The Grade Cricketer

Higgos and Pez have COVID. Was it worth it? Probably. The fallout from the MCG continues and there are still 2 Tests to go. Should Joe Root be captain? Does it matter? Will Scott Boland ever play again? Probably yes. Will Swepson play? Probably yes. Will the SCG spin? When was cricket good? Quinton de Kock has retired from Tests, so will this mean the end of civilised society? Hey, Devon Conway scored some more runs. He's good.

Check out our Patreon for exclusive content every single week at https://www.patreon.com/gradecricketer including #AskTGC Fridays and the exclusive audio from all of our YouTube videos - specifically our daily reactions to every day's play during The Ashes and The South Africa v India Test series.

This episode is brought to you by Budgy Smuggler. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code 'CHAMP' at https://www.budgysmuggler.com.au

T20 Stars products are made from one of the best cricket manufacturers in the world and they have cut out the middle person so the cricket gear goes straight from the manufacturer to you.

T20 Stars are celebrating a huge week of cricket by giving all TGC listeners 10% off on all bats, balls, gloves and pads. USE THE CODE TGC10 to claim the discount.

Free shipping and free returns - visit www.t20stars.com

We’re getting behind #nationalbackyardcricket, which supports libraries across regional Australia as well as tertiary education projects in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tanzania, South Africa, Afghanistan and Indonesia. Register your team, and game, to help support these projects. The official day is Sunday 6 Feb, but you can play any time in the lead up. Head to nationalbackyardcricket.com to get in and around it.

You can follow The Grade Cricketer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/gradecricketer

https://www.instagram.com/thegradecricketer/

https://twitter.com/gradecricketer

The Grade Cricketer hosts are Ian Higgins and Sam Perry.

You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter:

Ian Higgins:

https://www.instagram.com/higgins_ian/

https://twitter.com/1an_Higgins

Sam Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/sj_perry/

https://twitter.com/sjjperry

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out our Patreon for exclusive content every single week at https://www.patreon.com/gradecricketer including #AskTGC Fridays and the exclusive audio from all of our YouTube videos - specifically our daily reactions to every day's play during The Ashes and The South Africa v India Test series.

This episode is brought to you by Budgy Smuggler. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code 'CHAMP' at https://www.budgysmuggler.com.au

T20 Stars products are made from one of the best cricket manufacturers in the world and they have cut out the middle person so the cricket gear goes straight from the manufacturer to you.

T20 Stars are celebrating a huge week of cricket by giving all TGC listeners 10% off on all bats, balls, gloves and pads. USE THE CODE TGC10 to claim the discount.

Free shipping and free returns - visit www.t20stars.com

We’re getting behind #nationalbackyardcricket, which supports libraries across regional Australia as well as tertiary education projects in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tanzania, South Africa, Afghanistan and Indonesia. Register your team, and game, to help support these projects. The official day is Sunday 6 Feb, but you can play any time in the lead up. Head to nationalbackyardcricket.com to get in and around it.

You can follow The Grade Cricketer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/gradecricketer

https://www.instagram.com/thegradecricketer/

https://twitter.com/gradecricketer

The Grade Cricketer hosts are Ian Higgins and Sam Perry.

You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter:

Ian Higgins:

https://www.instagram.com/higgins_ian/

https://twitter.com/1an_Higgins

Sam Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/sj_perry/

https://twitter.com/sjjperry

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out our Patreon for exclusive content every single week at https://www.patreon.com/gradecricketer including #AskTGC Fridays and the exclusive audio from all of our YouTube videos - specifically our daily reactions to every day's play during The Ashes and The South Africa v India Test series.

This episode is brought to you by Budgy Smuggler. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code 'CHAMP' at https://www.budgysmuggler.com.au

T20 Stars products are made from one of the best cricket manufacturers in the world and they have cut out the middle person so the cricket gear goes straight from the manufacturer to you.

T20 Stars are celebrating a huge week of cricket by giving all TGC listeners 10% off on all bats, balls, gloves and pads. USE THE CODE TGC10 to claim the discount.

Free shipping and free returns - visit www.t20stars.com

We’re getting behind #nationalbackyardcricket, which supports libraries across regional Australia as well as tertiary education projects in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tanzania, South Africa, Afghanistan and Indonesia. Register your team, and game, to help support these projects. The official day is Sunday 6 Feb, but you can play any time in the lead up. Head to nationalbackyardcricket.com to get in and around it.

You can follow The Grade Cricketer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/gradecricketer

https://www.instagram.com/thegradecricketer/

https://twitter.com/gradecricketer

The Grade Cricketer hosts are Ian Higgins and Sam Perry.

You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter:

Ian Higgins:

https://www.instagram.com/higgins_ian/

https://twitter.com/1an_Higgins

Sam Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/sj_perry/

https://twitter.com/sjjperry

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia romp to a demon-arousing win at the Gabba and all of the nation’s sensory needs are met. We cover it all (selectively) in 40 minutes of visceral catharsis, which is then followed by the Visceral Minute.

Copes then joins in, adding intelligence and knowledge, before our most in-depth analysis of the BBL, aka Blobby Season, to date.

#AskTGC traverses first-borns, rhyming slang, and sad, wistful English people. Thanks (as ever) to everyone.

Check out our Patreon for exclusive content every single week at https://www.patreon.com/gradecricketer including #AskTGC Fridays and the exclusive audio from all of our YouTube videos - specifically our daily reactions to every day's play during The Ashes.

This episode is brought to you by Budgy Smuggler. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code 'CHAMP' at https://www.budgysmuggler.com.au

T20 Stars products are made from one of the best cricket manufacturers in the world and they have cut out the middle person so the cricket gear goes straight from the manufacturer to you.

T20 Stars are celebrating a huge week of cricket by giving all TGC listeners 10% off on all bats, balls, gloves and pads. USE THE CODE TGC10 to claim the discount.

Free shipping and free returns - visit www.t20stars.com

We’re getting behind #nationalbackyardcricket, which supports libraries across regional Australia as well as tertiary education projects in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tanzania, South Africa, Afghanistan and Indonesia. Register your team, and game, to help support these projects. The official day is Sunday 6 Feb, but you can play any time in the lead up. Head to nationalbackyardcricket.com to get in and around it.

You can follow The Grade Cricketer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/gradecricketer

https://www.instagram.com/thegradecricketer/

https://twitter.com/gradecricketer

The Grade Cricketer hosts are Ian Higgins and Sam Perry.

You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter:

Ian Higgins:

https://www.instagram.com/higgins_ian/

https://twitter.com/1an_Higgins

Sam Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/sj_perry/

https://twitter.com/sjjperry

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The harsh blue (grey) hue of the Brisbane sky, blazing sun, golden sponsors and Cameron Green’s size means we’ve finally arrived at The Ashes. Pez and Higgos reject a cold, clinical look at form and instead go big on things like feeling, vibe, narrative, stereotype and jingoism – for the optimal way to enjoy the Ashes is to couch it in colonial, cultural terms, rather than anything vaguely objective or fact-based.

As a result, we conclude Australia will cruise: despite not having won a Test series for a very long time, leadership in general tumult, and Smith changing his grip. The Visceral Minute returns and reflect this general approach to things “on both sides”, to invoke D Trump (who played 3s for Manhattan). We speak with Ollie Pope – who played Sydney Test Cricket with some distinction – and afterwards decide that we want him to play, because we are now known to him and want to lamely attach ourselves to his success like the weak little cucks we are.

Mt Foxmore’s Shane Warne sledges Mitch Starc again, Langer visits Paine, and Cummins is an astronaut. Meanwhile Ajaz Patel takes 10fer and we ask: what grade would he play here? The Sixers also beat a team with Zampa, Maxwell “and some clubbies”, because if you lose a BBL fixture it follows that you are carrying clubbies.

We pay tribute to Rob Aitken for his feat of 500 first grade games, a first-class player if there ever was one.

We include a special chat with CEO of Budgy Smugger, Adam Linforth, on building a proud Australian company and tubbing with the NSW Cricket Team.

#AskTGC is an overwritten lecture from the pulpit about the harsh realities of life as a millionaire sportsperson. We agree with the general premise.

Check out our Patreon for exclusive content every single week at https://www.patreon.com/gradecricketer including #AskTGC Fridays and the exclusive audio from all of our YouTube videos - specifically our daily reactions to every day's play during The Ashes.

This episode is brought to you by Budgy Smuggler. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code 'CHAMP' at https://www.budgysmuggler.com.au

T20 Stars products are made from one of the best cricket manufacturers in the world and they have cut out the middle person so the cricket gear goes straight from the manufacturer to you. Use the code TGC10 for 10% off bats, balls, gloves and pads. Free shipping and free returns - visit www.t20stars.com

You can follow The Grade Cricketer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/gradecricketer

https://www.instagram.com/thegradecricketer/

https://twitter.com/gradecricketer

The Grade Cricketer hosts are Ian Higgins and Sam Perry.

You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter:

Ian Higgins:

https://www.instagram.com/higgins_ian/

https://twitter.com/1an_Higgins

Sam Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/sj_perry/

https://twitter.com/sjjperry

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out our Patreon for exclusive content every single week at https://www.patreon.com/gradecricketer including #AskTGC Fridays and the exclusive audio from all of our YouTube videos - specifically our daily reactions to every day's play during The Ashes.

This episode is brought to you by Budgy Smuggler. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code 'CHAMP' at https://www.budgysmuggler.com.au

T20 Stars products are made from one of the best cricket manufacturers in the world and they have cut out the middle person so the cricket gear goes straight from the manufacturer to you. Free shipping and free returns - visit www.t20stars.com

You can follow The Grade Cricketer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/gradecricketer

https://www.instagram.com/thegradecricketer/

https://twitter.com/gradecricketer

The Grade Cricketer hosts are Ian Higgins and Sam Perry.

You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter:

Ian Higgins:

https://www.instagram.com/higgins_ian/

https://twitter.com/1an_Higgins

Sam Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/sj_perry/

https://twitter.com/sjjperry

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TGC x Ricky Ponting. A match made in (mostly) 2s/3s at Mowbray. We talk to Ricky about The Ashes, coaching Delhi, being poached by India, Australian team harmonies and getting a few.

Use the code GETAFEW for 20% off a case of Ponting Wines.

Check out our Patreon for exclusive content every single week at https://www.patreon.com/gradecricketer

This episode is brought to you by Budgy Smuggler. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code 'CHAMP' at https://www.budgysmuggler.com.au

T20 Stars products are made from one of the best cricket manufacturers in the world and they have cut out the middle person so the cricket gear goes straight from the manufacturer to you. Free shipping and free returns - visit www.t20stars.com

And of course, if you want to check out the Ponting Wines Range, head to pontingwines.com.au and get a few today.

You can follow The Grade Cricketer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/gradecricketer

https://www.instagram.com/thegradecricketer/

https://twitter.com/gradecricketer

The Grade Cricketer hosts are Ian Higgins and Sam Perry.

You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter:

Ian Higgins:

https://www.instagram.com/higgins_ian/

https://twitter.com/1an_Higgins

Sam Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/sj_perry/

https://twitter.com/sjjperry

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to be a part of TGC's Visceral Minute, hit the link below:

https://www.speakpipe.com/TGC

Check out our Patreon for exclusive content every single week at https://www.patreon.com/gradecricketer

This episode is brought to you by Budgy Smuggler. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code 'CHAMP' at https://www.budgysmuggler.com.au

T20 Stars products are made from one of the best cricket manufacturers in the world and they have cut out the middle person so the cricket gear goes straight from the manufacturer to you. Free shipping and free returns - visit www.t20stars.com

You can follow The Grade Cricketer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/gradecricketer

https://www.instagram.com/thegradecricketer/

https://twitter.com/gradecricketer

The Grade Cricketer hosts are Ian Higgins and Sam Perry.

You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter:

Ian Higgins:

https://www.instagram.com/higgins_ian/

https://twitter.com/1an_Higgins

Sam Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/sj_perry/

https://twitter.com/sjjperry

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

***

Budgy Smuggler’s MySmugglingRemake Competition is on in earnest. Details here:

What's in the ultimate Smuggling party package?

Great question! For winners, you win the following:

· $2,500 AUD of Budgy Smuggler Credit.

· 10 x VIP Tickets to Budgy Smuggler Day on the Park (Thursday, January 13th). This is a take over of Luna Park in Smugglers / Smugglettes followed by Sons of East playing by the Harbour. Drinks & Food Included. Valued at $3,000. For those who can’t make it Sydney at this date, we’ll coordinate another time or $3,000 towards your own smuggling party (eg. a bar tab).

· A couple of cheeky surprises.

·

The runner up per category will win $500 Smuggling credit.

How to enter?

· Select a famous scene or moment in time.

· Re-create said scene in either a photo or video… but with your own creative flair.

· Post to Facebook / Instagram and or TikTok with #MySmugglingRemake2021 & tag your most relevant page.

Judging Criteria

· The entry makes us smile & nod in appreciation

· Wearing Smugglers or Smugglettes - Bonus points if our new underwear, sock or bucket hat collections feature but this is not a requirement.

· 50% based on the reaction on social media, 50% by an expert panel of Ordinary Rigs.

· Bonus points if your photo features in the actual media.

· Entries close November 15th. Winner announced Black Friday (November 26th, 2021).

· Any entries breaking the law, putting yourself or others at significant risk of harm or likely to cause broad offence, won’t be considered and we’d prefer if you cease smuggling immediately.

If you want to be a part of TGC's Visceral Minute, hit the link below:

https://www.speakpipe.com/TGC

Check out our Patreon for exclusive content every single week at https://www.patreon.com/gradecricketer

This episode is brought to you by Budgy Smuggler. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code 'CHAMP' at https://www.budgysmuggler.com.au

T20 Stars products are made from one of the best cricket manufacturers in the world and they have cut out the middle person so the cricket gear goes straight from the manufacturer to you. Free shipping and free returns - visit www.t20stars.com

You can follow The Grade Cricketer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/gradecricketer

https://www.instagram.com/thegradecricketer/

https://twitter.com/gradecricketer

The Grade Cricketer hosts are Ian Higgins and Sam Perry.

You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter:

Ian Higgins:

https://www.instagram.com/higgins_ian/

https://twitter.com/1an_Higgins

Sam Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/sj_perry/

https://twitter.com/sjjperry

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England is alchemy. Australia is cobbled. But the hue of the Gabba and sponsored gold trimmings trumps all. India now needs maths and Satan. Pakistan is wild and good. New Zealand demands respect but it will never be given (publicly).

We run through the WBBL. Couple of guys did some things in the Shield, too. Maybe they’ll make the soon-to-be-announced Australia 2’s team to take on the Lions (England 2’s).

We chat with Will Macpherson and Tim Bresnan, in their own separate ways, about England being good.

The Visceral Minute receives strong contributions. Get yours in at speakpipe.com/tgc – any form of redeeming humour is appreciated.

We nod to Ashley Mallett, Alan Davidson and Peter Philpott.

We fumble around the Quentin De Kock farrago. Bit going on. Worth reflecting upon.

The IPL Mega Auction happens soon. Bit of coin around. Will CA eventually take private equity? Whispers, tea leaves, between-the-lines stuff happening here.

AskTGC meditates on what *really* makes a good day playing cricket. The answer is a dog sleeping at gully.

***

Budgy Smuggler’s MySmugglingRemake Competition is on in earnest. Details here:

What's in the ultimate Smuggling party package?

Great question! For winners, you win the following:

· $2,500 AUD of Budgy Smuggler Credit.

· 10 x VIP Tickets to Budgy Smuggler Day on the Park (Thursday, January 13th). This is a take over of Luna Park in Smugglers / Smugglettes followed by Sons of East playing by the Harbour. Drinks & Food Included. Valued at $3,000. For those who can’t make it Sydney at this date, we’ll coordinate another time or $3,000 towards your own smuggling party (eg. a bar tab).

· A couple of cheeky surprises.

·

The runner up per category will win $500 Smuggling credit.

How to enter?

· Select a famous scene or moment in time.

· Re-create said scene in either a photo or video… but with your own creative flair.

· Post to Facebook / Instagram and or TikTok with #MySmugglingRemake2021 & tag your most relevant page.

Judging Criteria

· The entry makes us smile & nod in appreciation

· Wearing Smugglers or Smugglettes - Bonus points if our new underwear, sock or bucket hat collections feature but this is not a requirement.

· 50% based on the reaction on social media, 50% by an expert panel of Ordinary Rigs.

· Bonus points if your photo features in the actual media.

· Entries close November 15th. Winner announced Black Friday (November 26th, 2021).

· Any entries breaking the law, putting yourself or others at significant risk of harm or likely to cause broad offence, won’t be considered and we’d prefer if you cease smuggling immediately.

If you want to be a part of TGC's Visceral Minute, hit the link below:

https://www.speakpipe.com/TGC

Check out our Patreon for exclusive content every single week at https://www.patreon.com/gradecricketer

This episode is brought to you by Budgy Smuggler. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code 'CHAMP' at https://www.budgysmuggler.com.au

T20 Stars products are made from one of the best cricket manufacturers in the world and t

EXTRA HOUR of AskTGC EVERY WEEK: https://patreon.com/gradecricketer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.