In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, we discuss another busy week of cricket from all around the world – from Sri Lanka’s dominant win against the Black Caps in Galle, which led Tim Southee to step down from the captaincy, to India’s whirlwind victory against Bangladesh in Kanpur. We also quickly look ahead to England’s Test tour of Pakistan and the Women’s ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE.
We start in a sombre mood, with the woes of the Black Caps front of mind after a crushing loss against Sri Lanka. We talk about the self-inflicted nature of the performance, whether New Zealand are actually equipped to win a series like this one, what’s next for this Test side following Tim Southee stepping aside as captain and whether more changes should be made in the very near future. There’s also praise for Kamindu Mendis and Nishan Peiris, and Sri Lanka in general as they keep their World Test Championship Final dreams alive.
Conversation then moves to Kanpur, where it looked like the weather would have the final say – until Rohit Sharma two-stepped down the wicket and launched the ball over long on. We discuss India’s positive approach to the game, Jasprit Bumrah’s offspin, high-level catching, Ravindra Jadeja joining the elite 300/3000 club and debate whether this Test is an advertisement for making four-day Tests the norm.
We finish the show by looking ahead to England’s visit to Pakistan – do they have the bowling attack to take 20 wickets? And will Pakistan ever get it together off the field? – as well as a quick preview of the women’s T20 World Cup, which will see Australia go in as favourites yet again, but Baldy assures us is shaping up to be one of the most closely contested tournaments in recent memory..
We’ll be back again next week with more news and reviews from around the world. 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.
You can also dip back into our guest episodes – including conversations Mike Hesson, Shane Bond and Mike Hussey, current players such as Matt Henry, Sophie Devine and Ish Sodhi, coaches Gary Stead, Jeetan Patel and Luke Wright, as well as Barry Richards, Frankie Mackay, Bharat Sundaresan and many more fascinating people from all across the cricketing world.
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Thanks for listening.
0:00 Intro
0:50 SL v NZ: the Black Caps collapse in Galle
8:45 – Did NZ actually have the tools to win in Sri Lanka?
13:25 – Tim Southee steps down as NZ Test captain: is it time for even more change?
23:55 – Kamindu Mendis and NZ’s toss training
27:05 – India v Bangladesh: India’s whirlwind win
31:35 – Should we move to four-day Tests?
34:50 – Jasprit Bumrah is a cheat code
38:55 – India brilliant in the field & Ravindra Jadeja joins 300/3000 club
42:20 – England v Pakistan: Why can’t Pakistan sort out the off-field dramas?
45:15 – Expectations for England: will their bowling attack stack up?
54:25 – Women’s T20 World Cup: can anyone stop this amazing Australian side?
20 Comments
Jeez that was a disappointing Test for NZ – obviously the batting was woeful in that first innings, but I think the dropped catches and missed stumpings were more annoying. Just not doing the basics well enough. Frustrating tour.
I really think that India’s dominance at home is low hyped. Many still thinks winning in Australia is pinnacle. It is very unfair.
Wat was that from NZ , losing so badly?
Southee clearly was removed as captain because he was woefully out of form and clearly shouldn’t be playing.
NZ clearly has many problems with the team that needs urgent attention by the board.
Did you guys realise that the only time NZ won away since WTC started was in the final against India?
In all other away matches, NZ did not win.
I feel like they found the tempo to bat in the last innings in spinning conditions. I think Will O'Rourke with the help of Henry can run through the Indian batting lineup. I wouldn't be surprised if NZ ended up with 3-0 win in India provided they take all the chances created by the bowlers.
NZ let it slip in the first match. Take way that stupid Mitchell runout and it was much closer
there is one more guy in that u-19 squad called abhigyan kundu he is 16 year old wk batter , plays for u-19 mumbai , people are calling him generation talent.
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NZ is going no where in tests only they win in NZ against 2 tier teams. 3-0 writing on wall against India.
Is England going play Bazball at a minimum of 9 runs strike rate, at 10-11 SR against Pakistan to preserve their legacy and copyright. After all they showed how to play aggressive cricket to indians starting with CK Naidu Tendulkar at his prime Sehwag and SKY. Actually it is very simple to plan. After all it is only two tests and Ducket Pope Brook Root and Smith scoring at least one big hundred of 150+ Woakes Atkinson each making 50+ runs. 130×3, 40×2 straight away minimum of 400 runs in 50-60 overs and skittle Pakistan under 100 in first innings and 120 in second innings, pile up lead of 400+ following on. As simple as that.
Thankfully you guys talked newzealands luck at toss.sometimes I even feel as India/neutral fan that newzealand lost 2 tosses in 2021 tour and 3 tosses in 2016 tour and I'm afraid their luck at tosses might make this 3 match tour not the most pleasant series to see eventuality if it does.
Total overs bowled, 172, India played 52 overs, and won.
WTC must be given the credit for the way India approached the 2nd test vs Bsn, they wanted 12 points and not 4 from the draw knowing the table could get tight in the end
NZ Batting as whole is not clicking. Once they get going nobody can beat them.
They are not reaching 350+ score more often which is the problem.
How many cricket podcasts we got❤, fkn hell
Southee is part of it. Henry/O'Rourke could make a big difference. Henry even offers 20 runs more with the bat. And do we go for Bracewell over Santner. That one's less clear.
It was India at HOME. No disrespect to other's but we are probably the best right now.
That was not Bazball cuz to be fair that was the fastest team 50,100,150,200,250 and England has never done that. That something else, perfectly curated strategy to get those point unlike English side's mindless batting without looking at their opponent.
The English team just bats mindlessly or even made players like Root to bat in a manner that is totally opposite of what he does, what he is doing and good at.
Don't disrespect Indian team's brilliant performance , strategy, presence of mind or talents for that matter.
MB: Bazball died in India during the Eng tour of India.
In my book the best series ever was the 2021 Ind v Australia Series period ✊
Really hoping the Black Caps can put up a decent fight in India – they have to find a way to bat smartly against the spinners and turn starts into hundreds.
A good conversation until they had to pretend that they are in the least interested in wiminzez 'Cricket'.😢