Hello and welcome to another episode of Fox Cricket podcast The follow on. My name is Courtney Walsh and today we will be joined by two of Australia's leading cricket writers and analysts in Robert Cratick from The Courier Mail and Daniel Cherney from Code Sports. You can read their fine words across the Code Sports network over the summer. The Summer of cricket is officially upon us, with Australia A hosting India AA in Mackay. As we speak, Pakistan will host will play Australia in white ball cricket over the next fortnight, beginning with a one day clash at the MCGM Melbourne Cup Eve Monday night, while the first Test between India and Australia is now just three weeks away. Meanwhile, the nation's leading female cricketers are honing their form in domestic cricket ahead of a series against India next month, with the women's ashes just two months away. As always, you can watch every ball from the first to the last live on Fox Cricket and KO Sports through the summer.

Hello and welcome to another episode of Fox Cricket podcast The follow on. My name is Courtney Walsh and today we will be joined by two of Australia's leading cricket writers and analysts in Robert Cratick from The Courier Mail and Daniel Cherney from Code Sports. You can read their fine words across the Code Sports network over the summer. The Summer of cricket is officially upon us, with Australia A hosting India AA in Mackay. As we speak, Pakistan will host will play Australia in white ball cricket over the next fortnight, beginning with a one day clash at the MCGM Melbourne Cup Eve Monday night, while the first Test between India and Australia is now just three weeks away. Meanwhile, the nation's leading female cricketers are honing their form in domestic cricket ahead of a series against India next month, with the women's ashes just two months away. As always, you can watch every ball from the first to the last live on Fox Cricket and KO Sports through the summer.

Remember we are the home of cricket.

Remember we are the home of cricket.

Thanks for joining me, Robin Dan lots to discuss really is an exciting time for cricket, just around the corner of the one days beginning on Monday night at the MCG. But firstly match underway already Australia a versus Indy Ra in Mackay. It's been so much discussion already over the last month about the opening battle the bat off. Not that Andrew McDonald, the Australian coacher, likes us that phrase as so who will partner usmand Kwaja in Perth on November twenty two crash?

Thanks for joining me, Robin Dan lots to discuss really is an exciting time for cricket, just around the corner of the one days beginning on Monday night at the MCG. But firstly match underway already Australia a versus Indy Ra in Mackay. It's been so much discussion already over the last month about the opening battle the bat off. Not that Andrew McDonald, the Australian coacher, likes us that phrase as so who will partner usmand Kwaja in Perth on November twenty two crash?

Is too much discussion about cricket too much?

Is too much discussion about cricket too much?

Or are we happy with where we are at with Australia A the four batsman in contention, Sam Constace, Nathan McSweeney and obviously the former Test openers Cam Bancroft and Marcus Harris.

Or are we happy with where we are at with Australia A the four batsman in contention, Sam Constace, Nathan McSweeney and obviously the former Test openers Cam Bancroft and Marcus Harris.

What have you made of the discussion so far?

What have you made of the discussion so far?

Button, You've got to say I've loved it because the cricket season sort of sneaks up upon us like a rising tide. I mean, rugby league goes to Last Vegas and goes compal So we need talking points, we need a bit of emotion and I'm loving the debate here personally. A snapshot of it I so hope they go young with either Sam Constance or even Nathan McSweeney. That would be fine, but I just need to go back to Harrishaw Bankdroft. That would mean every member of the team would be older than thirty for per. I mean, I'm sorry, we're an aging team, but we don't need to be like that. So I just hope they go yp.

Button, You've got to say I've loved it because the cricket season sort of sneaks up upon us like a rising tide. I mean, rugby league goes to Last Vegas and goes compal So we need talking points, we need a bit of emotion and I'm loving the debate here personally. A snapshot of it I so hope they go young with either Sam Constance or even Nathan McSweeney. That would be fine, but I just need to go back to Harrishaw Bankdroft. That would mean every member of the team would be older than thirty for per. I mean, I'm sorry, we're an aging team, but we don't need to be like that. So I just hope they go yp.

And Dan.

And Dan.

Look, I was at the MCG this morning the extension of Andrew McDonald's coach through to the twenty twenty seven season, and he's been very big and George Bailey's been very big on picking the team for the now. But he is mindful, of course, and there's going to be some challenging discussions in the next three to four years with some of those batsmen over thirty, and of course we've got some of bowlers over thirty as well.

Look, I was at the MCG this morning the extension of Andrew McDonald's coach through to the twenty twenty seven season, and he's been very big and George Bailey's been very big on picking the team for the now. But he is mindful, of course, and there's going to be some challenging discussions in the next three to four years with some of those batsmen over thirty, and of course we've got some of bowlers over thirty as well.

So I suppose a case of who do we look for?

So I suppose a case of who do we look for?

Are you in Crash's corner, are you someone who thinks that we should be looking to the future, or as Andrew McDonald said, he's a Victorian of course, but outside the MCG, he said, it's not that long ago that Marcus Harris knocked up a really important seventy against England at the MCG.

Are you in Crash's corner, are you someone who thinks that we should be looking to the future, or as Andrew McDonald said, he's a Victorian of course, but outside the MCG, he said, it's not that long ago that Marcus Harris knocked up a really important seventy against England at the MCG.

There's some different conditions.

There's some different conditions.

We know how lively the gabber could be under lights with the pink ball test. We know that the Opta Stadium whacker used to be the bounce's pitch in Australia up the stadium still got some teeth, as we saw last summer against Pakistan. Is it too much to throw a young man to the wolves or do we think that we're looking for the future with a couple of younger guys.

We know how lively the gabber could be under lights with the pink ball test. We know that the Opta Stadium whacker used to be the bounce's pitch in Australia up the stadium still got some teeth, as we saw last summer against Pakistan. Is it too much to throw a young man to the wolves or do we think that we're looking for the future with a couple of younger guys.

