. Travis Head remains Australia’s biggest hope of saving the Test, while Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer have starred for South Africa. Can Australia somehow survive day five, or are the teams heading to Cape Town level at 1–1? (0:55) Australia’s disastrous day: bowled out for 99 and forced to follow on. (3:12) A historic batting collapse and the significance of Steve Smith’s 11,000 Test runs. (5:00) Marco Jansen’s devastating bowling and Anrich Nortje’s injury. (6:21) Why Australia’s batting order and selection decisions are failing. (7:26) Marnus Labuschagne’s struggles and the growing pressure on his Test career. (10:14) Potential changes to Australia’s lineup ahead of the Cape Town Test. (11:10) South Africa’s decision to enforce the follow-on and Rabada’s aggressive approach. (16:08) South Africa’s outstanding performances and what Australia must do to survive day five.  #CricketUnfiltered #AUSvSA #TestCricket Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Africa produced a remarkable turnaround on Day 3 in Gqeberha, recovering from 5/97 to declare at 9/425 and put Australia under enormous pressure in the second Test. Captain Temba Bavuma led the charge with a superb 179, while Marco Jansen's counterattacking 85 and Simon Harmer's 82 helped turn the match on its head. Scott Boland claimed another five-wicket haul, but Australia's bowlers struggled as the pitch flattened out. A late dismissal of Nic Maddinson left Australia at 1/3 at stumps. Menners reviews South Africa's extraordinary fightback, Australia's missed opportunities in the field, and why the draw is now the most likely result. With a crucial day four ahead, Australia's batters have a chance to rebuild confidence, eat into the deficit and give their bowlers a much-needed rest ahead of the third Test. (00:55) Day 3 wrap: South Africa's incredible turnaround (02:15) Bavuma's magnificent 179 and the partnerships that changed the game (04:14) Scott Boland's five-wicket haul and Australia's bowling struggles (06:10) Can Australia still win? Assessing the likely result (07:55) Why Marco Jansen's counterattacking innings could define the series (09:22) Australia's missed opportunities and frustration in the field (11:06) Mitchell Starc reaches 450 Test wickets (15:08) What Australia must do on Day 4 #SAvAUS #CricketUnfiltered #AUSvSA Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners wraps up a frustrating second day in Gqeberha, where torrential rain again restricted play and Australia made inroads into South Africa's batting lineup. Scott Boland led the charge with four wickets, while Matt Renshaw produced a stunning catch to dismiss Ryan Rickelton. Josh Hazlewood's absence with a stomach bug adds another complication for Australia, who are racing against time to secure a result. With Temba Bavuma holding firm and five wickets still to fall, can Australia bowl South Africa out quickly enough to take control of the Test? (00:04) Day 2 wrap: rain, frustration and the state of the Test (01:30) Josh Hazlewood's illness and the impact on Australia's attack (04:50) Scott Boland's brilliant spell puts South Africa under pressure (06:00) Matthew Breetzke's dismissal and South Africa's batting struggles (07:10) Marnus Labuschagne's dropped catch and Matt Renshaw's spectacular grab (08:50) Boland's four-wicket haul and his remarkable professionalism (11:00) Australia's path to victory and the challenge of limited time (12:46) The pitch, South Africa's remaining batting and the outlook for Day 3 #SAvAUS #CricketUnfiltered #AUSvsSA #ScottBoland #WorldTestChampionship #TestCricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rain interrupted the second Test between Australia and South Africa at St George’s Park, with just 12.2 overs possible on Day 1. But there was still plenty to discuss, as Scott Boland ripped through the South African top order, taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries to leave the hosts at 2/20. Menners looks at Boland’s remarkable impact, Australia’s big decision to leave Nathan Lyon out of the XI, and what it could mean for Lyon’s future in the Test side. With Kagiso Rabada back in South Africa’s attack and more rain forecast, there’s plenty to watch as the Test continues. (0:57) Rain cuts short the opening day at St George’s Park (2:00) Australia’s big selection call: Scott Boland in, Nathan Lyon out (5:19) What Lyon’s omission means for his future in the Test team (6:30) South Africa’s team changes and Kagiso Rabada’s return (9:20) Boland strikes twice in consecutive deliveries (10:10) Australia’s bowling figures and South Africa’s precarious position (10:45) Day 2 weather forecast and Australia’s opportunity #AUSvsSA #ScottBoland #Cricket #SAvAUS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia have made a statement in South Africa, winning the first Test by 214 runs. Menners and Damian Watson break down Matt Renshaw's remarkable return to form, Josh Hazlewood's bowling masterclass and Steve Smith's extraordinary slip catching. They debate Australia's selection options for the second Test, question the state of Test cricket in South Africa and examine the risks of private ownership in Australian cricket. Plus, a look at the latest Sheffield Shield performances, Australia's dominant women's team and a memorable commentary box gaffe involving Mark Howard. (00:57) Australia Humbles South Africa by 214 Runs (05:13) Matt Renshaw's Remarkable Comeback and Pat Cummins' Contribution (07:45) Josh Hazlewood vs Brett Lee: Who Would You Pick? (10:14) Steve Smith's Incredible Slip Catching and Nic Maddinson's Response (14:34) Australia's Selection Dilemmas Ahead of the Second Test (18:11) South Africa's Disappointing Performance and the State of Test Cricket (24:51) The Commentary Box Gaffe That Went Viral (36:02) Private Ownership, Sheffield Shield Standouts and Australian Cricket News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia has made a huge statement in Durban, winning the first Test against South Africa by 214 runs to take a 1–0 series lead. Matt Renshaw was the standout with a remarkable 190 in the first innings and 82 in the second, while Josh Hazlewood tore through the South African batting lineup on day five with career-best Test figures of 6/49. Menners reviews the key moments, assesses Australia's turnaround after a shaky start, looks at South Africa's struggles and considers what the victory means for the rest of the series. (00:04) Australia seal a massive 214-run victory in Durban (01:30) Matt Renshaw's outstanding match and Player of the Match award (02:45) Josh Hazlewood's career-best Test figures (04:59) South Africa's batting struggles and Steve Smith's return (06:00) The crucial double strike that turned day five (09:06) Could this be the match that revives Renshaw's Test career? (10:30) Australia's all-round performance and the disappointing Durban atmosphere (12:00) Looking ahead to the second Test and Australia's likely team selection #CricketUnfiltered #AUSvsSA #SAvAUS Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners reviews Australia's dominant fourth day in Durban, with Matt Renshaw delivering another outstanding performance with the bat and claiming his first Test wicket. Australia declared at 6/314 to set South Africa a target of 421, before Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins led a late collapse that left the hosts 4/102 at stumps. The discussion covers Australia's aggressive batting approach, Nick Maddinson's quick-fire 48, Pat Cummins' explosive cameo and the concern surrounding Steve Smith after he failed a concussion test. With Australia needing six more wickets to secure a 1–0 series lead, Menners looks at what South Africa must do to make the final day competitive. (00:24) Australia's dominant day and the Matt Renshaw story (02:30) Australia's declaration strategy and South Africa's late-session troubles (05:12) Steve Smith's concussion concerns and the potential impact on the second Test (06:55) Nick Maddinson's attacking innings and Australia's fast start (09:16) Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne miss out after promising starts (10:20) Renshaw's brilliant 82 and Cummins' late hitting (13:40) Hazlewood, Renshaw and Cummins strike as South Africa lose four wickets (14:40) Can Australia finish the job on day five and take a 1–0 series lead? #AUSvSA #Cricket #TestCricket #SAvAUS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia took complete control of the first Test in Durban on Day 3, bowling South Africa out for 284 to secure a 106-run first-innings lead. Steve Smith was sensational at slip, taking four catches to become the world record holder for Test catches, while Pat Cummins led the attack with three wickets. Australia finished the day at 0/33, extending their lead to 139 runs. Menners reviews South Africa's missed opportunities, Australia's dominant bowling performance and the strategy for Day 4, with Nick Maddinson finding some much-needed form late in the day. Timecodes (0:04) Day 3 recap: Australia take control in Durban (2:30) Australia's bowling plans on a flatter pitch (5:02) Steve Smith's incredible catches and Test catching record (6:30) Pat Cummins' devastating bouncers (9:28) South Africa's missed opportunities and lower-order resistance (11:00) Australia's plans for Day 4 and the target lead (13:53) Nick Maddinson's strong finish and the outlook for the series #CricketUnfiltered #SAvAUS #AustralianCricket Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia produced a remarkable fightback on day two in Durban, recovering from 6/124 to post 390 all out. Matt Renshaw was the hero, scoring a magnificent 190 in his first Test century in almost a decade, while Nathan Lyon provided crucial support in a record-breaking ninth-wicket partnership. Australia then struck early, dismissing Ryan Rickelton to leave South Africa 1/27 at stumps. Menners reviews Renshaw’s incredible innings, Australia’s lower-order resilience, the bowling performances and what the batting order dilemma means for the second Test. (00:55) Australia’s incredible recovery from 6/124 to 390(02:30) Matt Renshaw’s stunning return to Test cricket(05:42) What Renshaw’s century means for Australia’s batting order(07:30) Nathan Lyon and Renshaw’s record-breaking partnership(10:16) Renshaw’s journey back to the Australian Test side(12:00) South Africa’s bowling struggles and Australia’s late breakthrough(13:30) Australia’s chances of winning and the outlook for day three(14:42) Josh Inglis’s potential return and Australia’s selection dilemma #AUSvSA #Cricket #TestCricket #SAvAUS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia endured a disastrous day with the bat in Durban, finishing at 6/187 after winning the toss and electing to bat. Menners questions the selectors’ decision to promote Nic Maddinson to open, as Australia’s top order collapsed to 6/124 before Matthew Renshaw (46*) and Pat Cummins (33*) fought back with an unbeaten 63-run partnership. Steve Smith made history by passing Steve Waugh on Australia’s all-time Test run-scoring list, while South Africa’s bowlers kept the pressure on before bad light brought an early end to play. (1:00) Australia’s disastrous start and the selection controversy (2:06) Why Nic Maddinson opening the batting makes little sense (4:13) Historic stats: Australia’s oldest-ever Test XI and Maddinson’s return (5:00) Maddinson’s painful duck and Travis Head’s early dismissal (6:46) Steve Smith’s milestone and Marnus Labuschagne’s frustrating exit (8:22) South Africa’s bowling dominance and Australia’s middle-order collapse (10:24) Renshaw and Cummins rescue Australia from 6/124 (12:43) Day one assessment: South Africa on top, but Australia still fighting #SAvsAUS #AUSvsSA #CricketUnfiltered Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia’s Test series against South Africa is finally here, and Cricket Unfiltered previews the opening Test in Durban. Menners and Damien Watson discuss Nick Maddinson’s surprise recall, Cameron Green’s injury, the battle between Cooper Connolly and Maddinson for a batting spot, and whether Nathan Lyon still has something to prove. The pair also dive into the continuing fallout from Sandpapergate, including new comments from John Holland and David Warner, before discussing Australia’s women’s team spending much of the summer away from home. Ash Gardner addresses her recent controversy, while the guys break down the ICC’s latest playing-condition changes — including penalties for batter time-wasting, pink balls in day Tests and new rules around stumpings and run-outs. Plus, Australia’s series prediction, Nathan McSweeney’s big Australia A century, and the return of Johnny Bairstow to the Big Bash. (1:49) 🇦🇺 South Africa Test preview & the surprise Nick Maddinson selection(6:15) Cameron Green’s injury and Australia’s batting options(12:39) Cooper Connolly vs Nick Maddinson — who should play?(16:16) South Africa’s pace attack and Australia’s chances(22:57) Sandpapergate: John Holland, David Warner and the search for the truth(31:31) Why are Australia’s women missing from home for so much of summer?(35:56) Ash Gardner breaks her silence on the controversy(39:23) New ICC rules: time-wasting penalties, pink balls and stumpings  #Cricket #AustraliaCricket #CricketUnfiltered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia's Test series against South Africa is just around the corner, so Menners and Damian Watson get stuck into the rivalry, the state of Australia's white-ball cricket and, inevitably, the ghosts of Sandpapergate. Australia has already lost the ODI series, raising questions about the middle order, Pat Cummins' captaincy and who can fill the Glenn Maxwell-shaped gaps in the side. Jack Edwards' breakout performance and Sam Harper's push for Test selection also get plenty of attention. There's also plenty happening off the field, with Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird stepping down amid the ongoing Big Bash privatisation saga, while the boys discuss the future of the BBL and whether fans are at risk of losing the identity of their teams. And then it's back to 2018. Menners reflects on covering Sandpapergate at the time, the toxic atmosphere surrounding that South Africa series, Steve Smith's emotional press conference and how the scandal changed Australian cricket forever. Key moments: (04:55) Why Australia-South Africa is still such a fierce rivalry(08:48) Jack Edwards' breakout performance and Australia's ODI middle-order problem(13:20) Australia's World Cup concerns and the Pat Cummins captaincy question(15:12) Could Mitch Marsh really return to Test cricket?