ABC Cricket Podcast

Australia are out of the T20 World Cup and the temperature has risen quickly. Corbin Middlemas and Ed Cowan unpack whether this was a planning failure, an injury crisis, or a warning sign for life beyond the “Big Three”. Was the campaign really shambolic, or just tournament cricket doing what it does? And how much heat should the selectors actually wear?There’s a heavyweight upset to dissect as South Africa hand India their heaviest T20 World Cup defeat, plus England steady themselves and the Super 8 permutations start to tighten. Back home, Curtis Patterson’s purple patch rolls on, Marnus Labuschagne equals a one-day record and Mitch Swepson produces historic figures in a dramatic One Day Cup finish.Then the bigger picture: private investment in the Big Bash, player revenue share at 27.5%, and whether the league needs a structural reset to compete globally. Should stars be paid more? Should players own equity? And is opening the BBL in India or playing on Christmas Day bold innovation or distraction?All that, and a trail half-marathon to start the week.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin and special guest Xavier Doherty bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Corbin Middlemas and Xavier Doherty unpack the group-stage exit from every angle. Was it selection? Was it the bowling? Or was it simply a poorly timed injury crisis? The Steve Smith omission dominates the debate, while questions swirl around squad balance, generational transition and whether Australia truly prioritise T20 cricket.With Cummins and Hazlewood absent, did the attack lack bite? Is this a glimpse of life after the golden core? And what does Olympic qualification now mean for Australia’s short-form focus?Beyond the World Cup autopsy, the Sheffield Shield delivers drama — Scott Boland rips through WA, Sam Harper posts twin tons, and Tasmania’s sub-rule controversy raises eyebrows. In the One-Day Cup, the race for the final spot tightens, while Georgia Voll and the Australian women bounce back against India.Plus: BBL in India? Christmas Day cricket? Plenty to dissect.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin and special guest Xavier Doherty bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Australia’s T20 World Cup hopes are under pressure after a loss to Zimbabwe. Corbin and special guest Xavier Doherty break down the selection dilemmas, Sri Lankan spin conditions, and what tournament play does to even the best teams. India’s dominance over Pakistan continues, while South Africa and Afghanistan deliver a double Super Over classic. Back home, India’s women outplay Australia in Sydney and the Sheffield Shield race heats up. Doherty also shares insight into his transition from international player to match referee.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

A double super over, Pakistan backflip, an Italian victory fuelled by Sydney grade cricket and where will Steve Smith slot into the team if he even does. The T20 World Cup has heated up across the last few days and Corbin and Ed run through the biggest talking points including that South Africa win over Afghanistan with a rare second super over.The podcast records just as the Australia and Zimbabwe match begins so the boys ponder whether Smith is a like for like replacement for Marsh at the top of the order or if he fits in elsewhere should the skipper fly home.On home soil, the One Day Cup saw NSW cruise past the defending champs in their bid to be the team who will meet Tasmania in the final and there's some listener feedback and questions including a cheeky backhander from one fan.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

The T20 World Cup is off and running and the theme is "nearly" wins for the minnows and lucky escapes for the big guns. Corbin and Ed run through the first six games that saw Nepal give England a scare, India rely on SKY to post a target and the Dutch squander a winning position against Pakistan. There's a look forward to Australia's opening match against Ireland on Wednesday too and whether Connolly, Kuhnemann or both are picked to bolster the spin attack.Another round of Sheffield Shield saw a special innings from Kurtis Patterson, Gabe Bell bowls Tasmania to victory and have Victoria found one after plucking Dylan Brasher out of club cricket.Plus the 14-year-old Indian sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi lights up the U19 World Cup final for India with a devastating knock that sees the boys compare him to Brian Lara and ask "what was that?!".ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport. This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

The T20 World Cup is about to begin, but Australia start without Cummins, Starc or Hazlewood, raising bigger questions about depth, ageing fast bowlers and long-term planning across formats. Corbin and Ed unpack the tournament schedule, Australia’s soft launch, and whether Cricket Australia has been clear enough about priorities in an era dominated by franchise leagues.They also debate World Cup expansion, Italy’s unlikely qualification, and whether a 20-team tournament risks drifting too far from meaningful competition. Back home, the Sheffield Shield returns with 46 wickets falling on day one, sparking a sharp discussion about pitches, batting standards and early-season chaos.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Corbin and Ed unpack a major World Cup flashpoint after the Pakistan government announced it will not allow the national team to play India, prompting ICC warnings and raising serious questions about power, politics and the future structure of international cricket. The pair examine what the standoff could mean for global revenues, Test nations, and the balance of influence in the game as the tournament approaches.Corbin and Ed ask is Australia’s World Cup preparation on track following a heavy T20 series loss to Pakistan, injuries mounting, form dipping and selection calls under scrutiny, is this a genuine warning sign or simply a poorly timed stumble before the main event.The guys dive into domestic cricket, analysing Greg Shippard’s departure from New South Wales, the pressure on performance leaders, and the ongoing tension between winning titles and producing Australian players, before wrapping with concerns around domestic scheduling and the return of the Sheffield Shield.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Australia’s T20 World Cup warm-ups are underway, but how much should we actually read into the results?Corbin and Ed unpack the loss to Pakistan, Australia’s ongoing issues against spin, and what warm-up matches are really designed to reveal ahead of a major tournament. They dig into selection logic, role clarity, and the shrinking opportunities for fringe players as the World Cup squad takes shape. The conversation then broadens to a Big Bash wash-up, exploring player movement, draft and free-agency debates, and where the BBL could be heading next. The episode also covers ICC World Cup governance questions and a surprise captaincy call in Australian women’s cricket, with Sophie Molineux appointed skipper and the implications of Ash Gardner being overlooked.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

The Perth Scorchers claim another Big Bash title and Corbin and Ed unpack what continues to set the competition’s most successful club apart. The final, the pitch in Perth, and the Scorchers’ tactical edge are all examined, alongside an honest assessment of the Sixers and their heavy reliance on Steve Smith.The discussion widens to the health of the BBL, including crowds, broadcast audiences, and the ongoing debate around scheduling and travel during finals. There is also a look at catching laws, replay culture, and how modern officiating is changing the live experience.Around the world, Bangladesh’s exclusion from the upcoming World Cup raises bigger questions for the game’s governance, while India’s T20 dominance, England’s rare away ODI win, and Australia’s Under-19 progress round out a busy week in cricket.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

We are edging to the conclusion of a cracking season of BBL at the very same time Cricket Australia is readying to generate investment in the league.Ed and Corbin look at what's defined the season from an on field point of view,  from standout performances and game flow to how the tournament has connected with fans at key moments. With the final in view, the focus is on what makes the BBL work when it is at its best, and how the event sets the tone for the broader cricket calendar.Along the way, Corbin and Ed also widen the lens to touch on how the game is managed and communicated, and why trust, clarity, and letting the contest breathe matter as much off the field as on it.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

The Big Bash League is moving toward its finals phase and Steve Smith is once again at the centre of the conversation.Corbin and Ed unpack how the BBL is shaping up, which teams are finding form at the right time, and where the key match-ups are likely to land as the tournament tightens. Steve Smith’s run of form sparks a broader discussion about selection, player power, and his place in Australia’s white-ball plans.The episode also looks at Jake Fraser-McGurk’s development, pitch conditions across the competition, and debates around presentation and kits. Beyond the BBL, the guys touch on New Zealand’s success in India, changes to the Test calendar, county cricket moves, and what comes next for day-night Tests.Plus, a tribute to Alyssa Healy as Australia prepares for a new leadership era.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

With the Ashes done and January cricket in full swing, Corbin and Ed turn their focus to the Big Bash and what this season. They assess crowd momentum, the impact of Test players returning straight into T20 cricket, and how teams are shaping up as finals approach. There’s a deep dive on emerging talent announcing themselves, veterans finding new life, and why form lines in this part of the summer matter more than they appear. The conversation widens to Australia’s T20 World Cup frame, the role of overseas players, and where the domestic game sits in a global context as the season rolls on.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Australia retain the Ashes with a 4–1 series win, but the margin tells only part of the story. Corbin Middlemas and Ed Cowan step back from the daily grind to assess how the series actually played out, from selection calls and tactical shifts to England’s evolving approach and the standards that ultimately separated the sides.They revisit the moments that shaped the series, the Tests that elevated it and the ones that dragged it down, and what this Ashes revealed about where both teams are headed next, with an eye already on the road to 2027.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Australia sealed the Ashes 4–1 with a composed five-wicket win on day five at the SCG, finishing the series in control when it mattered most.England’s resistance ended early, losing their final two wickets for 40 as Mitchell Starc completed a defining series with 31 wickets. Chasing 160, Australia had a few untidy moments but were never seriously threatened, with Alex Carey striking the winning runs.Corbin Middlemas and Ed Cowan reflect on a series decided by moments. England had chances, but Australia consistently won the big ones. Travis Head’s 600-plus runs shaped the series, Starc earned Player of the Series, and Usman Khawaja was farewelled in his final Test at the SCG.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Jacob Bethell gave England something they have lacked for much of this series: belief.Arriving at the SCG without a first-class century to his name, the 22-year-old played an innings defined by control, patience, and authority, announcing himself on the Ashes stage and dragging England back into a contest that had been slipping away.Australia still hold the upper hand, but Beau Webster again underlined his growing importance. His unbeaten 71 rescued Australia’s innings, before he returned to take wickets with off-spin, including the key dismissal of Ben Stokes, on a surface offering more than expected.Corbin Middlemas and Ed Cowan unpack the day and set up the final act of the Ashes at the SCG, where Australia will be presented the urn.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Travis Head set the tone early, igniting the match with another decisive hundred that lifted the tempo and left England exposed. Once Head departed, Steve Smith took over, delivering a century built on discipline, patience, and total control. It was vintage Smith, marked by patience, clarity, and an absolute refusal to take the bait, as Australia seized command of day three.Corbin and Ed then turned to the man of the series debate, weighing Mitchell Starc’s wickets against Head’s match-shaping hundreds, before deciding the conversation could wait.Australia’s depth again became a key talking point. Cameron Green’s frustration after another start without a defining score was contrasted with Beau Webster’s calm, accomplished contribution, while Usman Khawaja’s dismissal was not the farewell many fans had hoped for in his final Test.The discussion closed with a blunt assessment of England’s unravelling, with missed chances, mounting pressure, and fading confidence defining a day that increasingly felt one-sided.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

England had the chance to bat Australia out of the contest on a high-quality SCG wicket, but despite a superb 160 from Joe Root, they failed to fully capitalise, leaving the door open once again.Root’s innings was the class act of the day, controlled, chanceless, and warmly received by the SCG crowd. Yet from a position of dominance, England were dismissed for a total that felt light given the conditions, missing the opportunity to put the game beyond Australia’s reach.Australia responded through Travis Head, whose aggressive, authoritative batting shifted momentum back toward the home side. On a surface offering an even contest between bat and ball, England will look back at day two as a moment where control was available but not taken. Australia, as they have throughout the series, remain standing.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

England finished day one of the fifth Ashes Test firmly on top after play at the SCG was called off early, leaving a sense that both the cricket and the crowd were short-changed.After winning the toss and batting first, England reached 3 for 211 from just 45 overs, with Joe Root 72 not out and Harry Brook 78 not out building an unbroken stand that Australia struggled to break. The pair batted with control and clarity, cashing in on a surface that looked good early and is expected to deteriorate as the Test wears on.Corbin and Ed focus on Australia’s selection, with no frontline spinner named at the SCG for the first time since 1888. The decision loomed larger as the day progressed, raising questions about how Australia will control the game once the pitch begins to break up later in the Test.Bad light, followed by rain, brought an early end to play. While the series is already decided, England leave day one with momentum, and Australia with questions, both about the match and the shape of the team moving forward.Day two begins early, with England well placed and the spotlight firmly on how Australia respond.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Usman Khawaja announces his retirement, Corbin and Ed reflect on a career that spanned eras, conditions, and expectations. They unpack his late-career peak, the scrutiny that followed him, and the comments that surfaced again around preparation, media pressure, and how players are judged as they age.Attention then turns to the SCG. The weather, the pitch narrative, and the recent run of shortened Tests come under examination, alongside the selection calls that still matter despite the series being decided. Todd Murphy’s case, the balance of the XI, and the pressure points across the top seven are all in play.There’s also a look at Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, who missed out, and what the balance says about conditions and roles, before a full Big Bash wrap and a final dive into the Ashes numbers that underline just how unusual this series has been.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

The two-day Boxing Day Test continues to spark a wider conversation about the state of Test cricket. Corbin Middlemas and Ed Cowan begin in Melbourne, unpacking the fallout at the MCG, Matt Page facing the media, and how a Test meant to anchor the summer instead triggered public unease, with one listener summing it up starkly as “the death of Test cricket.”The discussion then moves through the financial cost of shortened Tests and why, as Cowan puts it, “it’s not a slow slippery slope, it’s a snowball,” before turning to the Big Bash, where a potential sale is unpacked through the realities of revenue distribution and governance, and why those decisions now sit at the centre of cricket’s future. Attention finally shifts to Sydney, where the unexpected spotlight falls on SCG curator Adam Lewis, and what Ed says there is “a lot riding on this Test.” Cricket always finds room for the absurd, it ends with an unlikely opening partnership: Salt and Pepper.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’