Show notes
In this episode of the show, Binksy, Baldy and Stu look back at another busy week of international cricket, which saw South Africa win the third test to secure a series victory against Australia and move to #1 in the ICC Test Rankings, plus the continuation of the T20 series between the Black Caps and India. We start the show in South Africa, where the home side prevailed by 176 runs in a rollercoaster of a test that concluded a rollercoaster of a series against Australia. The visitors won the toss after a host of changes and sent Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram raced out to a brilliant start. From there, this see-sawing encounter gave us hundreds from Josh Inglis, Ryan Rickelton & Wiaan Mulder, six-wicket hauls for Mitchell Starc & Simon Harmer, and quality contributions from many others, including Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada. We discuss the key moments and wonder what's next for both sides. Is there a world where Australia could 'rest' Pat Cummins? Is Marnus Labuschagne's test career over? Will Simon Harmer remain South Africa's #1 spinning option for the England test series?
As the conversation continues, we move to the T20 series between the Black Caps and India, which saw both sides break records in games 3 and 4. We talk about how important it was for New Zealand to finally add a mark to the win column, the brilliant form of Glenn Phillips, plus the incredible hitting from Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi that saw India score 178 from their first 10 overs in Wellington.
In the final segment of the show, we briefly touch on England's performances in the ODI tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka and Pakistan, focusing mainly on the bowling options available to England and some positives despite missing out on the final.
To access the online game referenced on the show - The Greats - check out the links below and email studio@thegreats.cricket with "Top Order" in the subject line. The first 5 people who email in will have free access to the full game.
Play free in your browser: https://thegreats.cricket/play
The full game (Early Access, £9.99): https://montybeau.gumroad.com/l/uamotp
We'll be back again soon with more news and views as the Black Caps v India ODI series begins along with any other cricket news that catches our eyes. Until then please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter & Facebook, and @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram & YouTube) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our website. 0:00 Intro
1:45: Aus v SA: South Africa win a rollercoaster series
5:15 Why did Australia bowl first?
9:20 Australia's selection & signs of life for the Aus batters
16:05 Is Pat Cummins under pressure for his spot?
19:30 Ryan Rickelton & Wiaan Mulder partnership
25:55 Kagiso Rabada & Simon Harmer
34:25 Is that the end for Marnus Labuschange's test career?
39:30 Are Australia afraid to make the big selection decisions?
43:35 Black Caps v India: NZ bounce back
49:15 Glenn Phillips's brilliant form & unanswered questions
53:00 India the T20 benchmark & record-breaking 3rd T20
57:45 England's performances in ODI tri-series
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