(20:00) Mike Baird steps down as Cricket Australia chairman(26:38) Is Big Bash privatisation threatening the identity of the teams?(33:00) Why Sandpapergate became such a boiling-point moment(43:42) Menners remembers covering Sandpapergate and Steve Smith's emotional return We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia are 1–0 down to South Africa after a disappointing ODI in Durban, with plenty to discuss around the middle order, Jack Edwards’ debut, Cooper Connolly’s form and who should be batting at No. 3. Menners also looks back at Australia’s unbeaten Zimbabwe series, the One-Day Cup getting underway, Australia A’s tour of India, Mark Wood’s international retirement and the latest Gabba pitch news. Plus, a very close call between India and Japan provides this week’s “Can’t Let It Go.” (0:04) Australia collapse against South Africa(4:38) Where did Australia’s ODI chase go wrong?(8:44) Cummins, Marsh and the captaincy question(12:38) One-Day Cup gets underway(16:59) Australia A in India and the domestic cricket squeeze(20:00) Mark Wood retires from international cricket(21:15) The Gabba pitch is moving(22:30) India nearly stunned by Japan Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cricket Unfiltered turns 13! Menners and Damian Watson celebrate the podcast’s milestone before diving into Australia’s impressive ODI win over Zimbabwe, Matt Renshaw’s century, Cooper Connolly’s continued emergence and Ollie Peake’s growing claims for a Test and limited-overs spot. The boys look ahead to the 2027 World Cup and debate whether Australia’s current batting lineup has enough power in the lower order. They also discuss Travis Head’s warning about the potential hostility awaiting Australia in South Africa, Mitchell Starc reaching No.1 in the Test bowling rankings, and Nick Maddinson’s appointment as NSW Sheffield Shield captain. From Karachi, Noorish Khan joins the show to discuss the ongoing problems surrounding Pakistan cricket, Jason Gillespie’s departure, fan frustration and the challenges facing the sport at the highest level. Plus: Steve Waugh and the Amsterdam Flames, the Steve Waugh–Shane Warne relationship, David Warner firing back at the Barbie Army, Usman Khawaja’s BBL future, and Steve Smith’s international career. Timecodes (0:55) Cricket Unfiltered turns 13 — the podcast’s remarkable journey(5:40) Australia’s ODI win: Renshaw, Connolly and Peake impress(13:09) Can this Australian batting lineup win the 2027 World Cup?(17:20) Travis Head prepares for a hostile South African tour(22:00) Nick Maddinson named NSW captain & Mitchell Starc reaches No.1(25:49) Steve Waugh, Amsterdam Flames & the Warne relationship(31:17) Noorish Khan on the crisis facing Pakistan cricket(36:44) Warner fires back, Khawaja’s future & Steve Smith’s plans #CricketUnfiltered #AustralianCricket #PakistanCricket Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marnus Labuschagne has been picked again — and Menners is not impressed. This week, Menners breaks down Australia's Test squad for the South Africa tour, questions Marnus' continued selection and asks whether the selectors are doing more harm than good. He also looks at the inclusion of Cooper Connolly and Matt Kuhnemann, and whether Australia is doing enough to future-proof its Test attack.  Then it's back to the increasingly chaotic saga of Big Bash privatisation, with Cricket Australia pushing ahead despite disagreement among the states and players. Menners looks at Cricket Victoria's role, the proposed sale of the Renegades, the potential impact on grassroots cricket and why he thinks Australian cricket's governance has gone badly wrong.  And finally, it's another chapter in the never-ending Jonny Bairstow stumping saga. (00:04) Big Bash privatisation chaos and Cricket Australia's latest announcement(05:55) Marnus Labuschagne picked again — is selection becoming a problem?(09:12) Why dropping Marnus might actually be better for him(10:46) Cooper Connolly gets the call — and should Steve Smith really move to No.3?(13:29) Australia's fast bowlers and the failure to future-proof the Test team(17:44) The Big Bash privatisation plan — what's really going on?(21:57) Cricket NSW pushes back and questions the governance of the process(26:30) The Jonny Bairstow hypocrisy saga returns Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners and Damian Watson are back, covering Australia’s disappointing Test series draw with Bangladesh and what comes next for Marnus Labuschagne. They discuss Australia’s ODI squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup, the emergence of Ollie Peake and Joel Davies, Pat Cummins’ captaincy and the injury blow to South Africa with Kagiso Rabada set to miss the upcoming series. The boys then turn their attention to England’s latest drama, with Brydon Carse’s nightclub incident raising questions about the culture of the England team, before discussing the huge news that Ben Stokes will play the full Big Bash season with the Adelaide Strikers. Plus, changes to Shield cricket and domestic pitches, Cricket Australia’s transgender participation policy, more chaos from Pakistan, Whateley’s return to Fox Cricket and the European T20 Premier League. (2:50) Australia’s Bangladesh series and the disappointment of a two-day Test (5:00) Marnus Labuschagne’s future and the South Africa Test squad (8:54) Australia’s ODI squad and the next generation (13:08) Pat Cummins and the 2027 World Cup captaincy (19:29) Brydon Carse’s nightclub drama and England’s culture problem (30:54) Ben Stokes signs with the Adelaide Strikers (38:41) Shield cricket changes and making pitches more batter-friendly (44:21) Cricket Australia’s transgender participation policy Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia wrapped up the Bangladesh series with a dominant innings-and-51-run victory in Mackay, but the two-day Test leaves plenty to discuss. Menners questions the quality of Australian pitches after another Test finished inside six sessions, while also assessing Australia's unresolved batting problems heading into South Africa. Mitchell Starc was the star with 10 wickets, Cameron Green continued to strengthen his case at No. 5, and Nathan Lyon bounced back with three wickets. Menners also looks at Shoriful Islam's outstanding 7-48, Bangladesh's historic series win in Darwin, and what Australia should do with its batting order for the South Africa tour. (0:58) Australia crush Bangladesh — but another two-day Test raises serious pitch questions (5:39) Australia's batting problems remain unresolved despite levelling the series (9:59) Starc destroys Bangladesh as Australia wraps up a huge innings victory (14:19) The South Africa batting lineup — Renshaw, Head, Patterson and the No. 6 dilemma (16:00) Should Labuschagne be dropped? And why Head should remain an opener (18:14) Starc's incredible 10-51 and Australia's road to South Africa We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a day in Mackay! An extraordinary 18 wickets fell on the opening day of the second Test, with Mitchell Starc producing a devastating spell of 6-12 as Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64. But Australia couldn't capitalise. After getting themselves into a dominant position, the batting order collapsed yet again, with Shoriful Islam taking 6-35 and Australia stumbling to 8-165 at stumps. Cameron Green's unbeaten 51 and Steve Smith's 42 have given Australia a lead of 101, but Bangladesh have fought their way back into the contest. Menners looks at Starc's incredible performance, the concerns around Australia's batting, another failure for Marnus Labuschagne, Bo Webster's place in the side, the spicy Mackay pitch and whether Australia have left the door open for Bangladesh to turn this into a much closer Test. (00:04) — An extraordinary 18-wicket day in Mackay(04:40) — Mitchell Starc's incredible start and record-breaking first over(09:09) — Bangladesh bowled out for 64 and Australia's missed opportunity(13:15) — Marnus Labuschagne's latest failure and his Test future(17:17) — Steve Smith and Cameron Green fight back before Australia collapse again(19:30) — Shoriful Islam destroys Australia's middle order(20:00) — Australia reach 8-165 and Bangladesh fight their way back into the Test(21:10) — Can Australia finish the job on day two? Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia are staring down the barrel of a series defeat to Bangladesh, and Menners and Damian Watson ask whether the first Test was a one-off or a sign of deeper problems for the Australian side. They discuss Jake Weatherald’s axing and Matt Renshaw’s return, Marnus Labuschagne’s future at No.3, Beau Webster’s position and whether Australia should start blooding younger players. Plus, Bangladesh’s impressive victory gets plenty of credit, Steve Smith vs Ricky Ponting, David Warner’s drink-driving offence, Justin Langer winning The Hundred, Australia’s performances in the men’s and women’s competitions, Alex Carey’s 50th Test and India’s win over Sri Lanka. (01:20) — Was Australia complacent against Bangladesh? (04:06) — Could Australia really lose the series 2-0 at home? (10:45) — Why Australia dropped Jake Weatherald and brought back Matt Renshaw (17:25) — Marnus Labuschagne: is this his last chance at No.3? (21:42) — Should Australia start turning over the team? (29:12) — Steve Smith vs Ricky Ponting: who was better? (32:37) — David Warner’s drink-driving offence and the fallout (35:21) — Justin Langer wins The Hundred + the Australian performances Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia are reeling from their stunning nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin, but is it really the worst loss in Test history? Menners breaks down the fallout from the defeat, the pressure on Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald, and the selection questions facing Australia ahead of the second Test in Mackay. He also discusses Pat Cummins' frustration with the top order, Nathan Lyon's future, the need to regenerate the Australian side and whether Cooper Connolly could be part of the next generation. Plus, a look at why Bangladesh deserve more respect and a final word on Stuart Broad's failed Logies campaign. (0:56) Australia's shock nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh and whether it really ranks as the country's worst-ever Test loss.  (5:28) Pat Cummins' frustration with Australia's top-order batting and the decision to bat first.  (9:23) Andrew McDonald's post-match comments and the growing pressure on Marnus Labuschagne.  (10:25) Could Australia make changes for Mackay? The selectors leave the door open for new players.  (14:18) Nathan Lyon, Australia's ageing core and why it's too early to panic.  (18:12) Australia's next generation: Renshaw, McSweeney, Connolly and the pressure on Webster.  (20:27) Stuart Broad's failed Logies campaign and the great Australian Broad T-shirt conspiracy We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bangladesh have produced one of the biggest upsets in Australian Test cricket history, defeating Australia by nine wickets in Darwin to take a 1-0 series lead. Menners reflects on Bangladesh's remarkable performance, Mahedi Hasan's five-wicket haul and Hassan Mahmud's nine wickets, while Cameron Green's century provides Australia's only real positive from a disastrous Test. The big question now is what happens to Australia's top order. Should Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne be dropped? Is it time for Matt Renshaw to return? And does Nathan Lyon deserve to retain his place? Menners also asks whether this defeat is simply a shock one-off — or the beginning of a major turning point for an ageing Australian side. (0:04) Bangladesh complete a historic nine-wicket victory over Australia (4:59) Australia's collapse and Cameron Green's crucial century (9:09) What went wrong for Australia and the questions facing the selectors (13:19) Why Marnus Labuschagne's time may be up (17:43) Is this the beginning of the end for Australia's ageing Test side? (21:57) Can Australia bounce back and level the series in Mackay? Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bangladesh have dominated all three days of the first Test in Darwin and are now just six wickets away from a famous victory over Australia. Menners reviews a remarkable day of Test cricket, as Bangladesh extended their first-innings lead to 228 before Australia finished on 4-161, still trailing by 67 runs. Josh Hazlewood claimed his 300th Test wicket and finished with 6-89, while Bangladesh showed remarkable patience with the bat, led by centuries from Tanzid Hasan and valuable contributions from Shanto and Mehedi Hasan. Australia’s top-order problems continued, with Jake Weatherald, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne all failing, leaving Cameron Green and Alex Carey to give Australia a glimmer of hope heading into Day 4. Can Australia produce an extraordinary comeback, or will Bangladesh complete one of the greatest overseas Test victories in their history? (0:04) Bangladesh dominate Day 3 as Australia face a huge challenge (2:00) Bangladesh’s patient batting and the importance of their 228-run lead (3:15) Josh Hazlewood takes his 300th Test wicket (5:17) Steve Smith’s dropped catch and Australia’s frustrating first innings (9:49) Australia’s disastrous start as Weatherald, Head and Labuschagne struggle (14:12) Smith falls for 44 before Green and Carey give Australia hope (16:30) Can Australia pull off an historic comeback? We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bangladesh produced a stunning day of Test cricket in Darwin, reaching 6-351 at stumps and taking a 153-run lead over Australia. Menners breaks down how Bangladesh's patience, partnerships and disciplined batting put Australia firmly on the back foot, led by Tanzid Hasan's superb maiden Test century. The episode examines Pat Cummins' decision to bat first, Australia's struggles with the ball, Nathan Lyon's expensive spell, and Cameron Green's costly dropped catch from the final ball. Menners also looks ahead to the potential repercussions if Australia suffers a historic home defeat, including whether changes to the batting lineup could be on the way. (0:04) Australia in serious trouble after another disastrous day (1:30) Bangladesh's outstanding Test batting and Tanzid Hasan's century (4:59) Did Pat Cummins get the toss decision wrong? (6:40) Tanzid's 101 and Australia's three-wicket fightback (9:28) Bangladesh's crucial late partnership and Australia's tired attack (11:30) Cameron Green's dropped catch and Australia's bowling assessed (13:36) Could a loss lead to major changes in the Australian team? (17:34) Final thoughts: Can Australia fight back in the second innings? Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bangladesh have stunned Australia on the opening day in Darwin, and Menners isn't holding back after one of Australia's worst days of Test cricket in recent memory. Australia were bowled out for 198 before Bangladesh finished the day firmly in control. Menners breaks down the batting collapse, questions some major decisions from the Australian camp and asks whether several players are now facing a much bigger problem than just one bad innings. There's also a big call on Marnus Labuschagne, questions about whether Australia's excuses around batting in Shield cricket really stack up, and plenty to discuss around the proposed changes to Sheffield Shield sessions. Plus, Menners weighs in on the latest developments involving Ash Gardner and the conflict-of-interest questions surrounding Australian women's cricket. Was this just a horrible day for Australia — or is something much bigger going on? Timecodes: (00:56) Bangladesh turn the tables on Australia(02:50) Menners questions Australia's decision to bat first(05:13) The batting collapse — and some very familiar problems(08:32) Steve Smith fights back as Australia try to survive(10:27) 198 all out — just how bad was Australia's batting?(12:11) Bangladesh get another huge opportunity — and Australia let them off(15:10) Menners makes a big call on Marnus Labuschagne(17:34) Shield cricket changes, Ash Gardner and the bigger issues facing Australian cricket Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode Summary Australia are finally back in Test cricket, and Menners and Damien Watson preview the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. They discuss the pressure on Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, whether Australia's ageing Test side needs to start planning for the future, and make some big predictions for the next 12 months of Australian cricket. The guys also discuss Travis Head's back-to-back AB Medal, the surprisingly casual awards ceremony, Bharat Sundaresan's Stuart Broad Logies campaign, the complex Ash Gardner and Georgia Voll situation, The Hundred and the infamous Andrew Symonds fishing incident. Key Moments (2:15) Australia vs Bangladesh Preview — Bangladesh's disastrous tour match raises questions about whether they can compete with Australia. (5:17) Weatherald, Labuschagne & Green Under Pressure — Three Australian batsmen with plenty to prove in the opening Test. (13:06) Is Australia's Test Team Too Old? — The guys debate whether Australia should start blooding younger players before the inevitable rebuild. (17:15) Australia's Next 12 Months — Predictions for Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand, India, the World Test Championship and the Ashes. (23:44) Travis Head Wins the AB Medal — Head takes back-to-back medals, but the guys question the casual presentation and lack of ceremony. (27:56) Bharat's Stuart Broad Love-In — Menners takes aim at Bharat Sundaresan's campaign to get Stuart Broad a Logie. (31:08) Ash Gardner, Georgia Voll & The Power Imbalance Debate — A detailed discussion about relationships, leadership and potential conflicts of interest in Australian women's cricket. (43:33) Andrew Symonds' Fishing Incident Revisited — The infamous Darwin fishing story leads to a broader discussion about Symonds, Monkeygate and Cricket Australia's treatment of him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cricket Unfiltered is back with plenty to unpack as England appoint Stephen Fleming as Test coach, sparking debate about the direction of English cricket and whether Joe Root's return as captain is the right move. Menners and Damian Watson also dissect Ben Stokes' revealing podcast interview, including his comments on Australia's media, England's drinking culture and his retirement. Closer to home, they preview Australia's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and discuss which players will survive the next 21-Test journey leading into the next World Test Championship cycle. Plus, the latest BBL news, The Hundred, Australian stars dominating overseas, and another edition of Can't Let It Go. (0:55) Stephen Fleming becomes England's Test coach and the Michael Hussey coaching rumours. (7:20) Ben Stokes' podcast interview dissected: Aussie media, drinking culture and retirement comments. (20:23) Bangladesh series preview and why they're more dangerous than many think. (26:53) Australia's 21-Test journey: who survives and who misses out? (39:02) BBL changes, overseas signings and Ben Stokes linked to Australia. (42:59) The Guyana Super League, Ollie Peake's rise and The Hundred update. (48:55) Allen Border Medal predictions and Mitchell Starc's outstanding season. (51:36) Can't Let It Go: Australia A squads, 'Clicky Ponting' and more. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England endures another chaotic week as Menners and Damien Watson unpack the club cricket cheating scandal, the controversial 2027 Ashes schedule, rumours of Joe Root returning as Test captain and concerns over the future of The Hundred. They also preview Australia's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, discuss Andrew McDonald's plans for the squad, examine Ash Gardner's leadership situation, debate the future of Australia's Big Bash, and wrap up with David Warner's drink-driving case, Peter Siddle's incredible longevity and another edition of Can't Let It Go.  (0:04) England's extraordinary week of controversy: cheating scandal, Ashes schedule backlash and ECB criticism. (11:22) Bangladesh squad announced, injury concerns and Australia's preparations for the Test series. (17:09) Andrew McDonald's selection philosophy, World Cup squad sizes and Australia's chance to build a legacy. (22:01) Ash Gardner's Sydney Sixers captaincy and managing conflicts of interest in cricket. (25:08) Listener question: a new proposal for Australia Day and why it makes sense. (27:47) The Hundred's declining crowds, Big Bash privatisation concerns and franchise identity. (32:10) Peter Siddle's remarkable longevity and the growing number of global T20 leagues. (35:20) Can't Let It Go: David Warner's court case, Billy Konstas, Pakistan's struggles and a remarkable world record. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia's Test squad for the Bangladesh series has been named, with selectors backing experience over experimentation despite growing pressure on several key positions. Menners and Damian debate whether Josh Hazlewood should still hold off Scott Boland, how much time Marnus Labuschagne has left at No.3, and whether Cameron Green and Beau Webster can coexist in the same XI. The episode also pays tribute to the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers following his passing, reviews a record-breaking Major League Cricket tournament, unpacks the ICC's controversial new World Cup formats, and discusses the retirement of NSW stalwart Moises Henriques.  Timecodes (1:20) Australia's Test squad for Bangladesh announced – Hazlewood vs Boland, Marnus under pressure and the batting order debate. (17:40) Remembering Sir Garfield Sobers – reflecting on the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen. (24:10) Major League Cricket review – Washington Freedom's world-record chase, Steve Smith shines and the tournament's growing impact. (30:00) The Hundred begins and Matthew Mott takes over as Sydney Sixers BBL coach. (32:15) ICC confirms controversial new formats for the 2027 ODI World Cup and future T20 World Cups. (41:10) Could Justin Langer become England's next Test coach? (44:20) Moises Henriques retires after an outstanding domestic career, plus "Can't Let It Go". Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baz McCullum's tenure as England's Test coach is over, and Menners and Damian Watson unpack what they see as the end of the "Bazball" era, debating his legacy, England's coaching future, and the reaction from the English media. They also discuss the off-field headlines surrounding Ash Gardner and the wider implications for professional sporting teams, before diving into the newly released Big Bash schedule, major ICC proposals that could reshape international cricket, and the latest news from around the cricket world.  Timecodes (01:00) Baz McCullum's exit headlines a huge week in cricket (02:10) Ash Gardner story and discussion on relationships in elite sport (13:40) Bazball is over: McCullum's departure and England's future (27:25) Big Bash schedule released: India opener, venues and Christmas cricket (42:55) ICC proposals that could reshape international cricket (57:30) World Club T20, tournament changes and future formats (59:20) Can't Let It Go: Stuart MacGill appeal, Sheffield Shield fixtures and England's miserable fortnight Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia are T20 World Cup champions once again, with captain Sophie Molineux leading the side to an unbeaten campaign and silencing any doubts about her appointment as skipper. Menners and Damian Watson break down Australia's dominant win over England, Molineux's inspiring leadership journey, and the standout performances from Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield. The conversation then shifts to the fallout from Ben Stokes' retirement, England's latest Test series collapse, New Zealand's outstanding comeback victory, and the biggest cricket headlines from around the world, including Moises Henriques representing Portugal and ongoing governance issues in Australian cricket.  Timecodes (1:24) Sophie Molineux leads Australia to another T20 World Cup title (5:09) Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield star in the World Cup final (13:52) Australia's dominance and the future of the Women's T20 World Cup (20:53) Ben Stokes retires as England's Test turmoil deepens (29:50) New Zealand's historic series win and England's uncertain future (34:00) Cricket news: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Cricket Victoria, Moises Henriques and ICC proposals (41:12) Can't Let It Go: baseball catches, Liam Plunkett and the WBBL fixture (46:17) Final thoughts and looking ahead to next week's show Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners and Damian Watson break down Australia's unbeaten run to the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals, discuss the growing turmoil engulfing English cricket and the Bazball project, review Australia's successful T20 tour of Bangladesh, and examine the latest twists in the ongoing Big Bash privatisation debate. The pair also assess Matt Renshaw's resurgence, debate Greg Chappell's call for youth-focused Test selection, and wrap up with the latest coaching changes around Australian cricket and some remarkable records from Major League Cricket. Timecodes (2:41) Australia cruises into the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals (7:49) England cricket's latest Bazball crisis and Ben Stokes fallout (18:09) Australia's dominant 3-0 T20 series win in Bangladesh (19:04) Matt Renshaw's resurgence and Test selection prospects (22:25) Joel Davies emerges as a future Australian star (24:26) Coaching merry-go-round: Tim Paine, James Hopes and the BBL (28:04) Greg Chappell's call for a youth revolution in Australian cricket (31:28) Big Bash privatisation debate intensifies as Cricket NSW pushes back Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners is back from his US tour and digs straight into the chaos engulfing England's cricket team after Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson broke a team curfew following the first Test win over New Zealand, costing them their spots for the second Test (with Joe Root stepping in as captain) and putting Stokes's leadership under serious pressure. From there it's a tour of Australian cricket news: Cooper Connolly's breakout ODI century against Bangladesh, debut performances from Joel Davies and Nikhil Chowdhury, a strong start for the Australian women's team at the T20 World Cup, and a deep dive into the messy, stalled privatisation of the Big Bash League, including Cricket Victoria's botched (and reversed) axing of the Stars and Renegades. He wraps up with two "can't let it go" moments: RCB's IPL title and Kane Williamson's retirement from international cricket. Suggested timecodes: (0:54) England in crisis: Stokes and Atkinson's curfew breach and the fallout (10:31) Australia's ODI and T20 series in Pakistan and Bangladesh, plus Cooper Connolly's breakout century (16:08) Australian women cruise past Bangladesh at the T20 World Cup (19:30) Big Bash privatisation chaos and the Stars/Renegades reversal (26:42) The case for not overlooking the Women's Big Bash League in privatisation talks (28:39) Can't Let It Go: RCB's IPL title and Kane Williamson's retirement We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh joins Menners to discuss his new photography exhibition, The Spirit of Cricket India, and reflect on an extraordinary life in the game. Waugh shares stories from his travels through India, explains how photography became a passion alongside cricket, and revisits some of the defining moments of his playing career. From the 1989 Ashes and the famous 1995 victory in the Caribbean to the 1999 World Cup and his iconic SCG century, Waugh offers insights into leadership, resilience, teamwork, and what continues to drive him long after retirement from professional cricket.  (1:25) How cricket tours sparked Steve Waugh’s passion for photography, writing and exploring different cultures.  (5:56) The inspiration behind Waugh’s next project documenting the spirit of cricket in Australia.  (12:08) The 1989 Ashes breakthrough and the lessons that transformed his batting career.  (17:49) Reliving the famous 1995 West Indies tour and the innings that changed Australian cricket.  (21:23) The 1999 World Cup campaign, captaincy pressure and one of his greatest ODI innings.  (30:41) Life after cricket, charity work, mentoring and why Steve Waugh doesn't believe in retirement. Timecodes Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this edition of Menners Masterclass, Andrew Menczel sits down with retired cricketer Stephen O’Keefe for a candid look back on a remarkable career. From his early days in Sydney cricket to Test match success in India, O’Keefe reflects on the highs, lows, teammates, rivalries, sledging culture, leadership, retirement, and the lessons he learned along the way. Along the journey, he shares stories about Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, Michael Clarke, Pat Cummins and many of the great characters of Australian cricket.  Timecodes: (1:54) O’Keefe reflects on retirement and his final Big Bash season.  (13:03) Sledging, mental battles and the art of staying competitive on the field.  (28:32) Growing up, discovering cricket and breaking into New South Wales.  (41:43) Test cricket, debut memories and the famous 2017 India tour.  (55:01) O’Keefe discusses mistakes, personal challenges and lessons learned.  (1:00:08) Winning Sheffield Shields, Big Bash titles and reflecting on a career well spent. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cricket Unfiltered returns with plenty of fire as Menners and Damian Watson tackle the Virat Kohli vs Travis Head drama, the fallout from online abuse, Australia’s next wave of ODI talent, and some wild ICC proposals that have Mad Menners coming off the long run. The boys also dive into the future of the Big Bash, concerns around batting in Australian cricket, and controversy surrounding Cricket Australia governance — before finishing with a musical-themed Ashes sledge and some classic “Can’t Let It Go” chaos.  Timecodes: (2:14) Virat Kohli vs Travis Head reignites after IPL handshake drama (5:35) Online abuse targeting Travis Head’s family and the darker side of social media (15:21) Josh Inglis captains Australia as Ollie Peake closes in on debut (21:42) Mad Menners unloads on the ICC’s pink ball proposal for bad light in Tests (26:04) Cricket Australia’s batting concerns, Sheffield Shield scheduling debate, and Big Bash impact (44:20) Wicked opens the Women’s World Cup — and Menners has a Les Misérables plan for England in the 2027 Ashes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From a potential Big Bash launch in India to a major format shake-up and Pat Cummins firing back at the media — it’s been a huge week in cricket. Menners and Damian Watson break down the latest developments around the Big Bash League, including plans to open the season in Chennai and proposed changes to player payments and recruitment. They also dive into the growing tension between players and media following Cummins’ public response, and what it says about the modern cricket landscape. Plus, there’s discussion on Andrew Flintoff’s reported move to the Sydney Thunder, the rise of streaming in cricket broadcasting, and all the key storylines from the IPL as the finals approach. (02:40) Big Bash set for India? Chennai season opener (08:45) BBL overhaul: auction system vs draft (12:20) Andrew Flintoff to Sydney Thunder (15:50) Pat Cummins vs media fallout (21:14) Streaming rights and cricket’s future (29:55) IPL wrap: Ponting’s slide and Aussie form Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners and Damien Watson break down the latest fallout from the Big Bash privatisation saga, including reported player frustration and what comes next for Australian cricket’s financial model. The episode also dives into Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, key selection debates, and whether the team is under pressure to deliver. On the men’s side, a new-look squad for Pakistan and Bangladesh raises questions about player availability, workload management, and the growing influence of franchise cricket. Plus, a look at rising stars like Ollie Peake and J. Davies, IPL updates, and the broader direction of the game as global schedules and financial pressures reshape international cricket.  (02:50) Privatisation fallout and Todd Greenberg’s response (05:00) Broadcast rights, revenue concerns & future of the Big Bash (11:45) Player pay dispute and contract tensions emerge (12:50) Will players start skipping international cricket for leagues? (23:16) Australia T20 World Cup squad breakdown (33:26) Squad rotation, IPL clashes & impact on team cohesion (36:04) Rising stars: Ollie Peake and future selections (42:05) IPL ladder, Aussie performances & finals outlook Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cricket Unfiltered host Menners returns with a packed cricket news roundup, diving deep into the collapse of Big Bash privatisation talks, the growing divide between Cricket Australia and the states, and the huge contracts being offered to keep Australia’s top players out of full-time franchise cricket. Menners also breaks down the latest IPL storylines, including Cooper Connolly’s maiden professional century and Pat Cummins’ dominant run with the Sunrisers. Later in the show, Pakistani cricket journalist Noorish Khan joins Menners to unpack a dramatic PSL season, including Marnus Labuschagne’s impressive leadership for the Hyderabad Kingsmen, Aaron Hardie’s match-winning final, Steve Smith’s strong form, and the growing Australian influence on Pakistan’s premier T20 competition. (00:55) Big Bash privatisation plans officially put on hold (04:02) Cricket Australia vs Cricket NSW tensions explained (08:10) Why the privatisation debate is far from over (09:03) Pat Cummins and Australia’s stars offered massive new deals (13:32) James Hopes appointed Sydney Sixers head coach (14:44) David Warner’s court case and Thunder captaincy doubts (16:09) Cooper Connolly’s breakthrough IPL century and ladder update (21:18) Noorish Khan joins to break down the PSL and Australia’s influence Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Cricket Unfiltered, Menners and Damian Watson cover a packed slate of cricket news, from the IPL and PSL to major developments in Australian domestic cricket. They break down the ongoing Big Bash privatization debate, explore player movements across state teams, and assess the form of key Australian players overseas. There’s also discussion around Menners’ hacked X account, reflections on watching the IPL in full vs highlights, and a deep dive into standout performances—particularly Josh Hazlewood’s return and Steve Smith’s dominance in the PSL. The episode wraps with county cricket updates and a light-hearted “can’t let it go” segment. ⏱️ Timecodes (0:05) Fiery intro and opening banter (0:51) Show intro + IPL viewing habits discussion (2:31) IPL Australian performances + Marcus Stoinis form (3:00) Menners’ X (Twitter) account hack explained (5:34) Big Bash privatization debate breakdown (16:58) Sheffield Shield player movements & contracts (21:00) IPL wrap – Hazlewood, Cummins, Green analysis (29:00) PSL update – Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, finals race (34:50) County cricket watch – Weatherald & Harris (39:00) “Can’t Let It Go” + Cricket Et Al reference Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Menners Masterclass, we revisit one of my all-time favourite interviews — a classic conversation with Shane Watson, originally recorded in 2022. Watson reflects on a remarkable career that spanned multiple eras of cricket, from the dominance of Australia’s golden generation through to the rise of T20 leagues and the IPL. He opens up on the challenges that shaped him — injuries, pressure, and the mental battles that impacted his consistency — while also sharing the lessons that allowed him to thrive later in his career. A major theme throughout is mindset. Watson candidly explains how not understanding mental skills early on held him back, and how learning to manage mental energy and “get out of his own way” unlocked his best performances toward the end of his career. Along the way, he shares stories from Ashes campaigns, World Cup wins, and the intensity of franchise cricket, as well as advice for the next generation navigating modern pressures like social media. A thoughtful, honest, and insightful conversation — and a standout episode from the archive. (01:20) Early career, injuries, and longevity across cricket eras(03:40) Turning point: freedom, mindset, and IPL influence(07:00) Mentorship from Shane Warne & Ricky Ponting(10:30) Family influence and early foundations(18:30) Pressure of following Australia’s golden generation(23:00) Test debut and achieving the Baggy Green dream(29:30) Mental struggles, conversion rates, and performance mindset(48:30) World Cups, IPL intensity, and elite competition insights Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of Cricket Unfiltered dives into one of the biggest issues in Australian cricket right now — the future of the Big Bash League — as Cricket NSW takes a firm stand against privatisation. The guys unpack what this means for the competition, the risks of external ownership, and whether the league can grow through a self-funded model instead. They also cover the latest from the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, including Mitchell Starc’s recognition, debate the quirks of Wisden’s selection rules, and take a global look at Aussie performances across the IPL, PSL, and county cricket. Plus, there’s discussion around Cameron Green’s struggles, David Warner’s off-field controversy, and what it all means for leadership and accountability in Australian cricket. (6:22) – NSW rejects BBL privatisation: what it means (10:00) – Risks of selling BBL clubs & fan identity concerns (12:47) – Alternative “self-funding” model explained (21:59) – Potential BBL expansion ideas (India/Chennai discussion) (26:49) – Mitchell Starc named Wisden Cricketer of the Year (44:47) – IPL update: Aussie performances & Cameron Green struggles Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners breaks down a packed week in cricket, headlined by David Warner’s drink-driving charge and the broader implications for Cricket NSW and player responsibility. He then dives deep into the Australian selection landscape, with insights from chairman George Bailey and a detailed press conference exchange with Shawn Flegler on the controversial appointment of Sophie Molineux as captain despite injury concerns. Plus, Aussies making moves globally across county cricket, the IPL, and PSL — including standout performances and emerging storylines shaping the next 12 months ahead of a crucial Ashes cycle. ⏱️ Timecodes (00:55) Intro + Dream11 live watch along announcement (02:40) David Warner drink-driving charge + Cricket NSW response (05:10) Big Bash expansion idea: potential India opener (07:10) George Bailey interview: selection philosophy & criticism (11:50) Long-term strategy: no generational reset, role players focus (13:30) Shawn Flegler press conference: Molineux captaincy debate (22:40) Aussies abroad: County cricket, IPL & PSL performances (30:00) PSL struggles, Aussie standouts & wrap-up Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners is joined by Dan Christian to break down a massive week in cricket — from Australia’s contract shake-up and Sheffield Shield drama, to IPL storylines and the future of T20 leagues globally. They also dive into Dan’s career reflections, coaching ambitions, and what’s next for Australian cricket as formats collide and priorities shift. Timecodes: (00:55) Dan Christian joins + Dream11 streaming announcement (05:00) Career reflections, near-Test selection & playing journey (10:45) Australian contract list: winners, losers & key calls (16:11) Is Sheffield Shield cricket broken? Spin & batting concerns (22:04) Cameron Green’s role and Australia’s Test future (31:18) Sheffield Shield Final: South Australia’s epic comeback (44:06) IPL & PSL updates: Aussie stars and global trends (55:49) Big Bash future: privatization debate heats up Listen now on all podcast apps or watch on YouTube — and don’t forget to download the Dream11 app to join Menners & Dan live throughout the IPL. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners goes solo to break down a huge week in cricket, from England’s controversial decision to stick with Bazball leadership through to major changes looming in Australian cricket. The episode also features a special and heartfelt interview with Koby Jones, son of the late Dean Jones, reflecting on his father’s legacy and his own cricket journey. Timecodes: (00:51) Bazball survives: McCullum, Stokes & Key backed despite Ashes disaster (05:30) Courage or cop-out? England’s decision and 2027 Ashes pressure (10:26) Big Bash shake-up: Privatization debate & New Zealand league move (14:30) Bombshell: Could the SCG New Year’s Test be moved? (18:46) IPL & PSL preview + Aussie player availability controversy (23:40) Pat Cummins on franchise cricket vs international priorities (26:00) Women’s team scrutiny: Molyneux captaincy debate heats up (32:00) Koby Jones interview: Dean Jones’ legacy and next generation 👉 Download the Dream11 app and join us live for exclusive Cricket Unfiltered streams. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A jam-packed episode diving into domestic drama, selection headaches, and growing tensions in world cricket. Menners and Damian unpack the New South Wales coaching saga, Cameron Green’s media clash, Shield season takeaways, and explosive developments out of England—plus what it all means for the future of the game. Timecodes: (01:30) NSW One-Day Cup win & season recap (03:30) Greg Shipperd saga & coaching controversy (09:30) Brad Haddin appointment & cultural reset (15:20) Cameron Green media clash & pressure discussion (21:50) Sheffield Shield wrap & finals outlook (28:30) Batting struggles & key performers this season (35:00) Bowling stocks concerns & depth issues (38:00) England chaos: gag orders & Livingstone’s criticism Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, Menners is joined by cricket broadcaster Damian Watson to break down the biggest stories across Australian and world cricket. They discuss Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg confirming that a Pink Ball Test will remain part of the next Ashes series, the excitement building around the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG, and the debate over whether Adelaide could challenge Melbourne to host the 2028 T20 World Cup final. The conversation also explores Australia’s Olympic cricket ambitions, including whether winning Olympic gold in 2028 would mean more than a home T20 World Cup title. Menners and Damian also examine the Australian women’s squad for the West Indies tour, debating the appointment of Sophie Molineux as captain amid injury concerns, and highlighting rising talent Tahlia Wilson earning national selection. They also cover Matthew Hayden joining the IPL as a batting coach, coaching changes in Australian domestic cricket, and the tight race for the Sheffield Shield final. The episode finishes with reflections on Alyssa Healy’s farewell to international cricket and listener questions on Steve Smith’s future and Australia’s upcoming tours. (02:06) Pink Ball Test confirmed for the next Ashes series (03:45) 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG and huge ticket demand (05:20) Debate: Should Adelaide host the 2028 T20 World Cup Final? (08:55) Olympic cricket – Gold medal vs winning a home T20 World Cup (14:36) Sophie Molineux captaincy debate and Australian women’s squad news (20:42) Matthew Hayden joins IPL coaching ranks (24:40) Sheffield Shield finals race and permutations (33:02) Alyssa Healy farewell and Steve Smith future discussion Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, Menners is joined by Indian cricket journalist Chandresh Narayanan to break down India’s dominant T20 World Cup victory and what it means for the future of the format. The pair analyse the explosive batting that powered India to the title, the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, and why New Zealand again fell short in a major final. They also discuss Australia’s strong finish to the women’s multi-format series against India, including a 10-wicket Test win at the WACA and the retirement of Australian great Alyssa Healy. The episode also looks ahead to the IPL, the growing influence of franchise cricket, and broader debates shaping the global game. (02:05) India’s T20 dominance and how power hitting has reshaped the format (05:05) Menners addresses the podcast controversy and moving forward with the show (06:50) India’s explosive World Cup final performance and key players (12:10) Jasprit Bumrah’s impact and why he may be the best multi-format fast bowler ever (15:00) Why New Zealand keep falling short in major tournament finals (21:56) Australia’s women dominate the Test vs India and win the multi-format series (23:35) Alyssa Healy’s retirement and her legacy in Australian cricket (36:00) Franchise cricket politics, IPL influence, and the Pakistan player debate We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Monday’s explosive episode, Menners returns solo to finish the discussion that was cut short, addressing the on-air clash with Stuart MacGill and what it could mean for the future of Cricket Unfiltered. He explains why the debate about the 2026 tour of South Africa matters, argues for greater duty of care toward Australian players, and reflects on the lingering impact of Sandpapergate. The episode also covers the latest cricket news including Australia’s upcoming Tests against Bangladesh in Darwin and Mackay, Mitchell Starc being approached about a T20 World Cup return, coaching changes at the Sydney Thunder, and the premature retirement of Chris Tremain. (00:58) Menners returns solo and explains the fallout from the on-air blow-up with Stuart MacGill (08:55) Why the 2026 South Africa tour and Sandpapergate legacy still matter (13:27) Australia vs Bangladesh Tests announced for Darwin and Mackay (15:30) Mitchell Starc approached about returning for the T20 World Cup Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A wrap of all the action. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign ends in disappointment, sparking a deep dive into selection calls, player form, and what went wrong. Menners and MacGill unpack the fallout, debate responsibility between players and selectors, and question whether arrogance and poor preparation played a role. The episode also covers the women’s team’s rare home series loss to India, major domestic cricket updates, and the future direction of Australian cricket. Key Topics (0:51) Australia eliminated from the T20 World Cup — immediate reactions and fallout (3:55) Selection decisions under fire — Smith, Renshaw and the “brains trust” debate (22:00) Super Eight stage and tournament structure discussion (26:14) Australian women lose home series to India — shifting power balance (33:17) Elise Perry’s milestone and legacy in Australian cricket (35:37) Big Bash changes, Christmas Day cricket & global expansion debate (44:30) Domestic cricket roundup — Sheffield Shield, One-Day Cup and selection pressure Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mennners reviews Australia's loss to Sri Lanka We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign hangs in the balance after a shock loss to Zimbabwe, sparking debate about preparation, player fitness and whether the tournament still captures the imagination of Australian fans. Menners and Stuart MacGill break down the state of the World Cup, the politics and tension around India vs Pakistan, and the growing concern about cricket’s overcrowded calendar. The show also covers Australia’s women facing India, Annabel Sutherland’s dominance, domestic cricket storylines, the future of global cricket, and whether the modern game is losing its traditional edge. Key Timecodes (00:55) Show intro + World Cup overview and early tournament upsets (04:01) Australia lose to Zimbabwe — preparation, injuries and selection debate (07:20) Does anyone care? Apathy around the T20 World Cup in Australia (16:39) India vs Pakistan — politics, rivalry and the “spirit of cricket” debate (23:55) Australia vs India Women — Sutherland, Molineux and series opener (32:47) ICC future of cricket review — franchise windows, Champions League T20 (35:00) Domestic cricket — One Day Cup, Webster & Patterson tons, Shield issues (49:26) Peter Siddle at 41, PSL signings We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Noorish Khan joins Menners to break down the game and preview the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners wraps up Australia's opening game of the World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners and Stuart MacGill break down the latest from the T20 World Cup, headlined by Australia entering the tournament without many of their traditional big names and what it means for their chances. The hosts analyse Nepal’s near-upset of England, strong performances from Pakistan, West Indies, India and New Zealand, and why finishing games under pressure separates elite teams from the rest. The discussion then turns to Australia’s evolving lineup, with Head, Marsh, Green, Inglis, Maxwell and Zampa leading a new-look side. The balance between specialists and all-rounders, along with selection pressure and injuries, becomes a central theme. The episode also covers Kurtis Patterson’s Sheffield Shield form and what it says about player pathways and development, before unpacking key MCC law changes and finishing with a thoughtful Smith vs Ponting discussion on greatness and mindset. Key Moments (01:19) Big show ahead — Australia, World Cup and major talking points (08:39) T20 World Cup — Nepal nearly upset England (15:00) Australia squad, generational shift and balance debate (31:33) Kurtis Patterson, selection and player development (43:41) Playing through injury vs long-term fitness (50:47) MCC law changes explained (59:23) Smith vs Ponting — defining greatness Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, Menners is joined by Stuart MacGill for a wide-ranging and fiery discussion on the state of world cricket. The pair unpack the political chaos hanging over the upcoming T20 World Cup, including the fallout from India–Pakistan tensions and what it means for the ICC and the tournament structure. They turn their focus to Australia’s underwhelming form, squad selection controversies, and whether the team has the match-winners required to contend. The conversation then shifts to Australian women’s cricket, with Sophie Molineux named the new captain, before diving deep into the shock sacking of NSW coach Greg Shipperd and the broader cultural and structural issues within Cricket NSW. The episode wraps with a sharp look at England’s ongoing leadership drama and a passionate defence of attacking, match-winning cricket over “Moneyball” thinking. Key Topics & Timecodes World cricket & T20 World Cup politics – India–Pakistan tensions, ICC impact, tournament structure(02:30) Australia’s T20 World Cup squad under scrutiny – Cummins, Hazelwood, Smith omission, selection philosophy(08:50) Australia’s poor form & Pakistan series fallout – heavy losses and adaptability concerns(17:55) New Australian women’s captain – Sophie Molineux appointment and leadership debate(19:55) Greg Shipperd sacked by Cricket NSW – culture, timing, and leadership accountability(25:00) England chaos & leadership questions – Harry Brook controversy and white-ball uncertainty(36:00) Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stuart MacGill makes his official co-host debut on Cricket Unfiltered, joining Menners in-studio for a wide-ranging, unfiltered discussion on Australian cricket. MacGill goes deep on spin bowling, selection philosophy, and his frustration with Australia overlooking specialist spinners — particularly at the SCG. The pair also unpack George Bailey’s role as selector, the future of Australia’s bowling depth, and the dangers of prioritising short-term results over long-term development. The conversation then shifts to the Big Bash League, with analysis of the Sixers’ finals loss, the Scorchers’ dominance, Steve Smith’s impact on the tournament, and whether the BBL schedule and pitches are helping or hurting the spectacle. The episode finishes with strong views on BBL privatisation, ICC geopolitics, Bangladesh’s World Cup exclusion, and the growing influence of India on world cricket — setting the tone for what MacGill brings as a co-host: experience, honesty, and zero filter. (0:55) – Stuart MacGill officially joins as co-host and sets the tone for Cricket Unfiltered (4:18) – Spin bowling, SCG selections, and why Australia risks killing the art (16:16) – Big Bash Final review, Sixers vs Scorchers, travel debate, and tactics (45:18) – BBL privatisation, ICC politics, Bangladesh out of the World Cup We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Big Bash League reaches fever pitch as Steve Smith and David Warner produce a stunning SCG spectacle, while controversy erupts around player behaviour, team dynamics, and proposed new BBL rules. Menners and Damien Watson unpack Perth Scorchers’ dominance, Sydney Sixers’ brutal finals travel scenario, and Babar Azam’s difficult tournament under intense scrutiny. The episode also features strong reactions from Mitchell Starc and David Warner to the newly announced “designated batter” rule, analysis of record-breaking TV ratings for the BBL, and discussion around Australia’s T20 squad selection for the upcoming Pakistan tour. Broader questions about the future of the Big Bash, including private ownership and long-term identity, are also explored. Plus, a major show update: former Australian Test spinner Stuart MacGill is announced as a regular new co-host, adding a fresh and experienced voice to the program moving forward. The episode wraps with positive news on Damien Martyn’s recovery and a look at emerging Australian talent in the T20 format. (1:33) Big Bash booming: crowds, ratings, finals picture and Perth’s dominance (7:18) Babar Azam controversy, Steve Smith strike dispute & cultural clash (16:20) Starc and Warner react strongly to the new BBL “designated batter” rule (23:05) Record BBL TV ratings, comparison with Australian Open & future concerns Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Menners is joined by Damian Watson to unpack a huge week in cricket, starting with the announcement that Alyssa Healy will retire following the upcoming series against India. The discussion reflects on Healy’s extraordinary career, leadership, defining innings, and her impact on women’s cricket both on and off the field. From there, the conversation turns to the 2025–26 Ashes, analysing the historically short series, standout performers like Mitchell Starc and Travis Head, and what the numbers reveal about England’s struggles. The episode also tackles the controversy around pink-ball Tests, England’s resistance to day-night cricket, and why fan-first scheduling is critical to the health of the game. Attention then shifts to the Australian Test team’s future, with searching discussion around opening combinations, Marnus Labuschagne’s form, Cameron Green’s role, Alex Carey’s place in the order, and how the side should evolve without forcing wholesale change. The show wraps with analysis of the BBL’s resurgence, Mitchell Starc’s return, overseas imports, the WPL vs WBBL debate, listener feedback from the Ashes, and a worrying proposal that could reshape junior cricket pathways across Australia. (01:20) Alyssa Healy retirement: career highlights, leadership & lasting legacy (09:52) Ashes by the numbers: two-day Tests & record-low balls bowled (15:00) Pink-ball Test controversy & England pushback (21:07) Australian Test team review: openers, Marnus, Green & Carey-at-six (37:01) BBL state of play: crowds, imports & Starc’s return (44:25) WPL vs WBBL: growth, money & scheduling crossroads (50:58) Listener mail & Ashes fallout (54:12) Grassroots alarm: Tasmania, ACT & NT pathway concerns Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia complete a dominant 4–1 Ashes victory, and Menners is joined by Jack Hope (The Cricket Podcast) for a wide-ranging post-series debrief. From the on-field demolition of Bazball to the off-field cultural questions surrounding England’s preparation, leadership, and discipline, this episode pulls no punches. The pair dig into the Harry Brook nightclub controversy, England’s shallow bowling depth, questionable planning, and whether McCullum and Stokes can survive another Ashes failure. There’s also praise for Australia’s tactical sharpness, Travis Head’s series-defining impact, and a look ahead to what both teams might look like by 2027. (0:55) – Opening reactions: Ashes won 4–1 and the “grave dancing” begins (2:45) – Is Bazball officially dead? Stokes’ post-series admissions (5:30) – England’s meek Ashes performance and failure to win a live Test (6:45) – Harry Brook nightclub incident and England’s off-field culture (11:15) – Why McCullum and Rob Key are under serious pressure (20:00) – England’s bowling depth crisis and selection failures exposed (27:15) – Travis Head, Starc, and Australia’s tactical superiority (34:50) – Looking ahead: Can England bounce back in 2027? Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia complete a crushing 4–1 Ashes series win with a fitting finale at the SCG, as Alex Carey hits the winning runs to seal a dominant campaign. From record-breaking crowds and standout performances by Travis Head and Mitchell Starc, to the unravelling of England’s Bazball philosophy, this episode delivers a passionate, boots-on-the-ground wrap of a resounding Australian triumph. There’s analysis of key moments, umpiring controversies, selection debates, emotional farewells, and why this English side leaves Australia not just beaten — but exposed. Timecodes (0:55) Carey seals the Ashes at the SCG and Australia clinch a 4–1 series win (1:45) England’s Bazball bravado collapses and the fallout from 2023 (3:45) Record SCG crowds and scenes of celebration on the field (7:15) Starc’s historic series, Head’s impact, and Player of the Series debate (10:20) DRS and umpiring controversies ignite tempers late in the match (13:25) Khawaja’s farewell, emotional moments, and what this series means for Australian cricket Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia are on the brink of a dominant 4–1 Ashes series win after taking full control on Day 4 at the SCG. It’s a standout day for Beau Webster, who backs up his batting with three crucial wickets, while Jacob Bethell produces a composed maiden Test and first-class century for England. Despite moments of resistance, England once again squander strong positions, with injuries, poor shot selection, and tactical errors proving costly. The episode also reflects on selection decisions, crowd atmosphere, the Barmy Army experience, and a concerning media-access controversy involving Cricket Australia as Australia prepare to close out the series on Day 5. (0:55) Australia seize control at the SCG as a 4–1 Ashes win looms (4:48) Beau Webster’s defining day: runs, wickets, and selection implications (10:52) Jacob Bethell’s maiden Test century and England’s missed opportunity (17:49) Cricket Australia, media access, and why the ABC controversy matters Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia took complete control of the Fifth Ashes Test on Day Three at the SCG, piling on runs through commanding centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith. After starting the day two down, Australia powered to 7/518, exposing England’s ragged bowling, poor fielding, and mounting frustration. Steve Smith’s knock was historic, pushing him past multiple Ashes and SCG records, while England’s attack unravelled under pressure. With Beau Webster and Smith unbeaten, Australia look set for a decisive finish and a likely 4–1 series result. (1:12) Australia seize control as Head and Smith dominate on McGrath Pink Day (3:56) Travis Head’s century, England’s dropped chances, and a defining missed catch (10:00) Steve Smith’s historic milestones: Ashes records and SCG legacy (13:03) Match outlook, Beau Webster’s opportunity, and England’s slim path to survival Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day 2 at the SCG leaves the Test finely balanced after a compelling day of momentum swings. England were bowled out for 384, with Joe Root’s superb 160 anchoring the innings before Michael Neser finished with four wickets. In reply, Australia batted positively in fading light, led by Travis Head’s attacking 91*, before a late wicket gave England a small lift. There’s also analysis of key dismissals, captaincy decisions, technology questions around DRS, and where this match could be won or lost on Day 3. (1:48) England bowled out for 384 — Neser’s impact and where the innings turned (5:00) Ben Stokes’ duck, DRS concerns, and England’s sudden collapse (14:15) Travis Head’s counterattack and Australia’s fast start under lights 🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/cricketunfiltered⁠  It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! 👍 Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England take control on a rain-affected opening day of the Fifth Ashes Test at the SCG, finishing 3/211 after winning the toss and batting aggressively. Menners reacts to Australia’s unprecedented decision to play without a frontline spinner at the SCG for the first time since 1888, questions the balance of the XI, and breaks down the Root–Brook partnership that swung momentum England’s way. There’s detailed analysis of Australia’s bowling plans, concerns about pitch preparation in Australia, and reflections on emotional moments before play, including tributes and ceremonies at the ground. England are firmly on top — and Australia are already under pressure. (0:54) Match recap: England win the toss, fast scoring, and end Day 1 strongly at 3/211 (2:14) Australia’s XI under the microscope: no spinner at the SCG and what it says about pitches (5:48) Root and Brook seize control as Australia’s attack looks one-dimensional (11:42) Pitch concerns, tributes at the SCG, and why England are well placed in the match Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners reacts in depth to Usman Khawaja’s extraordinary 50-minute retirement press conference at the SCG, unpacking his reflections on race, criticism, selection, and his two-act Test career. He examines Steve Smith’s comments on Khawaja’s development, previews a potentially volatile Sydney Test amid weather and selection uncertainty, and breaks down Australia’s newly announced T20 World Cup squad — weighing experience versus renewal. The episode closes with reflections on Brett Lee’s Hall of Fame induction, key Test cricket stats from 2025, and what a fitting Ashes finish at the SCG should look like. (1:05) Usman Khawaja announces retirement: context, timing, and why the SCG mattered (8:31) Khawaja on criticism, race, and the Perth backlash — Menners’ response (18:16) SCG Test preview: pitch, weather, and Australia’s selection dilemmas (22:21) Australia’s T20 World Cup squad analysed: bolters, omissions, and balance Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners is joined by Victorian sportswriter Jono Baruch to dissect the fallout from a deeply flawed Boxing Day Test that ended in just two days. While England’s win is acknowledged as legitimate, the focus quickly turns to the pitch, the loss of spectacle, and the wider consequences for Australian cricket. They examine why the MCG surface failed Test cricket, the financial and broadcast impact of short matches, and whether Australia’s push for result wickets has gone too far. The discussion then shifts to the Australian team’s looming transition, including hard questions around Marnus Labuschagne’s form, Usman Khawaja’s future, Cameron Green’s role, and whether Travis Head has finally locked down the opening position. (01:05) England’s Boxing Day win — legitimate result or hollow victory?(05:55) Bazball, bad pitches, and why this Test changed nothing(10:05) Why the MCG pitch became the real story(19:45) Has Australia gone too far with bowler-friendly wickets?(30:10) Australia’s batting concerns: Marnus Labuschagne under pressure(38:40) Khawaja, Green, Head — and what the next Test team might look like Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England have finally won a Test in Australia — but on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test, the result is overshadowed by a surface that turned the match into a two-day lottery. This episode breaks down how a disastrous MCG pitch distorted the contest, cost Cricket Australia millions, and robbed fans of what should be a marquee Test match. It covers Australia’s batting collapse, England’s aggressive chase, key moments across both innings, and why this Test may be remembered less for the scoreline and more for the fallout — from pitch preparation failures to the broader consequences for Australian cricket. (1:06) England finally win a Test in Australia — and why it feels hollow (4:03) The MCG pitch disaster and how it shaped the match (7:29) The numbers that show just how extreme this Test was (10:00) Day 2 recap: Australia collapse, England chase 175 Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A jaw-dropping Day 1 at the MCG saw 20 wickets fall in front of a record Boxing Day crowd, with both Australia and England bowled out in a single day on a controversial, grass-laden pitch. Menners breaks down how Australia were skittled for 152, England collapsed for 110 in just 2.5 hours, and why the state of the surface has put Cricket Australia and the MCG under serious scrutiny. From selection calls and captaincy criticism to standout bowling performances and the wider implications for the Test and the series, this is a furious, forensic wrap of one of the wildest opening days in Ashes history. (0:56) Record Boxing Day crowd, 20 wickets fall, and immediate reaction to a surreal opening day (4:14) Pitch controversy: grass length, curator decisions, and why this Test is racing toward an early finish (9:53) Australia bowled out for 152: key dismissals, partnerships, and batting failures (10:44) England implode for 110: selection calls, Bazball criticism, and bowling dominance Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recorded on Christmas Day, Menners jumps on Cricket Unfiltered to react to a flood of news ahead of the Boxing Day Ashes Test. He breaks down Australia’s likely XI, selection calls around Cameron Green, Usman Khawaja and the bowling attack, and why Steve Smith’s comments on the MCG pitch matter. There’s also a blunt assessment of England’s spiralling tour — from injuries and team changes to the fallout from the Noosa trip — and why Bazball culture and leadership under Stokes and McCullum is being exposed. A sharp, opinionated preview of what’s coming at the MCG, and why Australia head in as overwhelming favourites. (0:00) Christmas Day cricket debate and Boxing Day Test context (2:55) Australia’s XI, Cameron Green’s role, and selection frustrations (7:10) Bowling attack combinations and who misses out (12:40) England’s injury crisis, Noosa fallout, and Bazball leadership questions Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia retain the Ashes in record time and the reaction from England is every bit as messy as their cricket. Menners tears into Ben Stokes, Bazball spin, and the latest round of “moral victory” nonsense, before turning to Australia’s Boxing Day Ashes squad announcement. With injuries to Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins, the episode breaks down the logic behind the selections, the options for Melbourne, and how Australia might balance their XI at the MCG. There’s also praise for Cummins’ leadership, frustration with Cricket Australia decisions, and a couple of classic “Can’t Let It Go” moments as the Boxing Day Test looms. England’s Ashes meltdown: Stokes, excuses, and moral victories (1:02) Australia announce Boxing Day squad: Lyon out, Murphy in, Cummins sidelined (7:10) MCG XI debate: batting order, Green, Inglis, and bowling balance (14:25) Can’t Let It Go: Day 5 ticketing and the overloaded international calendar (20:55) Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia seal the Ashes in ruthless fashion, wrapping up the 3rd Test on Day 5 to go 3–0 up in just 11 days of cricket. Menners reacts to a dominant Australian performance, dismantling the Bazball narrative as England’s plans unravel once again. Mitchell Starc leads the charge on the final day, Alex Carey is deservedly named Player of the Match, and Australia’s depth and resilience shine despite key injuries. The episode breaks down the decisive moments, England’s tactical failures, Australia’s Ashes-era dominance since 2017, and what lies ahead for both sides as the series moves toward Boxing Day. Key Moments Ashes context, Bazball reckoning, and Australia’s dominance since 2017 (0:51) Day 5 tension, England’s brief resistance, and turning points before lunch (7:25) Starc’s burst, key catches, and the final collapse that seals the Ashes (11:50) Player of the Match, injury fallout, selection questions, and series outlook (21:30) Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia moved to the brink of retaining the Ashes with a dominant Day 4 performance in Adelaide. After setting England a daunting world-record chase, the match swung decisively in the final session as Pat Cummins ripped through the top order before Nathan Lyon produced a spell of elite off-spin to crush England’s resistance. Menners breaks down Travis Head’s commanding 170, key moments in Australia’s batting collapse, England’s brief fightback, and the decisive late wickets that left the visitors staring at defeat, while also calling out England’s leadership and media silence as Bazball continues to unravel. (0:55) Day 4 overview and Australia on the verge of retaining the Ashes (5:00) Travis Head’s 170, Carey’s contribution, and Australia’s late batting collapse (9:45) England’s chase begins: Cummins strikes and Australia dominate the field (14:10) Nathan Lyon’s match-turning spell puts Australia firmly in control Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia take complete control of the Adelaide Test as Travis Head and Alex Carey deliver a defining day with the bat, pushing England to the brink and all but sealing Ashes retention. Head’s commanding century and Carey’s composed support highlight a South Australian masterclass, while England’s tactics — and Bazball philosophy — unravel badly under pressure. With a massive lead, record crowds, and England visibly spent, Australia are firmly on course for a dominant finish. Key Timecodes (0:55) Australia seize control as Head and Carey begin to take the game away from England (6:36) England bowled out: Stokes and Archer resist, but Australia’s attack holds firm (15:00) Travis Head’s century: dropped on 99, then makes England pay in style (18:54) Big picture: Ashes retained, England cooked, and Adelaide sets attendance records Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia tightened their grip on the Ashes on Day 2 in Adelaide as England’s Bazball bravado collapsed once again. After Australia were bowled out for 371, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon returned with venom, ripping through England’s top order on a hot, flat pitch that should have favoured batting. England’s frustrations were compounded by ongoing DRS and Snicko controversies, internal tensions, and another disjointed batting display, leaving them eight wickets down and still trailing heavily. With Cummins’ leadership, Lyon’s milestone moment, and England staring down a likely 3–0 deficit, this Test — and tour — is slipping rapidly out of their control. Key Timecodes (1:25) Australia bowled out for 371 and early assessment of conditions and England’s opportunity (3:30) Cummins and Lyon return, early wickets, and Lyon passes Glenn McGrath (5:00) DRS/Snicko controversy, Carey admission, and England’s legitimate grievances (11:45) England’s collapse before lunch and Cummins’ dominance over Joe Root Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia finish Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test eight for 326 after a dramatic opening day in Adelaide, dominated by a superb hometown century from Alex Carey. With Steve Smith ruled out late due to vertigo, Usman Khawaja earns a reprieve and responds with a crucial 82 at number four, while England stay in the contest thanks largely to Australian soft dismissals rather than sustained pressure. Menners and Gav break down the pitch, the key selection calls, England’s bowling, and whether Australia have left runs out there on a surface that may increasingly turn as the Test unfolds. Timecodes (1:20) Carey’s century headlines a chaotic but compelling Day 1 (5:00) Smith ruled out, Khawaja recalled and Australia’s reshuffled top order (12:45) Australia’s soft dismissals keep England alive on a batting-friendly pitch (23:50) Carey’s emotional Ashes ton and what 326 really means heading into Day 2 🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/cricketunfiltered⁠  It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! 👍 Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia surge to a dominant 2–0 Ashes lead, and Menners and Damien break down everything from Hazlewood and Wood being ruled out, to selection headaches, England’s unraveling, and record-breaking TV ratings. They dive into Australia’s bowling depth, the Head/Weatherald opening debate, Baz McCullum’s pressure cooker, and why England’s tour is bordering on farce. The pair also wrap the WBBL finals race, Shield standouts, Australia A’s thrashing of the Lions, and the early buzz around BBL|14 — plus “Can’t Let It Go,” featuring Ricky Ponting’s fiery commentary outburst. (03:55) Hazlewood ruled out; Australia’s selection puzzle for Adelaide (13:22) England fall apart: McCullum backlash & Stokes frustration (26:23) Australia’s Ashes dominance reflected in huge TV numbers (40:00) BBL preview: stars arriving, injuries, and early contenders Cricket notes: 🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/cricketunfiltered⁠  It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! 👍 Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the day after Australia’s emphatic Ashes victory, and the mood is bright. Menners and Gav Joshi break down how Australia surged to a 2–0 lead with discipline, smarts and big moments—while England unravelled under pressure. They analyse Michael Neser’s dream Test, Alex Carey’s world-class keeping, Smith’s stunning catch, and the impact of Australia’s bold new batting lineup. The duo also dissect England’s poor preparation, internal tension between Stokes, McCullum and senior players, and the technical and mental failings that now have the tourists staring at a potential 5–0. Plus: selection calls ahead of Adelaide, the next steps for Cameron Green, and a thrilling WBBL finish to round out the day after the win. (04:23) England’s embarrassing preparation, fielding chaos & early signs of implosion (10:20) Smith’s miracle catch, Carey’s elite keeping & Australia’s tactical dominance (23:06) Head–Weatherald shine; what’s next for Cameron Green? (32:30) England in crisis: Are we heading toward a 5–0 whitewash? Cricket notes: 🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/cricketunfiltered⁠  It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! 👍 Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia storm to a 2–0 Ashes lead after a dramatic Day 3 at the Gabba. Menners breaks down a dominant all-round performance: Michael Neser’s career-defining five-wicket haul, Steve Smith’s extraordinary match-turning slip catch, Alex Carey’s superb work behind the stumps, and England’s continued struggles under Bazball. From tense morning resistance by Stokes and Jacks to Smith launching the winning six, this episode captures the emotion, momentum swings, and tactical brilliance that delivered Australia a famous Test victory. (00:55) Australia go 2–0 up — Smith’s match-winning six and early reactions (03:40) Neser’s legendary five-for and Australia’s fielding masterclass (06:50) Smith vs Archer: the short-ball battle and the late-match fireworks 🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/cricketunfiltered⁠  It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! 👍 Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia put on a clinic in old-fashioned Test match domination on Day 3 at the Gabba. A patient, grinding batting display — led by Mitchell Starc’s superb 77 — pushed the total to 511 before the bowlers ripped through England under lights. Mental disintegration, tactical brilliance, and relentless pressure defined the day as England collapsed from 1/90 to 6/134, leaving Australia poised for a 2–0 Ashes lead. Timecodes: (02:58) Australia’s lower order grinds England down with vital runs (04:57) England start well… then collapse after tea (10:20) Key wickets: Root, Brook, Smith — Australia take control (14:17) England’s bowlers crumble under the Queensland sun Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia finished Day 2 of the Second Ashes Test in a strong position after racing to 6/378 from just 73 overs, taking a 44-run lead over England. Jake Weatherald set the tone with a vibrant maiden Test fifty, supported by contributions from Labuschagne, Smith, and Green — though none went on to a defining score. England’s wayward bowling and five dropped catches kept Australia surging ahead, while Alex Carey and Michael Neser’s unbeaten stand closed a dominant day. Despite the advantage, Australia missed a chance to fully bury England, leaving the match finely poised heading into Day 3. (1:00) Australia’s innings overview — rapid scoring, early dominance. (9:43) England bowled out; Root stranded as Starc takes six wickets. (17:36) Australia’s run rate explodes; Wetherald and Head shift momentum. (1:03:00) Late-day drops, Carey/Neser partnership, and the state of the match. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England recover from early trouble to reach 9/325 on Day 1 of the Gabba day-night Test, driven by a superb unbeaten century from Joe Root (135*) and a relentless spell from Mitchell Starc (6/71). Australia’s selection calls (no Lyon, Cummins rested) and a dramatic final-hour stall become key storylines, while standout fielding moments and some self-inflicted English dismissals shape a seesawing day. The consensus: honours even, on a pitch that promises runs for those who bat well over the next two days. Selection shock & conditions at the Gabba — Australia’s XI explained; Lyon left out, Cummins rested; pitch read and game plan. (2:18) Starc’s opening burst & England’s recovery — Two early blows, then Root–Crawley rebuild. (7:17) Root’s milestone & England’s middle-order misses — Brook and Jacks gift wickets; Root anchors to a first Aussie ton. (18:26) Final-hour chaos & verdict on Day 1 — Archer’s late surge, Australia’s puzzling tactics, and the wrap-up. (23:22) Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the eve of the Second Ashes Test, Cricket Unfiltered breaks down all the chaos, controversy and selection intrigue surrounding Australia and England. Menners and Damian Watson dissect Australia’s secretive team decisions, including Usman Khawaja’s injury, the Travis Head opening experiment, and the possible return of Pat Cummins. England’s turmoil is laid bare — from injuries and questionable selections to ongoing complaints about the pink ball Test. The episode also reflects on Khawaja’s career, covers the latest domestic cricket headlines, and pays tribute to the late Robin Smith. Plus: strong opinions on Bazball, Ben Stokes, WBBL, IPL withdrawals, India’s collapse at home, and why Australia looks set to dominate this Ashes series. (06:10) – Australia’s selection mystery, Head opening and England admitting they were “rattled” (15:00) – Usman Khawaja injury, career reflection and retirement debate (24:50) – England meltdown: Ben Stokes, pink ball complaints & Bazball reality check (33:40) – Tribute to Robin Smith and reflections on his career and legacy 🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/cricketunfiltered⁠  It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! 👍 Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners opens the Ashes Mailbag with breaking squad news as Pat Cummins’ fitness clouds the Second Test and Usman Khawaja’s place comes under serious scrutiny. Listener questions drive a wide-ranging episode: from Travis Head’s push to open and why Khawaja is running out of road, to English fan frustration after Perth and a brutal assessment of Bazball’s decision-making. The show also revisits Menners’ infamous 2023 Lord’s rant (and why it’s been re-released), reflects on Phil Hughes’ legacy, and tackles selection debates around Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, and Mitch Marsh’s fading Test role. A candid, fiery, and deeply cricket-obsessed mailbag. (00:51) Ashes Mailbag begins: Cummins’ Second Test status & Khawaja under pressure(06:07) Mentions from rival pods + why the 2023 Lord’s rant is back(14:16) Phil Hughes: legacy, responsibility, and the opener Australia never had(17:10) English fans unload: Perth fallout & Bazball questioned Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this rapid-fire Ashes debrief, Menners is joined by journalist and author Tim Wigmore to unpack one of the most chaotic and unprecedented first Tests in Ashes history. They explore England’s collapse, Travis Head’s extraordinary fourth-innings burst, Mitchell Starc’s growing legacy as a great left-arm quick, and the rising scrutiny on Bazball after another high-profile stumble. The pair also look ahead to a pivotal pink-ball Test, discuss selection dilemmas for both sides, and assess the mood in England after a bruising start. (1:54) – Why this was one of the strangest and most chaotic Ashes Tests ever (3:28) – Travis Head’s blistering innings and how he dismantled England (10:37) – Where Mitchell Starc ranks among the great left-arm fast bowlers (12:47) – The backlash in England and rising doubts around Bazball Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia’s furious two-day demolition of England in Perth leaves the Ashes opener as one of the most remarkable Tests in modern history. Menners breaks down the carnage: Travis Head’s breathtaking fourth-innings century, Mitchell Starc’s 10-wicket masterpiece, Scott Boland’s match-turning spell, and the tactical blunders that left Bazball shattered. He also digs into selection debates, Khawaja’s future, the rise of Head as a long-term opener, England’s refusal to play a pink-ball warm-up, and whether ultra-short Tests are good for the game. A fiery, emotional, and statistic-packed episode that captures the chaos and beauty of a historic Ashes clash. (0:57) – Opening reflections: revenge for 2023, Perth chaos, and a two-day Test for the ages (7:50) – Travis Head’s innings and the opener debate: why he should be Player of the Match (14:09) – Stark’s 10-wicket haul, Langer’s influence, and Boland’s crucial spell (22:40) – England fallout: Bazball exposed, preparation failures, and concerns for the series Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A wild second day in Perth ends with Australia stealing a famous victory after a staggering post-lunch collapse from England. Travis Head blasts a legendary 123 from 83 balls to chase down 205 at better than a run-a-ball, while Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc rip through England to flip the match on its head. Manners breaks down the turning points: Boland’s game-changing spell, Starc’s brilliance, England’s tactical meltdown, and what this all means for the rest of the Ashes. Plus, the Khawaja fitness saga, selection implications, and why this might be one of the most dramatic two-day Tests ever played. (05:10) Boland’s three wickets in 11 balls flip the Test (10:00) Starc removes Root and Australia takes control (17:38) Travis Head’s brutal 69-ball century (21:46) Australia seals the chase: Marnus and Smith finish it Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A wild opening day of the Ashes in Perth saw 19 wickets fall as Mitchell Starc ripped through England with a sensational 7/58, rescuing Australia’s depleted attack and setting the stadium alight. England were skittled for 172, but Australia failed to capitalise, collapsing to 9/121 at stumps after a brutal examination from Wood, Archer and Stokes — who claimed 5/23. Menners recaps all the big turning points: Starc’s historic spell, England’s Bazball bursts, Australia’s top-order disaster, Usman Khawaja’s controversial absence, Scotty Boland’s tough outing, and the explosive atmosphere inside Perth Stadium. (03:10) England skittled for 172 — Starc goes on a rampage (12:25) Inside the press box: tensions, seat drama & cap presentations (19:19) Australia’s top-order collapse begins — chaos at the crease (24:11) Head & Green fightback before Stokes destroys the middle order GET YOUR ASHES T-Shirts! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A day out from the first Ashes Test in Perth, Menners reports from outside the stadium with a full breakdown of Australia’s XI, the debut stories of Jake Wetherald and Brendan Doggett, and why the selectors “made a meal” of the opening position. He recaps Steve Smith’s press-conference sledge at Monty Panesar, Ben Stokes’ comments on Bazball and legacy, and the fast-bowling threats on both sides. With huge crowds expected and tension building, Menners sets the scene for one of the most anticipated Ashes series in years. (0:50) — Menners sets the Ashes scene from Perth and reacts to Australia naming their XI. (3:20) — Why Jake Wetherald and Cameron Green reshape Australia’s batting order. (7:15) — Brendan Doggett’s remarkable rise and significance as an Indigenous Test debutant. (9:30) — Steve Smith’s press-conference bombshell and a sharp takedown of Monty Panesar. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ https://nordvpn.com/cricketunfiltered  It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! 👍 Former England spinner Ashley Giles joins Menners for a wide-ranging Ashes Week conversation. Giles reflects on England’s optimism heading into this year’s series, compares today’s side with the 2005 Ashes team, and shares candid insights into pressure, confidence, and imposter syndrome in professional cricket. He discusses the defining moments of 2005—including Trent Bridge and The Oval—plus the mental battles, recovery from burnout, dressing-room culture changes, and the emotional impact of cricket beyond the field. A thoughtful and nostalgic chat with one of England’s most respected figures. (03:50) – Ashley Giles joins the show and assesses England’s Ashes chances. (10:21) – Mental health, pressure, and imposter syndrome in professional cricket. (27:24) – Breakdown of the 2005 Ashes: Trent Bridge, The Oval, and key turning points. (37:31) – Giles on the best batter he bowled to, and reflections on Shane Warne. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ https://nordvpn.com/cricketunfiltered  It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! 👍 It’s Ashes Week on Cricket Unfiltered, and Menners is joined by Gav Joshi for a full, fiery preview of Australia vs England. They break down the massive build-up, the fallout from Josh Hazlewood’s injury, Australia’s selection dilemmas, England’s likely XI, and the tactical battles that could shape the summer—including short-ball plans, batting vulnerabilities, and whether Bazball will hold up in Australian conditions. They also cover South Africa’s shock win over India, the latest from the WBBL, listener correspondence, and a huge chat about cricket culture, pitches, and on-field behaviour. (11:26) Hazlewood injury fallout & Australia’s workload mismanagement debate (15:31) How Hazelwood’s absence reshapes Australia’s XI (23:02) England’s likely XI revealed — Pope at 3, four quicks, and Wood watch (29:17) England’s long batting lineup: threats, matchups & what keeps Menners up at night (35:40) How Australia should attack England with the short ball (42:13) South Africa stun India: pitch, collapse & controversy (48:15) WBBL wrap, Hurricanes form, and Sixers leadership change (54:47) Russell Crowe praises Test cricket to Joe Rogan (57:59) Gav’s “Can’t Let It Go”: injury subs & cricket getting soft Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia has been rocked on the eve of the Ashes with confirmation that Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the First Test, joining Pat Cummins on the sidelines. In this emergency episode, Menners breaks down what the injury means for Australia, how England will respond, and the huge opportunity now in front of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and debut contender Brendan Doggett. He also explores selection headaches, England’s shaky preparation, and whether this surprise turn of events could flip the pressure onto Ben Stokes’ side. Plus: why Doggett’s potential debut is historically significant and some weekend viewing tips featuring Steve Smith and Kevin Pietersen. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Ashes just around the corner, Menners and Damian Watson dive head-first into the hype, headlines, and history — joined by English cricket writer Alex Bowden, co-author of The 50 Most Ridiculous Ashes Moments. The trio relive hilarious and chaotic Ashes memories, unpack the latest injury news and selection updates for both teams, and reflect on the future of Test and one-day cricket. Menners also shares a heartfelt tribute to Barry Knight, the legendary coach who shaped his love of the game. (01:55) Ashes build-up and English headlines — “Captain Complainer,” “Average Joe,” and Barmy Army songs eight years in the making. (07:40) Australia’s injury and form update: Cummins bowling at 90%, Starc and Lyon firing, and Smith’s dominance on a tough wicket. (15:45) England’s preparation and selection: no warm-up matches, Ollie Pope at No. 3, and Broad’s comments on losing the Gabba advantage. (25:15) Alex Bowden interview — the most ridiculous Ashes moments: Shane Watson’s chaotic run-out, Chris Rogers’ bizarre LBW, and Ashton Agar’s unforgettable 98. (36:30) ICC news: Two-tier Test cricket scrapped, ODI Super League return, and the evolving global game. (42:15) Sheffield Shield and WBBL updates — standout performances, strange scheduling, and the rise of new stars. (55:00) Tribute to Barry Knight — remembering a coaching pioneer, gentleman, and lifelong influence on Australian cricket. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ashes countdown begins with Menners and Gav Joshi diving into all the cricket news from Australia and beyond. Menners opens the show with a rare apology to English fans after last week’s passionate rant — but the rivalry is heating up fast with the first Test just days away. The duo break down India’s T20 series win over Australia, dissect the Aussies’ middle-order issues, and debate the left-arm bowling question ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. Then it’s full focus on the Ashes: team selection headaches, Cameron Green’s fitness, Nathan Lyon’s spot, and whether England’s “Bazball” can survive on Australian pitches. Finally, Menners celebrates a new Big Bash rule he’s been championing for a decade — fans can now keep the ball if they catch a boundary in the first over. It’s a jam-packed episode of cricket insights, humour, and classic Unfiltered banter. (0:55) Menners apologizes to English fans after last week’s outburst. (3:11) Ashes merch drop — from “Moral Victory” to “The Bairstow Walk” T-shirts. (5:10) India win the T20 series: what it means for Australia’s World Cup prep. (11:00) Who replaces Mitch Starc and the left-arm conundrum for Australia. (14:30) The age question: are Australia’s best years behind them? (20:30) Ashes selection debate: Green’s fitness, Lyon’s place, and the Perth pitch. (26:50) England vs Australia bowling attacks compared. (34:50) The Big Bash “Keep the Ball” rule — Menners’ dream finally comes true. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ashes squad is out — and the debates begin. Menners and Damian unpack the big selection calls, including Jake Weatherald’s surprise inclusion, Cameron Green vs Beau Webster, and Steve Waugh’s pointed criticism of George Bailey. They also discuss the fallout from Australia’s Women’s World Cup semi-final loss to India, Ashwin’s BBL injury blow, and Stuart Broad’s unexpected admission about Lord’s 2023. Plus: domestic form watch, new batting prospects, and a fiery “Can’t Let It Go” on English hypocrisy before the Ashes. (1:55) Ashes squad reaction — Weatherald in, Renshaw out, Green vs Webster for No. 6. (10:00) Steve Waugh blasts selectors; Menners on Bailey, Warner, and transition planning. (22:00) Ashwin ruled out of the BBL — why it hurts the league’s momentum. (26:30) Australia crash out of the Women’s World Cup; India’s rise and sloppy Aussie errors. (34:30) Future stars: Campbell Kellaway, Jack Clayton, and the next generation of openers. (38:00) Stuart Broad admits regret over the Carey/Lord’s incident — Menners reacts. (43:15) “Can’t Let It Go”: The West Australian’s Ben Stokes headline sets Menners off. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode, Menners is joined by CricBlog’s Charbel Coorey to unpack all the major cricket stories dominating the headlines. The pair dive into Steve Smith’s sublime Shield century, Brendan Doggett’s match-winning return, and the selectors’ looming dilemma: Cameron Green vs Beau Webster. They also discuss the tragic death of young Victorian cricketer Ben Austin, the growing threat of franchise T20 leagues, India’s influence over the ICC, and Cricket Australia’s financial challenges. Plus, the Women’s World Cup semi-final fallout, Big Bash privatization, and the return of the fan-favourite segment “Can’t Let It Go,” featuring fiery takes on English pundits and a surprising Joe Hart–Ange Postecoglou connection. Key Topics & Timecodes (2:50) Steve Smith’s 116 and leadership ahead of the Ashes (7:50) Brendan Doggett’s six-for and the next quick in line (9:30) Cameron Green vs Beau Webster – the Ashes selection debate (17:40) Sam Constance’s form and the next generation of Aussie batters (23:50) Chris Broad’s revelations on India’s power and ICC politics (27:30) Franchise cricket money – will cricket have its “Live Golf” moment? (34:20) Women’s World Cup: South Africa crush England (35:00) Cricket Australia’s finances, Big Bash privatization, and scheduling (42:40) “Can’t Let It Go” – English pundits’ bold predictions & Joe Hart’s love of cricket Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins has officially been ruled out of the first Ashes Test — so what does that mean for the team balance and leadership? Menners and Gav Joshi break down the implications, including Steve Smith’s return as captain, Renshaw’s push for selection, and early Shield form. The pair also unpack the India–Australia ODI series, rising stars Cooper Connolly and Mitch Owen, and the cultural contrast between Aussie and Indian cricket fandom. Later, they dive into Todd Greenberg’s comments about Ashes pitches, the Women’s World Cup headlines — including Alana King’s record-breaking spell — and a concerning off-field incident in India. (0:55) – Welcome back: Menners’ social-media disaster and trolling from Indian fans. (5:34) – Big news: Cummins officially ruled out; Smith to captain again. (10:00) – Leadership styles: Smith vs Cummins and how it changes the team dynamic. (13:20) – Renshaw rumours, Shield form, and how the Test batting order might look. (21:25) – India ODI review: 40k fans, great atmosphere, and standout performances from Connolly and Owen. (33:42) – T20 preview and Greenberg’s pitch comments — should Australia prepare flat or lively wickets? (42:59) – Women’s World Cup: Australia dominate, Alana King’s record seven-for, and security concerns in India. (53:54) – Can’t Let It Go: fixing long tournaments and a heartfelt message about Allan Border. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Menners Masterclass, Andrew Menczel sits down with legendary Australian cricketer and TV personality Mike Whitney for part two of their conversation. Whitney reflects on his post-cricket life, including his successful media career hosting Sydney Weekender and Who Dares Wins, and shares how those unexpected turns shaped him beyond the game. The two also dive deep into the upcoming Ashes series, analysing selection debates, leadership under Pat Cummins, and England’s “Bazball” approach. From tales of Doug Walters and Len Pascoe to stories from 27 years on television, Whitney brings humour, humility, and a wealth of experience to a lively, wide-ranging chat that celebrates Australian sport and storytelling. Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Menners is joined by Gav Joshi to lock in Australia’s likely top six for the upcoming Ashes, debate whether Cameron Green should bat at three or four, and discuss how the selectors might balance form, fitness, and experience. They also assess Pat Cummins’ injury and Steve Smith’s return, highlight emerging pace options like Jack Edwards and Matt Kelly, and analyse the strength of Australia’s bowling attack. Later, they cover Australia’s Women’s World Cup dominance, India’s ODI struggles, and listener emails on Nathan Lyon’s longevity and the future of cricket behind the paywall. (0:54) Menners welcomes Gav Joshi and vents about English media and Ashes buildup (2:10) Australia’s top six shaping for Perth — Green, Smith, and Webster debates (9:20) Pat Cummins’ injury, Smith’s captaincy, and fast-bowling depth analysis (18:42) Assessing Australia’s bowling dominance and Kawaja’s importance at the top (25:03) Australia’s women cruise to World Cup semi-finals; India under pressure (27:24) Remembering Ben Cameron and Nick Maddinson’s health battle (28:51) ODI review: Australia vs India in Perth – rain, chaos, and missed rhythm (35:46) Listener emails – Nathan Lyon’s future and white-ball cricket behind paywalls Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.  They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices