Today we’ll take a look at the World Test final, and discuss where the winning and the losing of the game came about. I’ll also use the discussion that has occurred during and since the game over whether the WTC is worth pursuing, and direct that into talking about whether there are some small tweaks that could be made in order to make it an ever better event in the future. We might even have a look at how the best two teams in the world lined up and performed and pragmatically investigate if there is anything that Australian cricket and cricketers can take away from the week in order to improve their performance and standing on the world stage.

Round 14 of the AFL competition saw the final split bye round of the season and gives us all a chance to once again be back on par with how the ladder stands at the end of the round. With just five games taking place, there isn’t too much ground to cover this week, not even a random covid case. In today’s Talking Point I’ll have a bit of a ramble about the prospects of a 19th AFL team being introduced, and specifically if it is time that the game gave Tasmania the team it so desperately wants. And then we can have a look at how the ladder is poised with just nine rounds to go – can you believe it – before September arrives.

What a week it has been. The occasional close game between teams next to each other on the ladder, the odd complete thrashing of teams that must occasionally wonder if they are in the right sport, and another round of exasperated coaches trying to justify their positions, given they know that it is they who are facing the sack and not their underperforming rosters. Oh, and everyone is having next weekend off too, which is a great thing for the NRL... if they are looking to boost the profile of the AFL and the A League.

Last week the ICC announced its international programme for the next decade, including expanding the current ODI and T20 World Cups and reintroducing the Champions Trophy. It means there will be an international tournament every year from now until 2031. Today I discuss the implications to the annual cricket calendar with so many additional tournaments, and whether the benefits will outweigh the deficits.

In this week's edition of my NRL podcast, I take a look at the way the round unfolded, especially the two one-point victories that could have been embarrassing for the team that had been so far in front before allowing a comeback from their opponents. Today's Talking Point focuses on last week's first Origin match, and where the series will progress from that result. And then I'll discuss the logjam in the middle of the table as we approach next week's important round of matches.

After last week's false alarm, England made sure of it this week by being completely outplayed by New Zealand in the 2nd Test and losing the series, their first at home in seven years. Today I take a look at the ails that England face heading into their next Test series against India. Then I discuss the merits of both New Zealand and India in preparation for their clash for the first ever World Test Championship Final starting on Friday.

Australia are touring the West Indies in July, but seven of our top cricketers look likely to miss it citing 'bubble fatigue', and yet they all appear likely to want to return to UAE in September to complete the Indian Premier League competition. Today I discuss this situation, and if playing for Australia is no longer the priority, then should those players be automatic selections for the team into the future, including the World T20 in October.

The first of the three split rounds provided some entertainment and a couple of surprises, while also confirming a couple of teams whose seasons are pretty much over at the halfway mark. Today's Talking Point takes a sterner look at Carlton's continued fall, and consider that if indeed 2021 is now a lost cause for playing finals, just what can they do to improve after 20 years of mediocrity.