New Aussie contract list braces for Test overload year
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The final episode of Season 19 of The Final Word Cricket Podcast celebrates a major milestone: winning the Cricket Media Club ECB Award for Podcast of the Year, a peer-voted honor that underscores the show’s impactful coverage of English cricket despite its Australian roots. Hosts Adam Collins and Jeff Lemon reflect on the achievement with gratitude, acknowledging the behind-the-scenes team, Patreon supporters, and sponsors. The episode dives into a rich tapestry of cricketing developments, from South Australia’s historic back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles and the controversial 'single to rotate strike' tactic, to Australia’s new central contracts that prioritize Test cricket and experienced players like Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. International stories include the bizarre case of South African bowler Byers-Svenpol joining Worcestershire mid-final, India’s contentious power rankings, and Ravi Bapara’s retirement from T20 Blast. The hosts also highlight the growing maturity in women’s cricket, particularly Amelia Kerr’s record-breaking 179 not out, while raising concerns about player welfare and communication within England’s setup. The second half explores the evolving state of English county cricket, spotlighting Leicestershire’s promotion to Division 1 and the arrival of Australian pro Jake Weatherald, while critiquing financial and structural struggles at Middlesex and Lancashire. The podcast also debates the ECB’s rejection of a Euro T20 mini-tournament, advocating for creative solutions like hosting events in off-season Europe—such as Italy’s Amalfi Coast—to foster growth. The season concludes with a playful yet thoughtful vision for a 'Five Nations' knockout tournament, imagined as a glamorous, low-cost event in Italy, symbolizing cricket’s potential for global inclusivity and innovation. The hosts express deep appreciation for Daniel Norcross’s long-term contributions and confirm the launch of Season 20 in two days, maintaining their weekly rhythm with new content ahead.
The Final Word Cricket Podcast won the prestigious Cricket Media Club ECB Award, recognizing its outstanding coverage of English cricket despite being an Australian-produced show.
Australia’s new central contracts emphasize Test cricket, prioritizing experienced players and a strong spin-bowling contingent, reflecting a strategic shift in national team planning.
South Australia’s back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles mark a historic achievement, with Alex Carey playing a pivotal role, while the controversial 'single to rotate strike' tactic continues to spark debate.
Leicestershire’s promotion to Division 1 is a landmark moment, bolstered by the signing of experienced Australian pro Jake Weatherald, though structural challenges remain for clubs like Middlesex and Lancashire.
The ECB’s rejection of a Euro T20 mini-tournament highlights scheduling and commercial priorities, but alternative models—like hosting events in off-season Europe—could drive growth and inclusivity.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Season 19 Finale & Award Victory
“It's a lovely thing. I hope while doing karaoke, I hope he was up on stage singing Total Eclipse of the Heart into it.”
Sheffield Shield Final Drama & Contract Announcements
“I hate the tactic. The tactic of the giving of the single. Every time it happens. I've hated it since 1982 at the MCG.”
International Cricket & Player Developments
“Amelia Kerr, it's unreal. 23 fours. She faced 23.1 overs. She's at 23 fours, a boundary and over, plus that six.”
Ollie Pope's Contract Status and Player Sentiment
The hosts speculate on Ollie Pope's position following the new England contract list, questioning whether he feels dropped or still in contention, and critique the lack of pastoral care from the ECB towards players left out.
Jake Weatherald's Arrival and Leicestershire's Division 1 Challenge
“He comes into a side with the likes of Rahan Ahmed. Josh Hull, big season for him and a really big season obviously for Leicestershire but having not played Div 1, what they will find as Worcestershire used to find time and time again is that you've got to compete for all four days.”
“If it was played in Italy, then things might be different. Oh, okay. Play it in Italy at the end of September. Now we're talking. It's a beginning of October. Beautiful, perfect weather.”
“Winner gets all expenses paid day out at Sorrento Beach. Bring it on. It would be flying in the sea time and time again, wouldn't it?”
“Amelia Kerr, it's unreal. 23 fours. She faced 23.1 overs. She's at 23 fours, a boundary and over, plus that six.”
Hosts
Guest
Daniel Norcross
person
South Australia
other
Adam Collins
person
Alex Carey
person
Jeff Lemon
person
Amelia Kerr
person
Ravi Bapara
person
Cricket Media Club ECB
organization
Middlesex County Cricket Club
organization
Jake Weatherald
person
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