Cricket Central

In a week where we were all busy studying (or not), we find the time to discuss:

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This week the big story was South Africa's unexpected demolition of the English in the First Test at Lords. We sing the praises of a bowling attack which dismantled the English top-order with incredible ease and ask what this setback means for Baz-ball.

Peerson is also heavily triggered by a stat suggesting that England is a one-man team at 16:40.

In other topics, we give you all the stories from THE HUNDRED including:

- A record score

- A brilliant bowling spell

- The rise of the Originals

Finally, Navod reports on WI v NZ and we discuss the Windies' chances of making the World Cup.

In light of Australia's upcoming ODI series in Far North Queensland, we have a very special guest on for the much-awaited ZIMBABWE SPECIAL (Don't worry, it's not for the whole episode)! Our resident minor nations expert, Elliott Cook, takes us on a humorous tour through the tumultuous recent history of Zimbabwean Cricket. Happily, we find out it's not all doom-and-gloom. In fact, we think they might be a sneaky chance to pick up a win against the Aussies.

We also discuss an entertaining week in THE HUNDRED where numerous records were broken...numerous times!

Also, we Preview the upcoming ENGLAND V SOUTH AFRICA TEST SERIES.

Plus, much, much more.

It's a podcast of top-notch investigatory journalism today as we tackle all the big questions of the cricketing world, including DRS, economy rates and The Hundred Names.

First, in VOX POP:

- Should away test wins be awarded double points?

- What does Trent Boult's decision say about the future of international cricket?

THEN from 19:49, we remember the iconic umpire Rudi Koertzen by discussing some of his most famous quotes.

In particular, Ted investigates whether we should still have Umpire's Call for LBW decisions. He makes the groundbreaking discovery that the margin of error isn't 50% of the ball despite it saying so in the rules.

Later, we express our amusement at some of the HUNDRED team names and discuss the matches so far.

Also, we discover some inconsistencies in the stated economy rates for the tournament.

We begin today by questioning Peerson on some rather striking photos which appeared on his Instagram.

Next, we discuss all the takeaways from yet another English white-ball loss, this time in the T20s to South Africa, and Ted thinks they have only themselves to blame.

From 27:25, we discuss the major story for this week, the results revolutionary results of the recent ICC Annual General Meeting. We discuss how the rise of franchise leagues could destroy cricket in smaller countries and ask if a "doomsday scenario" of domestic cricket taking priority could really happen.

Next, Navod gloats about the resurrection of Sri Lankan cricket, as they record an emphatic victory against Pakistan and Prabtath keeps up his incredible form.

Finally, we discuss WEST INDIES V INDIA and unveil the new bowling superstar, Obed McCoy.

In the 50th podcast we've recorded, we begin by reflecting on a remarkably eventful eight months where we've watched coaches be sacked, records be broken and (of course), our well-researched predictions fail to eventuate. 

Next, we give our takeaways from the final two INDIA v ENGLAND ODIs and ask what needs to improve with the batting of both sides. 

Ben Stokes's retirement was the big story of the week and we ask whether this is just the beginning of early retirements. 

It was heartbreak for Navod in the first PAKISTAN v SRI LANKA Test, but we all appreciate yet another absolute classic of a match.

Ted attempts to explain the BBL DRAFT but is it actually a good idea?

Finally, SAM NORTHEAST scores a quadruple century (yes you read that right)...

And what on earth happened in the T20 BLAST FINAL??

Peerson makes a surprise appearance from England fresh off a debilitating ODI loss. We begin by reflecting on how much our views of Australia, England and Sri Lanka have been forced to change in just one week.

After looking inferior with the bat and without answers with the ball in Test 1, we discuss how Sri Lanka managed to gain the ascendency in the 2nd. Conversely, we rue Australia's inability to capitalise on a strong start with the bat. Plus, would Maxwell have made a difference?

Next, a hilarious VOX POPULI:

- The angry listener returns with a take that leaves us all in stitches

- James sees signs of old habits recurring for the Australians

Next, just how good is Bumrah?

Finally, we discuss South Africa's forfeit and an entertaining series in Ireland.

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Peerson is not here to celebrate another brilliant English victory but we feel obligated to discuss it nonetheless. We analyse how they keep managing to intimidate bowling attacks and reflect on a superb vein of form for both Root and Bairstow. This leads to a broader discussion about who is the greatest of the big 4.

In SL v Australia, a listener was very disappointed about the Lankans aggressive batting causing us to ask what the issue really was. Plus, Travis Head gets a lot of praise.

Finally, we preview the ENG v IND white-ball series' and react to Stokes' plan of a nighthawk.

In Peerson's final episode before escaping to England for the winter, we begin by discussing the first day of the much-anticipated Sri Lankan Test Series.

It was an intriguing day in picturesque Galle as Nathan Lyon spun through the Sri Lankans on a glorified mound of dust. Swepson also chipped in with three though, leading Ethan to give his view on how the apprentice is coming along.

Despite a rocketing start, there was late drama for the Aussies, causing yet more reflection on our ability to bat in the subcontinent.

The main story of the day is THAT SMITH RUN-OUT though, with Ted firmly in the "fully Khawaja's fault" camp.

In other topics, we discuss the many takeaways from a ground-breaking England whitewash and ask if BAZ-BALL could represent a new way for test cricket batting. Some of us are less convinced.

Finally, there's a couple juicy Vox Pop's we have a go at along the way.

It's a good week for the Lions of world cricket with the Sri Lankans recording an unexpected 3-1 ODI series win over the Australians and the English breaking the world record ODI score against the Dutch.

Navod is on again and is pleased with the development of the young Lankans while Ethan raises concerns about a brittle Australian white-ball outfit.

We also sing the praises of friend of the show Scott Edwards, whose heroic performances for Holland have seen him elevated to the captaincy.

In PEERSON'S PROCLAMATIONS:

- Theekshana gets some big praise

- The show devolves into an argument after Peerson makes a huge claim about the English A side

Finally, discussion of an entertaining Surrey v Somerset T20 match leads us onto discussions about the future of T20 cricket.

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