I'm not necessarily a believer that it's too soon to be throwing someone like a Sam Constace or a Nathan McSweeney into tenth cricket, but I'm probably not quite as strong as Crash on the need to blood youth for the sake of blooding youth. Ultimately, every test is important, particularly in a World Test Championship era, and it's India in any case, so I think they've just got to pick the best team that they have now that may well be with Sam Constance or Nathan McSweeney ahead of Marcus Harris.

I'm not necessarily a believer that it's too soon to be throwing someone like a Sam Constace or a Nathan McSweeney into tenth cricket, but I'm probably not quite as strong as Crash on the need to blood youth for the sake of blooding youth. Ultimately, every test is important, particularly in a World Test Championship era, and it's India in any case, so I think they've just got to pick the best team that they have now that may well be with Sam Constance or Nathan McSweeney ahead of Marcus Harris.

I think Avin Bancroft would.

I think Avin Bancroft would.

Be the rank outsider of those four, but by the same token, you look at guys like Usmond Kowaja and Scott Boland who have come into.

Be the rank outsider of those four, but by the same token, you look at guys like Usmond Kowaja and Scott Boland who have come into.

The team or back into the team.

The team or back into the team.

In Kawaja's case, I think it was thirty five when he was recalled. Bowlin made his Test debut not long before his thirty third birthday and it was a revelation. I think there are other avenues where they are able to blood players through white ball cricket, and we'll see that in these Pakistan matches coming up. We've seen that in series over the past twelve months, both in Odie Eyes and in T twenty. So I think there are other ways to ensure that there is a natural regeneration of the Australian side without throwing guys to the worl Wolves, without having too much turnover any given time. So yeah, I think, you know, if maybe, if absolutely all other things are equal, you.

In Kawaja's case, I think it was thirty five when he was recalled. Bowlin made his Test debut not long before his thirty third birthday and it was a revelation. I think there are other avenues where they are able to blood players through white ball cricket, and we'll see that in these Pakistan matches coming up. We've seen that in series over the past twelve months, both in Odie Eyes and in T twenty. So I think there are other ways to ensure that there is a natural regeneration of the Australian side without throwing guys to the worl Wolves, without having too much turnover any given time. So yeah, I think, you know, if maybe, if absolutely all other things are equal, you.

Know, I would go, maybe are on the side of youth, just because.

Know, I would go, maybe are on the side of youth, just because.

You know, it would be nice to get some younger guys in there and that all other things being equal, But I wouldn't be prioritizing it per se.

You know, it would be nice to get some younger guys in there and that all other things being equal, But I wouldn't be prioritizing it per se.

And before we get to the I suppose the longer discussion about Australia versus India, the Border Gatherscar Trophy, the main meal for the Australian summer.

And before we get to the I suppose the longer discussion about Australia versus India, the Border Gatherscar Trophy, the main meal for the Australian summer.

You know, there's a lot to look forward.

You know, there's a lot to look forward.

To over the next couple of weeks, both from the white ball front with Australia versus Pakistan, but also in the women's domestic cricket with the WBBL underway as we speak, just on the white ball white ball games to come beginning at the mcg next Monday. Andrew McDonald again this morning, it was pretty firm in the view that this is definitely a part where we can blood younger talent. But we see Marcus Steynis, for example, coming back into the fold for those one days over the next week and a half.

To over the next couple of weeks, both from the white ball front with Australia versus Pakistan, but also in the women's domestic cricket with the WBBL underway as we speak, just on the white ball white ball games to come beginning at the mcg next Monday. Andrew McDonald again this morning, it was pretty firm in the view that this is definitely a part where we can blood younger talent. But we see Marcus Steynis, for example, coming back into the fold for those one days over the next week and a half.

Dan, what are you looking forward to? Is it?

Dan, what are you looking forward to? Is it?

Jake Fraser McGirk, is it? Is it seen if someone like a Stearns can re establish themselves with a view towards the Champions Trophy next February.

Jake Fraser McGirk, is it? Is it seen if someone like a Stearns can re establish themselves with a view towards the Champions Trophy next February.

It is funny, I mean the Champions Trophy, that the nature of that tournament is such that you know, it's sort of it's getting excited for sort of a somewhat second to your event. Anyway, the building, I don't think there's too many in Australia that live and die by what happens in the Champions Trophy, but it isn't in ic quasi major events so to speak, hasn't been held about eight years. But so I think over the last twelve months they've probably been willing to give more guys go in one day cricket and now they are shaftening their attention.

It is funny, I mean the Champions Trophy, that the nature of that tournament is such that you know, it's sort of it's getting excited for sort of a somewhat second to your event. Anyway, the building, I don't think there's too many in Australia that live and die by what happens in the Champions Trophy, but it isn't in ic quasi major events so to speak, hasn't been held about eight years. But so I think over the last twelve months they've probably been willing to give more guys go in one day cricket and now they are shaftening their attention.

A bit more to this particular series.

A bit more to this particular series.

In terms of what I'm looking forward to in these Pakistan match is I think because you don't have Travis Head and Mitch marsh for these matches, both with parental responsibilities coming up.

In terms of what I'm looking forward to in these Pakistan match is I think because you don't have Travis Head and Mitch marsh for these matches, both with parental responsibilities coming up.

And I'm not sure where that since we both.

And I'm not sure where that since we both.

Obviously all the tests to both of those guys expecting kids. But I think that chance for Jake Fraser McGurk to establish himself at the top of the order to fight for a spot in that touring party for the Champions Trophy. Matt Short has probably edged ahead of him in the race, and I suppose he's probably not quite as flashy a player as Fraser McGurk, but his performances have been very very good over several years now in domestic cricket and particularly in the Big Bash League for the Adelaide strikers. The Marcus Dunis return is an interesting one. I mean, he hasn't played let alone at one day internationally. He hasn't played a list D a game, a fifty of a match at any level since being being dropped for the World Cup semi final last year. But I suppose with marsh Absenter and with Cameron Green of course out for an extended period through injury, I suppose there is that vacancy there for an all rounder and Mark Stillness, this coaching panel and selection panel does have a lot of faith in him, even though his one day performance has probably left a lot to be desired over the past four or five years. And I should say in contrast to his twenty twenty four which has been very very good for Australia and he was probably pick even of the Australian players at the recent T twenty World Cup in the Caribbean.

Obviously all the tests to both of those guys expecting kids. But I think that chance for Jake Fraser McGurk to establish himself at the top of the order to fight for a spot in that touring party for the Champions Trophy. Matt Short has probably edged ahead of him in the race, and I suppose he's probably not quite as flashy a player as Fraser McGurk, but his performances have been very very good over several years now in domestic cricket and particularly in the Big Bash League for the Adelaide strikers. The Marcus Dunis return is an interesting one. I mean, he hasn't played let alone at one day internationally. He hasn't played a list D a game, a fifty of a match at any level since being being dropped for the World Cup semi final last year. But I suppose with marsh Absenter and with Cameron Green of course out for an extended period through injury, I suppose there is that vacancy there for an all rounder and Mark Stillness, this coaching panel and selection panel does have a lot of faith in him, even though his one day performance has probably left a lot to be desired over the past four or five years. And I should say in contrast to his twenty twenty four which has been very very good for Australia and he was probably pick even of the Australian players at the recent T twenty World Cup in the Caribbean.

Rob, I'm very much in your bracket in terms of looking to the next generation in Parcas. I love hearing about newcomers coming through. I love reading the stories learning more about players. It's san constaus over the last month, but it was Jake Fraser McGirk throughout last summer, and obviously with the lead in to what we could see from him should he be playing, where does the best fit? Is he a red ball player? What can we expect from him after that sort of summer of hyper or the season of hype last summer? What are you looking forward to in terms of his I suppose development is a play.

Rob, I'm very much in your bracket in terms of looking to the next generation in Parcas. I love hearing about newcomers coming through. I love reading the stories learning more about players. It's san constaus over the last month, but it was Jake Fraser McGirk throughout last summer, and obviously with the lead in to what we could see from him should he be playing, where does the best fit? Is he a red ball player? What can we expect from him after that sort of summer of hyper or the season of hype last summer? What are you looking forward to in terms of his I suppose development is a play.

Look, he's so interesting, isn't he?

Look, he's so interesting, isn't he?

And I sort of like the fact he's not perfect that I think there's one little stat where of his last ten innings, I think he's made one score above eighteen, and that says to me he's having his pavelover before he has meat and potatoes. Now that's the way he plays. He's a smasher. He goes from ball one Jake Fraser McGirk and I love that about him. But can you survive in freak it just being a blaster like you'd say, Oh, David.

And I sort of like the fact he's not perfect that I think there's one little stat where of his last ten innings, I think he's made one score above eighteen, and that says to me he's having his pavelover before he has meat and potatoes. Now that's the way he plays. He's a smasher. He goes from ball one Jake Fraser McGirk and I love that about him. But can you survive in freak it just being a blaster like you'd say, Oh, David.

Warner did it? Actually he didn't? You know?

Warner did it? Actually he didn't? You know?

There was a lovely second year, a hidden second gear in Warner's batting, And that's what I reckon. Phraser McGirk needs just soak it up a little bit, even in a T twenty game. So I'm still not sure what to make of him.

There was a lovely second year, a hidden second gear in Warner's batting, And that's what I reckon. Phraser McGirk needs just soak it up a little bit, even in a T twenty game. So I'm still not sure what to make of him.

I'm really not.

I'm really not.

I love the fact they're giving him free reign and he's got this beautiful bad arc. He's lovely when he's going and a sweet timing and beautiful balance. But as I said, at some stage in life, cricket history tells us you've got to have your meat and potatoes, even if you're a pabolo the specialist, which is what he is. And I've got an eye on Cooper Coronnolly to the young Western Australia all rounder. The one type of cricketer Australia has never produced in its lengthy Test history is a left arm spinner who's been a major successive Test level for a long period. Now he's an all rounder, he's a hitter and he's a left arm spinner. But right here, right now, he's my smoky for India at the end of next season. He started the season very nicely. Former Australia Under nine end captain seems to like the pressure. So there's two to watch in the short game against Pakistan.

I love the fact they're giving him free reign and he's got this beautiful bad arc. He's lovely when he's going and a sweet timing and beautiful balance. But as I said, at some stage in life, cricket history tells us you've got to have your meat and potatoes, even if you're a pabolo the specialist, which is what he is. And I've got an eye on Cooper Coronnolly to the young Western Australia all rounder. The one type of cricketer Australia has never produced in its lengthy Test history is a left arm spinner who's been a major successive Test level for a long period. Now he's an all rounder, he's a hitter and he's a left arm spinner. But right here, right now, he's my smoky for India at the end of next season. He started the season very nicely. Former Australia Under nine end captain seems to like the pressure. So there's two to watch in the short game against Pakistan.

Yeah, let's to look forward to there now. Etiquette in sports an important thing, and we know even in the press box it's important to not cheer when we're watching matches, you want.

Yeah, let's to look forward to there now. Etiquette in sports an important thing, and we know even in the press box it's important to not cheer when we're watching matches, you want.

To clean up afterwards.

To clean up afterwards.

We saw Jason Lespie footage, a little clip of Jason Gillespie picking up all the water bottles after training when Pakistan was training recently ahead of that series or during that series against England. What do you make of Jason in terms of his coaching coach indeeds so far in Pakistan, the example that he's set in and the challenge ahead of him. It's been a pretty dynamic or fascinating sort of month leading into their One day series here in the T twenty series here that series against England was phenomenal to watch, but amazing to watch Pakistan cricket and things can change by the hour, let alone by the over.

We saw Jason Lespie footage, a little clip of Jason Gillespie picking up all the water bottles after training when Pakistan was training recently ahead of that series or during that series against England. What do you make of Jason in terms of his coaching coach indeeds so far in Pakistan, the example that he's set in and the challenge ahead of him. It's been a pretty dynamic or fascinating sort of month leading into their One day series here in the T twenty series here that series against England was phenomenal to watch, but amazing to watch Pakistan cricket and things can change by the hour, let alone by the over.

What a challenge it is.

What a challenge it is.

I mean, like he had one thing I love about Gillie Gillespie, He's got no big ego. When he started his career, he went to Zimbabwe and coached a little team. It was based in Little Town, which was named after a tree frog and the sound it made.

I mean, like he had one thing I love about Gillie Gillespie, He's got no big ego. When he started his career, he went to Zimbabwe and coached a little team. It was based in Little Town, which was named after a tree frog and the sound it made.

So East coach from right the ground upwards.

So East coach from right the ground upwards.

But Pakistan is in a shambalic state, even by their own shambalic standards.

But Pakistan is in a shambalic state, even by their own shambalic standards.

Twenty six selectors.

Twenty six selectors.

In two years, Gillespie removed as a selector from the Test team, but still asked to coach Gary Kirsten, resigning as T twenty as whiteball coach even before he coached him after an alleged disagreement with Barba Azam. And this is landed in Dizzy's lap now, Jason Gillespie has a natural niceness about him which helps builds teams. He's fundamentally a good guy and he can try his best to build team harmony. But man, oh man, this is a Mount Everest climb. I mean, I think over the last twenty years, Pakistan have played sixteen fifty over games in Australia one two, So even when they've been reasonably well organized, they've still struggled.

In two years, Gillespie removed as a selector from the Test team, but still asked to coach Gary Kirsten, resigning as T twenty as whiteball coach even before he coached him after an alleged disagreement with Barba Azam. And this is landed in Dizzy's lap now, Jason Gillespie has a natural niceness about him which helps builds teams. He's fundamentally a good guy and he can try his best to build team harmony. But man, oh man, this is a Mount Everest climb. I mean, I think over the last twenty years, Pakistan have played sixteen fifty over games in Australia one two, So even when they've been reasonably well organized, they've still struggled.

Here.

Here.

I just sence an implosion somewhere on this tour from Pakistan. Did There's so many forces taking this way and that, And Jason Gillespie is a.

I just sence an implosion somewhere on this tour from Pakistan. Did There's so many forces taking this way and that, And Jason Gillespie is a.

Patient, considered kind man and it was.

Patient, considered kind man and it was.

Just about my favorite figure to cover and to interview because of his basic decency.

Just about my favorite figure to cover and to interview because of his basic decency.

This is his greatest test.

This is his greatest test.

Dan.

Dan.

I can see Paul Rifle as a selector, and we saw him making some very very accurate decisions in the tests last week when he was at the other end of the starts. But can you imagine an umpire or a former empire being called on to select a team when you've got someone like a Gillespie sidelined as coach.

I can see Paul Rifle as a selector, and we saw him making some very very accurate decisions in the tests last week when he was at the other end of the starts. But can you imagine an umpire or a former empire being called on to select a team when you've got someone like a Gillespie sidelined as coach.

Yes, m d the form of test umpires only recently retired from that.

Yes, m d the form of test umpires only recently retired from that.

That field now selecting one of the many electors in Pakistan and has been quite the moving feast.

That field now selecting one of the many electors in Pakistan and has been quite the moving feast.

In fact, I think so extreme as it been that they're actually mixed re pauses, whether it's twenties sicks or twenty seven they lost. Counter to certain point is that how many selectors they've had there? So no, look, the goalposts changed very quickly on Jason Gillespie there and Tim Nielsen also the former Australian coach and South Australian wiki keepers there is his offsider and they're both going to be running the show here for these white ball matches. So I suppose look from a selfish and then Australian centric position, it's a nice side story and probably adds a bit of relevance an interesting narrative to these matches, which you know otherwise would be quite reasonably and understandably classes you know, just more somewhat meaningless white ball cricket. But yeah, to have Jason Gillespie coaching Pakistan, which as of three or four days ago he's going to be doing in these matches you're clearly creates another very familiar faith and yeah, it'll be interesting to see how they go out there. I mean, the champions trophy of course is on Pakistani soil, or at least most of it will be, or it's supposed to be. That's a little bit of a watching brief as well. So it would be great to see a competitive Pakistan at a global tournament back in Pakistan for the first time in what would be almost thirty years since the ninety six World Cup, which I think is the last time that a major D event was held there.

In fact, I think so extreme as it been that they're actually mixed re pauses, whether it's twenties sicks or twenty seven they lost. Counter to certain point is that how many selectors they've had there? So no, look, the goalposts changed very quickly on Jason Gillespie there and Tim Nielsen also the former Australian coach and South Australian wiki keepers there is his offsider and they're both going to be running the show here for these white ball matches. So I suppose look from a selfish and then Australian centric position, it's a nice side story and probably adds a bit of relevance an interesting narrative to these matches, which you know otherwise would be quite reasonably and understandably classes you know, just more somewhat meaningless white ball cricket. But yeah, to have Jason Gillespie coaching Pakistan, which as of three or four days ago he's going to be doing in these matches you're clearly creates another very familiar faith and yeah, it'll be interesting to see how they go out there. I mean, the champions trophy of course is on Pakistani soil, or at least most of it will be, or it's supposed to be. That's a little bit of a watching brief as well. So it would be great to see a competitive Pakistan at a global tournament back in Pakistan for the first time in what would be almost thirty years since the ninety six World Cup, which I think is the last time that a major D event was held there.

Now, quickly, just touch on the WBBL Australia coming back from surprise I suppose in the World Cup the first time they were going for a four peet beaten. We've got a couple of big, big nations to come, England and India to come next month and then in January obviously with the women's ashes, anything caught. You're right, there's been some thrills and spills, so far in the WBBL which is underway and mean streamed as live on Foxtricket and also on KO Sports through the next month.

Now, quickly, just touch on the WBBL Australia coming back from surprise I suppose in the World Cup the first time they were going for a four peet beaten. We've got a couple of big, big nations to come, England and India to come next month and then in January obviously with the women's ashes, anything caught. You're right, there's been some thrills and spills, so far in the WBBL which is underway and mean streamed as live on Foxtricket and also on KO Sports through the next month.

Anything you've seen, Dan, yeah, I think the youngstersticular have been a real standout just to start the competition. Kieva Bray hard to not to get swept away in that story hitting the winning runs for the Sydney Sixers after also impressing with the ball at just fifteen and the parallels with the least Perry a click given she's also a very good soccer player all bet a goalkeeper, which is not obviously Perry's position that she played, but exceptional story there. Innes McKeon youngster from Melbourne Stars showed a bit so too. I think it's Chloe Ainsworth, the young quick with the per scorches. So it's funny With Australia, I mean, it was such a shock defeat in that World Cup semi final and maybe there've been some warning signs and some of the tactical moves were questionable. I'm not sure about the batting order and those sorts of things. But any suggestion that Australia is just going to fade away on the women's game, I think, you know, that would be fool hardy to suggest when you see that it's such a.

Anything you've seen, Dan, yeah, I think the youngstersticular have been a real standout just to start the competition. Kieva Bray hard to not to get swept away in that story hitting the winning runs for the Sydney Sixers after also impressing with the ball at just fifteen and the parallels with the least Perry a click given she's also a very good soccer player all bet a goalkeeper, which is not obviously Perry's position that she played, but exceptional story there. Innes McKeon youngster from Melbourne Stars showed a bit so too. I think it's Chloe Ainsworth, the young quick with the per scorches. So it's funny With Australia, I mean, it was such a shock defeat in that World Cup semi final and maybe there've been some warning signs and some of the tactical moves were questionable. I'm not sure about the batting order and those sorts of things. But any suggestion that Australia is just going to fade away on the women's game, I think, you know, that would be fool hardy to suggest when you see that it's such a.

Great talent pipeline.

Great talent pipeline.

And clearly India and England have invested more in their youngsters coming through and we see that with some of the talent from those two nations that play in the WBL. And one of the noteworthy things about this WBL season is that there's overlapping series with international cricket at either end of the calendar, so we're seeing Indian players and New Zealand players rocking up to this tournament late and then the South Africans and.

And clearly India and England have invested more in their youngsters coming through and we see that with some of the talent from those two nations that play in the WBL. And one of the noteworthy things about this WBL season is that there's overlapping series with international cricket at either end of the calendar, so we're seeing Indian players and New Zealand players rocking up to this tournament late and then the South Africans and.

English women will have to leave early.

English women will have to leave early.

So you know, these are the challenges and women's crickets that are developing, much like you get in the men's where guys leave early because of international commitments or franchise league commitments elsewhere. The women's calendar is getting increasingly packed, which is great in terms of the opportunities it presents for female cricketers and the leading female cricketers and the money they can make, but it sort of does force the WBL a decade into its existence to sort of try to continually keep up and manage these challenges because that sort.

So you know, these are the challenges and women's crickets that are developing, much like you get in the men's where guys leave early because of international commitments or franchise league commitments elsewhere. The women's calendar is getting increasingly packed, which is great in terms of the opportunities it presents for female cricketers and the leading female cricketers and the money they can make, but it sort of does force the WBL a decade into its existence to sort of try to continually keep up and manage these challenges because that sort.

Of global number one spot that.

Of global number one spot that.

It had a decade ago and it was clearly the standard bearer. And then the trend setup that's not going to be nearly as easy to maintain.

It had a decade ago and it was clearly the standard bearer. And then the trend setup that's not going to be nearly as easy to maintain.

And rob.

And rob.

For all the highlights we've got to come through the summer of cricket, the Australia England Tests at the MCG, the Day Night Test at the end of January. It really is I think a chance to showcase women's cricket and just how exciting it can be and what an amazing opportunity is for some of the young female athletes who are who are growing and have choices in terms of sports. It's really one to look forward to at the tail end of this summer.

For all the highlights we've got to come through the summer of cricket, the Australia England Tests at the MCG, the Day Night Test at the end of January. It really is I think a chance to showcase women's cricket and just how exciting it can be and what an amazing opportunity is for some of the young female athletes who are who are growing and have choices in terms of sports. It's really one to look forward to at the tail end of this summer.

Well yeah, particularly with the men's team will be away into Sri Lanka and they don't play many tests the women, so it's a huge opportunity. But like Jen I was completely swept away by Kieva Bray.

Well yeah, particularly with the men's team will be away into Sri Lanka and they don't play many tests the women, so it's a huge opportunity. But like Jen I was completely swept away by Kieva Bray.

I mean her winning shot for the sixers was his glorious cut driver, the extra cover and the power of it. For a fifteen year old in grade nine, think of that at school, Like a young star inspires so many children, you know, like around Australia because they feel they could reach out and is that all saying? That is the women's creed. You know, you can't be what you can't see. Guess what, there's a fifteen year old starring in the WBBL and I recently I saw a twenty year old clip of the Australian women's team and I tell you something. The thing that I noticed straight away was the difference in power. I mean, Kieva's power to me was equal to anyone in that women's team twenty years ago. I mean, the power in the women's game is just incredible.

I mean her winning shot for the sixers was his glorious cut driver, the extra cover and the power of it. For a fifteen year old in grade nine, think of that at school, Like a young star inspires so many children, you know, like around Australia because they feel they could reach out and is that all saying? That is the women's creed. You know, you can't be what you can't see. Guess what, there's a fifteen year old starring in the WBBL and I recently I saw a twenty year old clip of the Australian women's team and I tell you something. The thing that I noticed straight away was the difference in power. I mean, Kieva's power to me was equal to anyone in that women's team twenty years ago. I mean, the power in the women's game is just incredible.

Now it's everything.

Now it's everything.

It's a little bit of jim work, it's better bats, but it's such a good spectacle. And as you say, that Test against England will be really something one that the gap is just seems to be starting to close a bit between Australia and the rest of the world.

It's a little bit of jim work, it's better bats, but it's such a good spectacle. And as you say, that Test against England will be really something one that the gap is just seems to be starting to close a bit between Australia and the rest of the world.

And now just three weeks away, jings the first balls to be bold for the I suppose see border Gavisca Trophy at Opta Stadium in per I'm hoping we get a really big crowd and we know we've tinkend with the dates over in Perth brought it forward a couple of weeks hopefully this is settled, but a couple of really intriguing battles, I think spotlight on a couple of legionds the of the game. I think you wrote recently, Crash about Veric coleyan and where he's sitting, and also Steve Smith and where he's sitting, and just having to look at their stats their breakdown recently, I've lasted three years. Veruck Coley's made eleven hundred and eighty one runs in thirty eight thirty eight, sorry at thirty eight in thirty three innings, two centuries, and Steve Smith almost identical, really thirty four innings over the last couple of seasons, averaging thirty nine, eleven hundred and forty two runs and three centuries. They have been legends of the game. They will be clearly legends of the sport, recognized for their deeds. But in the dotage of their careers, what sort of summer can we expect from those two? How much how much relies on those two turning back the clock a little it and finding their best What do you see in that sort of domain, Crash.

And now just three weeks away, jings the first balls to be bold for the I suppose see border Gavisca Trophy at Opta Stadium in per I'm hoping we get a really big crowd and we know we've tinkend with the dates over in Perth brought it forward a couple of weeks hopefully this is settled, but a couple of really intriguing battles, I think spotlight on a couple of legionds the of the game. I think you wrote recently, Crash about Veric coleyan and where he's sitting, and also Steve Smith and where he's sitting, and just having to look at their stats their breakdown recently, I've lasted three years. Veruck Coley's made eleven hundred and eighty one runs in thirty eight thirty eight, sorry at thirty eight in thirty three innings, two centuries, and Steve Smith almost identical, really thirty four innings over the last couple of seasons, averaging thirty nine, eleven hundred and forty two runs and three centuries. They have been legends of the game. They will be clearly legends of the sport, recognized for their deeds. But in the dotage of their careers, what sort of summer can we expect from those two? How much how much relies on those two turning back the clock a little it and finding their best What do you see in that sort of domain, Crash.

Not tear, something I watched for that Coley got out the first innings the other day of the last Test, he missed a full toss from Mitchell Sandner. I mean you could just see as he walked off he was thinking in his head what I've just said. I've just missed a full toss for Mitchell Sander? How am I going?

Not tear, something I watched for that Coley got out the first innings the other day of the last Test, he missed a full toss from Mitchell Sandner. I mean you could just see as he walked off he was thinking in his head what I've just said. I've just missed a full toss for Mitchell Sander? How am I going?

It was just And he's not.

It was just And he's not.

The coalie we remember, I reckon, He's just he's played so much frigger all forms of the game. Yes he's still got that fundamentally gorgeous technique, but up here he's exhausted. Much like Smith, they've just been ground down. They're so similar in a way. But I will say this, I just feel as a part of Coally deep in his heart here that gets right up when he comes to Australia. It just even last time when he had to leave the tour, he was looking gorgeous in Adelaide before he got run out, and you know that was he could have done anything that eating. I just think Australia spurs him and steals him and whatever he's got, he'll slap it on the table here. But bowlers no longer fear him and that is beyond question. Like he used to be, you know, you know the absolute talisman. He's no longer that. And Smith he averaged thirty in tests this year, forty two last year and is the same. His retreat down the order says a lot about his state of mind. He wanted to open the batting and now he wanted to go back down to four the first time in a long time. He's uncertain about himself and he's just feeling his age. I remember Kerry O'Keefe on the back page of Fox Sports.

The coalie we remember, I reckon, He's just he's played so much frigger all forms of the game. Yes he's still got that fundamentally gorgeous technique, but up here he's exhausted. Much like Smith, they've just been ground down. They're so similar in a way. But I will say this, I just feel as a part of Coally deep in his heart here that gets right up when he comes to Australia. It just even last time when he had to leave the tour, he was looking gorgeous in Adelaide before he got run out, and you know that was he could have done anything that eating. I just think Australia spurs him and steals him and whatever he's got, he'll slap it on the table here. But bowlers no longer fear him and that is beyond question. Like he used to be, you know, you know the absolute talisman. He's no longer that. And Smith he averaged thirty in tests this year, forty two last year and is the same. His retreat down the order says a lot about his state of mind. He wanted to open the batting and now he wanted to go back down to four the first time in a long time. He's uncertain about himself and he's just feeling his age. I remember Kerry O'Keefe on the back page of Fox Sports.

Six or so years.

Six or so years.

Ago, when Smith was his absolute prime. He said, I love him as a player, but he's an eyeplayer and when I appliers to climb, they go quickly. So he said, that'll be the watch on Steve Blake's career. When his eye starts to go, he will go with me. So yep, there's a watch on him this summer.

Ago, when Smith was his absolute prime. He said, I love him as a player, but he's an eyeplayer and when I appliers to climb, they go quickly. So he said, that'll be the watch on Steve Blake's career. When his eye starts to go, he will go with me. So yep, there's a watch on him this summer.

And Dan, we were at the MCG a week or so ago for Victoria versus New South Wales. It featured top liners, you know, several incumbents in the Test team and obviously those who had played one day and also t.

And Dan, we were at the MCG a week or so ago for Victoria versus New South Wales. It featured top liners, you know, several incumbents in the Test team and obviously those who had played one day and also t.

Twenty for the nation.

Twenty for the nation.

But there was that curious press conference on the second day when Smith he'd lost his wicket, he'd been okay but only made three runs from twenty nine balls. It was a case of who said what and when was what said? You know, he was very clean clearly to put his foot forward in terms of what had happened in that discussion as to whether he would return to number four. It's a really curious time for these champions, isn't it.

But there was that curious press conference on the second day when Smith he'd lost his wicket, he'd been okay but only made three runs from twenty nine balls. It was a case of who said what and when was what said? You know, he was very clean clearly to put his foot forward in terms of what had happened in that discussion as to whether he would return to number four. It's a really curious time for these champions, isn't it.

Yeah, it is.

Yeah, it is.

And look, I mean Coley's ark has been remarkable of itself, but really he went through that long, long stretch, didn't make an international century, certainly not a Test century, which I think ended in Amedabad last year.

And look, I mean Coley's ark has been remarkable of itself, but really he went through that long, long stretch, didn't make an international century, certainly not a Test century, which I think ended in Amedabad last year.

But the numbers are quite clear.

But the numbers are quite clear.

He's not the player he was and the sat Nat moment really exemplifies that.

He's not the player he was and the sat Nat moment really exemplifies that.

And look, this is a very conventional arc for a lot of greats.

And look, this is a very conventional arc for a lot of greats.

I mean they have his Crashot has often said, and they have these three or four outstanding seasons where they they're up there with the gods, and then from there it's you know that you go back to being a mere immortal. The Smith storyline though that this probably fascinates me just about more than any other because it is the Smith, because he is quite arguably the best Australian player batter we've seen since the dawn, and this whole situation where he moved up to the opener seemingly engineered significantly by himself.

I mean they have his Crashot has often said, and they have these three or four outstanding seasons where they they're up there with the gods, and then from there it's you know that you go back to being a mere immortal. The Smith storyline though that this probably fascinates me just about more than any other because it is the Smith, because he is quite arguably the best Australian player batter we've seen since the dawn, and this whole situation where he moved up to the opener seemingly engineered significantly by himself.

He planted the seed, the selectors.

He planted the seed, the selectors.

And the coaches were happy enough to go along with his his preference.

And the coaches were happy enough to go along with his his preference.

And then the move back down and that sort of very gradual sort of softening of his position. Initially it was I'm not bays were about and.

And then the move back down and that sort of very gradual sort of softening of his position. Initially it was I'm not bays were about and.

Then he saw some of the other guys coming out and saying that they hoped he moved back down.

Then he saw some of the other guys coming out and saying that they hoped he moved back down.

Itself.

Itself.

Was interesting was when Kawaja been very strong on that front, and yeah, that that press conference that he.

Was interesting was when Kawaja been very strong on that front, and yeah, that that press conference that he.

Did, he was very very keen clearly that he touched on Courtney to get that position across. That he didn't in his words, he didn't ask, he didn't demand to move back down.

Did, he was very very keen clearly that he touched on Courtney to get that position across. That he didn't in his words, he didn't ask, he didn't demand to move back down.

He was given.

He was given.

He was asked what his preference was, and he said his preference was no longer to open the bating it was about at four, but that ultimately it would be, you know, whatever the team wanted, whatever was in the best interest of the team. Now, clearly it seems he's going to return to number four, But you know, reading between the lines, you got the sense that he was not overly thrilled with the way George Bailey that the selection chair unilaterally came out at that press conference the previous week when announcing with the Australia A Squad and relay that Smith's desire had been to bat down the order because he didn't have to do that, George, he wasn't if he asked directly about that to start with.

He was asked what his preference was, and he said his preference was no longer to open the bating it was about at four, but that ultimately it would be, you know, whatever the team wanted, whatever was in the best interest of the team. Now, clearly it seems he's going to return to number four, But you know, reading between the lines, you got the sense that he was not overly thrilled with the way George Bailey that the selection chair unilaterally came out at that press conference the previous week when announcing with the Australia A Squad and relay that Smith's desire had been to bat down the order because he didn't have to do that, George, he wasn't if he asked directly about that to start with.

And the whole politics.

And the whole politics.

And secrecy around who might have opened the batting if not for the Cameron Green injury and how that all would have panned out has been a very interesting byproduct or side.

And secrecy around who might have opened the batting if not for the Cameron Green injury and how that all would have panned out has been a very interesting byproduct or side.

Story in the lead up to this Test Theories, and really.

Story in the lead up to this Test Theories, and really.

To go back to the very start of our chat, you know that is really it has added a lot of color and flavor to the build up to this Theories because there has been a genuinely interesting and compelling and live storyline, as opposed to some of the pantomime stories which sometimes become topical in the lead up to Big Test series.

To go back to the very start of our chat, you know that is really it has added a lot of color and flavor to the build up to this Theories because there has been a genuinely interesting and compelling and live storyline, as opposed to some of the pantomime stories which sometimes become topical in the lead up to Big Test series.

Look, speaking of goats, Nathan Lyon clearly a champion off spinner and he's signaled all the way through last summer that he's keen to continue on through to twenty twenty seven basically through the through to almost forty which with Andrew McDonald lixed in in his contract and some certainty instability around the leadership. There's clearly a lot of faith in the Australian team as to who they've got out there in terms of the guys in their thirties. But the Lion versus the battery of Indian spin bowlers, it fascinates me as well. Now we know that there's gonna be a lot of reliance obviously on the Australian pace trio whether they can get through the entire summer. Cummens, Hazel, Wooden Stark in there in the early thirties to mid thirties. Now Chammy being out is clearly an issue for India. Andrew McDonald made that clear today thinking that BMRA was it works so much better with jammy partner. But when we look at the spinners, Lion, I think going back to the twenty eighteen twenty nineteen series, he almost had the better. I think he took twenty one wickets at twenty seven versus the eighteen wickets at twenty five for Jed Asia, Ashwan and Caldet. But then in the most recent tour. Clearly the Indians had the better the twenty three wickets at twenty seven. Ashwan are the star but very well supported by Jadasia and Sunda. Where's Nathan only what nine wickets at at fifty five played the four Tests? It was a tricky one last summer around for Nathan. That battle will be intriguing and I'm sure it will go a long way to deciding whether or not Australia can win.

Look, speaking of goats, Nathan Lyon clearly a champion off spinner and he's signaled all the way through last summer that he's keen to continue on through to twenty twenty seven basically through the through to almost forty which with Andrew McDonald lixed in in his contract and some certainty instability around the leadership. There's clearly a lot of faith in the Australian team as to who they've got out there in terms of the guys in their thirties. But the Lion versus the battery of Indian spin bowlers, it fascinates me as well. Now we know that there's gonna be a lot of reliance obviously on the Australian pace trio whether they can get through the entire summer. Cummens, Hazel, Wooden Stark in there in the early thirties to mid thirties. Now Chammy being out is clearly an issue for India. Andrew McDonald made that clear today thinking that BMRA was it works so much better with jammy partner. But when we look at the spinners, Lion, I think going back to the twenty eighteen twenty nineteen series, he almost had the better. I think he took twenty one wickets at twenty seven versus the eighteen wickets at twenty five for Jed Asia, Ashwan and Caldet. But then in the most recent tour. Clearly the Indians had the better the twenty three wickets at twenty seven. Ashwan are the star but very well supported by Jadasia and Sunda. Where's Nathan only what nine wickets at at fifty five played the four Tests? It was a tricky one last summer around for Nathan. That battle will be intriguing and I'm sure it will go a long way to deciding whether or not Australia can win.

I often think with Nathan Lyon that infinitive quote came from Stuart Broad where he said every Ashes tour it's the same with Lyon. We barely mentioned him at team meetings. We go and of course Lyon and he said, I'm sick and tired of doing that, and then he ends up with twenty five wickets at twenty eight. He said, we always underestimated now India did for a while, but last time they turned up with a plan and it worked very well. It looked to me as if they were doing bish and battizole. Line with line, as in with the pitch of the ball. You either get as absolutely close to it as you can or as far away from as you can. They use their feet really well and he struggled, He struggled to break through and by the end of it you could tell he was quietly exasperated against the Indians. So what have they got this time? It'll be fascinating to see, because you know, Barrats and Eurasian, who's as good a judge of Indian creed as there is, said he said, look at what Mitchell Santna did to him. Yes it was a turning deck, but he said, Indian against spin, they're not that great.

I often think with Nathan Lyon that infinitive quote came from Stuart Broad where he said every Ashes tour it's the same with Lyon. We barely mentioned him at team meetings. We go and of course Lyon and he said, I'm sick and tired of doing that, and then he ends up with twenty five wickets at twenty eight. He said, we always underestimated now India did for a while, but last time they turned up with a plan and it worked very well. It looked to me as if they were doing bish and battizole. Line with line, as in with the pitch of the ball. You either get as absolutely close to it as you can or as far away from as you can. They use their feet really well and he struggled, He struggled to break through and by the end of it you could tell he was quietly exasperated against the Indians. So what have they got this time? It'll be fascinating to see, because you know, Barrats and Eurasian, who's as good a judge of Indian creed as there is, said he said, look at what Mitchell Santna did to him. Yes it was a turning deck, but he said, Indian against spin, they're not that great.

They're not as great as people think they are.

They're not as great as people think they are.

And I think maybe the sant naway he's a good white ball ball of Mitchell Sander. He hasn't done much in tests, but evolved very straight to them and plug their strengths. And I think we'll see a little bit of that from Nathan Lyon. He'll make them play a lot and say you miss, I'm going to hit. But it's a huge series for him. There's no question Australia has got an aging attack. It's a tight series. They will change the attack and he's got to be the achorman all the way through.

And I think maybe the sant naway he's a good white ball ball of Mitchell Sander. He hasn't done much in tests, but evolved very straight to them and plug their strengths. And I think we'll see a little bit of that from Nathan Lyon. He'll make them play a lot and say you miss, I'm going to hit. But it's a huge series for him. There's no question Australia has got an aging attack. It's a tight series. They will change the attack and he's got to be the achorman all the way through.

Look, gentlemen, so much look forward to I could talk to you both for.

Look, gentlemen, so much look forward to I could talk to you both for.

Hours and hours.

Hours and hours.

Luckily, I'm going to have that chance through the Australian summer and I'm looking forward to seeing you both in Perth for that opening Test of the summer.

Luckily, I'm going to have that chance through the Australian summer and I'm looking forward to seeing you both in Perth for that opening Test of the summer.

Really appreciate you joining us.

Really appreciate you joining us.

You can read their fine work at the Courier Mail and also on Code Sports throughout the summer. As always, thanks so much for joining us. You can watch every ball, remember every ball live on KO Sports and also Fox Cricket through the summer. We've got so much cricket to come. Absolute pleasure and thanks for listening to the follow on podcast

You can read their fine work at the Courier Mail and also on Code Sports throughout the summer. As always, thanks so much for joining us. You can watch every ball, remember every ball live on KO Sports and also Fox Cricket through the summer. We've got so much cricket to come. Absolute pleasure and thanks for listening to the follow on podcast