New episode of Running Between the Wickets is out, featuring Graeme Smith. We chatted future of SA20, WTC, SA cricket and much more. And of course I couldn’t resist a little 🎣. 😅 👀 youtube.com/watch?v=cUfj... 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/4SgK...

I’m starting a new video series while I’m at the @SA20_League and I’d love for you to take a look. First up is Trent Boult from @MICapeTown and I took him by surprise with what I had in store for him. 😅 #ThenvsNow youtu.be/PfOwpAtBW5M?...

Already seeing comments by people in cricket’s richest & most powerful countries criticising SA’s apparently “soft” route to the WTC Final. Like, inequity in international cricket is suddenly an issue but at the same time let’s ignore the inequity that led to this inequity. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Have we been in third innings pickle theory territory here? I haven’t been able to decide. Maybe India have taken wickets too consistently. #AUSvIND

After an extraordinary day of Test cricket at the MCG comes a bonkers T20 at the Mount. What on earth might happen at Centurion & Bulawayo? 🤯🏏

Possible the most impressive achievement of Stokes and McCullum is that they’ve taken non-paying rental space in cricketing heads around the world. Bazball this, Bazball that, such-and-such-ball, can’t stop mentioning it. All without an England player in sight. #AUSvIND

I dunno how you spend Boxing Day but I’ve been explaining fast leg theory and fielding restrictions to my mother. #AUSvIND

Enjoying a rare bit of farm time before Christmas. So excited about plans for 2025, starting with a busy and fun January. Watch this space! 👀

I’ll miss watching Ashwin in Test cricket. One of the game’s deepest thinkers and craftiest offspinning technicians. I’d love to see him in the Championship. And undoubtedly he’ll be a highly sought after pundit, if he chooses that route.

Be honest. Would you have laughed if Siraj had done a Broad after switching the bails on Marnus?🙊 #AUSvIND

There’s been a lot of talk about who will be the next gen ‘fab four’ but gosh there’s some exciting young bowlers emerging in Test cricket. I really, really like Will O’Rourke, for one. #NZvENG

The Netherlands have been one of international cricket’s best expansion stories in recent years. This makes for some pretty grim reading and shows how tight things are outside FM countries. Terrific & typically forensic reporting from @bdjcricket.bsky.social. m.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news...

Omg, Tim Southee is going out swinging and it’s absolutely glorious. #NZvENG

On this day in 2014, Australia defeated India in the first Test at Adelaide, dedicating their victory song to Phil Hughes following the match. #AUSvIND @melindafarrell.bsky.social remembers it in Golden Summers thenightwatchman.net/buy/golden-s...

This was a lot of fun!

I know it’s effectively a dead rubber, I know *the other* Test series is happening and it’s very important etc etc. But there’s something about #NZvENG Tests. The cricket is just so easy to watch & the contest intriguing.

My mum just walked into the room and asked if “the funny fellow” is still in. I’m pretty sure that means she’s now a Rishabh stan. #AUSvIND

Nathan Smith v Jacob Bethell says hi. 👋🏻 #NZvENG

Gus Atkinson finding the whole Test cricket milestone malarkey to be a bit of a doddle. 😯 #NZvENG

Not far off having entertaining and high quality Test cricket played non-stop around the world over these several days. What a treat! #NZvENG #AUSvIND #SAvSL

Even by Starc’s ridiculous new pink ball standards that was beyond ludicrous! 🤯 #AUSvIND

I would happily watch 10 hours straight of Matt Henry v Harry Brook. Such a high quality contest. 🤤 #NZvENG

Over the past week there have loads of great fixture reveals for the 2025 Eng & Wales men’s and women’s domestic season across all formats. It reveals a lot about the differences between the cricket cultures in Aus and England.

Fascinating to see how Aus react to this. Last time I recall anything like it was 2016 SA tour which was shambolic. Don’t think it’ll go the same way but a combo of choices around Warner’s retirement, players undercooked & no plan c or d in the field all playing a part. #AUSvIND

Marnus overstepping as he bowls wide down the leg side with his first deliver of spin pretty much sums up the last 2 days for Australia. #AUSvIND

Declaration Speculation has begun, of course, but geez, why shouldn’t India be totally ruthless and make Aus bowl for an hour tomorrow morning? They’d still have 5 1/2 sessions to bowl out a very weary and deflated side. #AUSvIND

I don’t mean any disrespect to Labuschagne, but seeing him bowl in Perth on days 2 and 3 isn’t exactly inspiring, old ball notwithstanding. India gradually cooking Aus in the field. #AUSvIND

Fantastic hearing @beastieboy07 on commentary. Signing of the summer.

One of the great things about Tests is that two consecutive days can produce completely different cricket. Jaiswal & KL purring along now. #AUSvIND

Well that was a gloriously bonkers opening day. Let’s do it again tomorrow. #AUSvIND

Mum on Bumrah: “He’s got a funny way of bowling, doesn’t he?” Never change, Marlene. #AUSvIND

So much talk before this series about how Bumrah would have to do the heavy lifting. He’s like, do you even? Has to be up there with the great visiting spells. Part smiling puppy, part trebuchet, all class. #AUSvIND

With no Jadeja in this match, I’m hereby awarding Nathan McSweeney Best Hair In Show. My decision is final. #AUSvIND

Oh Rishabh Pant. We are so blessed to have you back, just for that ridiculous shot alone. You couldn’t be boring if you tried. #AUSvIND

Lyon v Pant is one of the contests I’ve really wanted to see. Buckle up. #AUSvIND

Right then! Happy first-Test -of-the-Aus-summer day, everyone! Hope you all enjoy what should be a cracking series. ☀️ 🏏 🇦🇺 🇮🇳 #AUSvIND

Mum’s backyard = decent office

Does anyone know of any #cricket starter packs on here? Would be very useful!

I can’t recall an Australian newspaper ever splitting its front and back pages between English and another language. Genius move, I reckon. And shows the importance of the BGT to the Aus sporting summer.

New episode of Running Between The Wickets is up, featuring my fellow adopted Brummie, Jacob Bethell. #WIvENG 📺 youtu.be/FIBv8D43bbo?... 📻 open.spotify.com/episode/12Bn... 📻 podcasts.apple.com/fm/podcast/j... #cricket #runningbetweenthewickets #cricketlife #ontheroad

So happy about a few things happening in cricket today. 1st Test between Aus & SA women. 100th Test for the glorious freak that is Ben Stokes. Plus a few Aus U19 champions announced in senior state squads. Sure there’s plenty more! 🏏 👍🏻

It feels like such a long time since there was a *proper* kerfuffle over a selection/non-selection in the Aus squad. Shows how settled the side has been.

Good start to 2024.

Magic in the Himalayas.

Might as well make the final sunset of 2023 a spectacular one. #nepal

Good morning for it in Birgunj! Also, now I will never forget my name. 😀

I love trying new things and have just discovered juju dhau (thick yoghurt traditionally made by the Newar people). Apparently it means ‘king of yoghurts’ and I have to agree. Also, yak cheese is great. (I post most travel stuff on insta stories if that’s of interest).

First peek at the Himalayan peaks! Namaste, Nepal. 🙏🏻 🇳🇵 🏏

Heading to Nepal to round off a year that’s had some unexpected adventures. Excited about this!

Yes, yes, terminal 2 at Bengaluru Airport is incredibly impressive but there is no greater engineering achievement in India than the bottle opener in a hotel bathroom. My decision is final. 🍻