Cricket Unfiltered

Bangladesh have stunned Australia on the opening day in Darwin, and Menners isn't holding back after one of Australia's worst days of Test cricket in recent memory.

Australia were bowled out for 198 before Bangladesh finished the day firmly in control. Menners breaks down the batting collapse, questions some major decisions from the Australian camp and asks whether several players are now facing a much bigger problem than just one bad innings.

There's also a big call on Marnus Labuschagne, questions about whether Australia's excuses around batting in Shield cricket really stack up, and plenty to discuss around the proposed changes to Sheffield Shield sessions.

Plus, Menners weighs in on the latest developments involving Ash Gardner and the conflict-of-interest questions surrounding Australian women's cricket.

Was this just a horrible day for Australia — or is something much bigger going on?

Timecodes:

(00:56) Bangladesh turn the tables on Australia(02:50) Menners questions Australia's decision to bat first(05:13) The batting collapse — and some very familiar problems(08:32) Steve Smith fights back as Australia try to survive(10:27) 198 all out — just how bad was Australia's batting?(12:11) Bangladesh get another huge opportunity — and Australia let them off(15:10) Menners makes a big call on Marnus Labuschagne(17:34) Shield cricket changes, Ash Gardner and the bigger issues facing Australian cricket

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Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.

They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos.

Check them out at exactamundo.com.au

Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page

Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q

Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media:

https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered

Show twitter:

https://twitter.com/auscricketpod

Menners on twitter:

https://twitter.com/amenners

TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered

Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au

Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com

Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.

It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.

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Episode Summary

Australia are finally back in Test cricket, and Menners and Damien Watson preview the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. They discuss the pressure on Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, whether Australia's ageing Test side needs to start planning for the future, and make some big predictions for the next 12 months of Australian cricket.

The guys also discuss Travis Head's back-to-back AB Medal, the surprisingly casual awards ceremony, Bharat Sundaresan's Stuart Broad Logies campaign, the complex Ash Gardner and Georgia Voll situation, The Hundred and the infamous Andrew Symonds fishing incident.

Key Moments

(2:15) Australia vs Bangladesh Preview — Bangladesh's disastrous tour match raises questions about whether they can compete with Australia.

(5:17) Weatherald, Labuschagne & Green Under Pressure — Three Australian batsmen with plenty to prove in the opening Test.

(13:06) Is Australia's Test Team Too Old? — The guys debate whether Australia should start blooding younger players before the inevitable rebuild.

(17:15) Australia's Next 12 Months — Predictions for Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand, India, the World Test Championship and the Ashes.

(23:44) Travis Head Wins the AB Medal — Head takes back-to-back medals, but the guys question the casual presentation and lack of ceremony.

(27:56) Bharat's Stuart Broad Love-In — Menners takes aim at Bharat Sundaresan's campaign to get Stuart Broad a Logie.

(31:08) Ash Gardner, Georgia Voll & The Power Imbalance Debate — A detailed discussion about relationships, leadership and potential conflicts of interest in Australian women's cricket.

(43:33) Andrew Symonds' Fishing Incident Revisited — The infamous Darwin fishing story leads to a broader discussion about Symonds, Monkeygate and Cricket Australia's treatment of him.
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Cricket Unfiltered is back with plenty to unpack as England appoint Stephen Fleming as Test coach, sparking debate about the direction of English cricket and whether Joe Root's return as captain is the right move.

Menners and Damian Watson also dissect Ben Stokes' revealing podcast interview, including his comments on Australia's media, England's drinking culture and his retirement. Closer to home, they preview Australia's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and discuss which players will survive the next 21-Test journey leading into the next World Test Championship cycle. Plus, the latest BBL news, The Hundred, Australian stars dominating overseas, and another edition of Can't Let It Go.

(0:55) Stephen Fleming becomes England's Test coach and the Michael Hussey coaching rumours.

(7:20) Ben Stokes' podcast interview dissected: Aussie media, drinking culture and retirement comments.

(20:23) Bangladesh series preview and why they're more dangerous than many think.

(26:53) Australia's 21-Test journey: who survives and who misses out?

(39:02) BBL changes, overseas signings and Ben Stokes linked to Australia.

(42:59) The Guyana Super League, Ollie Peake's rise and The Hundred update.

(48:55) Allen Border Medal predictions and Mitchell Starc's outstanding season.

(51:36) Can't Let It Go: Australia A squads, 'Clicky Ponting' and more.

Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here!

We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show.

🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591

🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order!

From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear.

Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.

They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos.

Check them out at exactamundo.com.au

Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page

Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q

Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media:

https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered

Show twitter:

https://twitter.com/auscricketpod

Menners on twitter:

https://twitter.com/amenners

TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered

Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au

Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com

Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.

It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.

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England endures another chaotic week as Menners and Damien Watson unpack the club cricket cheating scandal, the controversial 2027 Ashes schedule, rumours of Joe Root returning as Test captain and concerns over the future of The Hundred. They also preview Australia's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, discuss Andrew McDonald's plans for the squad, examine Ash Gardner's leadership situation, debate the future of Australia's Big Bash, and wrap up with David Warner's drink-driving case, Peter Siddle's incredible longevity and another edition of Can't Let It Go.

(0:04) England's extraordinary week of controversy: cheating scandal, Ashes schedule backlash and ECB criticism.

(11:22) Bangladesh squad announced, injury concerns and Australia's preparations for the Test series.

(17:09) Andrew McDonald's selection philosophy, World Cup squad sizes and Australia's chance to build a legacy.

(22:01) Ash Gardner's Sydney Sixers captaincy and managing conflicts of interest in cricket.

(25:08) Listener question: a new proposal for Australia Day and why it makes sense.

(27:47) The Hundred's declining crowds, Big Bash privatisation concerns and franchise identity.

(32:10) Peter Siddle's remarkable longevity and the growing number of global T20 leagues.

(35:20) Can't Let It Go: David Warner's court case, Billy Konstas, Pakistan's struggles and a remarkable world record.

Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here!

We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show.

🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591

🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order!

From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear.

Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.

They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos.

Check them out at exactamundo.com.au

Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page

Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q

Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media:

https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered

Show twitter:

https://twitter.com/auscricketpod

Menners on twitter:

https://twitter.com/amenners

TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered

Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au

Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com

Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.

It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia's Test squad for the Bangladesh series has been named, with selectors backing experience over experimentation despite growing pressure on several key positions. Menners and Damian debate whether Josh Hazlewood should still hold off Scott Boland, how much time Marnus Labuschagne has left at No.3, and whether Cameron Green and Beau Webster can coexist in the same XI. The episode also pays tribute to the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers following his passing, reviews a record-breaking Major League Cricket tournament, unpacks the ICC's controversial new World Cup formats, and discusses the retirement of NSW stalwart Moises Henriques.

Timecodes

(1:20) Australia's Test squad for Bangladesh announced – Hazlewood vs Boland, Marnus under pressure and the batting order debate.

(17:40) Remembering Sir Garfield Sobers – reflecting on the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen.

(24:10) Major League Cricket review – Washington Freedom's world-record chase, Steve Smith shines and the tournament's growing impact.

(30:00) The Hundred begins and Matthew Mott takes over as Sydney Sixers BBL coach.

(32:15) ICC confirms controversial new formats for the 2027 ODI World Cup and future T20 World Cups.

(41:10) Could Justin Langer become England's next Test coach?

(44:20) Moises Henriques retires after an outstanding domestic career, plus "Can't Let It Go".

Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here!

We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show.

🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591

🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order!

From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear.

Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams.

They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos.

Check them out at exactamundo.com.au

Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page

Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q

Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media:

https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered

Show twitter:

https://twitter.com/auscricketpod

Menners on twitter:

https://twitter.com/amenners

TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered

Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: andrew@piccolopodcasts.com.au

Email the show your cricket takes: cricketunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com

Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.

It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices