JD Vance reminds me of Ron DeSantis.. minus the charisma

For all its shortcomings , I don’t think there would have been any thoughts of trying to win this Test if WTC points weren’t up for grabs. Don’t rubbish the concept- improve on its flaws.

I think one can say that the last day of The Oval Test in 2021 which I was lucky enough to attend was the peak of this Indian team. Since then, it’s been in decline.. initially slow but now very steep.

On this Pod, Deepak Rao , Saqib & I discuss Indian tour of Aus 1991-92: Srinath's Harmison(Gabba) moment. Veggie food. Azhar's homesick. Aus umpires. Tendulkar & Lismore. 'Moods' Ad on TV. Gavaskar the player of the tour, 1992 WC & more. #INDvsAUS podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ret…

Gideon Haigh was wondering why no one has tried to replicate Jeff Thomson’s action. I recall Brendan Bracewell of NZ in the ‘70s had a similar action. He didn’t have the same control Thommo had. Also not sure how he’s related to the younger Bracewells

Series at the midpoint and it could go downhill for India from here on in. Or the scene could be set for Rohit to do a “Ganguly at the Gabba”- score his first ton in Australia and lead his team to a strong finish and retain the BGT.

Did Steve Smith drop the Border Gavaskar Trophy first ball this morning?

As I have said a few times before, the Merseyside derby is like the Ashes. A traditional rivalry going back to the 19th century but now it’s all about whether one team can at least draw at home when everyone knows the return bout is a non-contest.

Correct! Pass it on! ⤵️

That was a sitter

Mark Butcher (mark butcher) spot on as always. Lamenting England disrespecting the ODI format.

RETWEET if you stand with President Zelensky!

A goalless draw for QPR at Loftus Road yesterday: read my match report here qpr.co.uk/news/2025/apri…

My interview with QPR FC Women manager in the QPR FC match day programme yesterday- an impressive season for the women and more to come next year!

I would rate Kohli’s batting in England in 2018 slightly higher than Smith’s a year later. Simple reason is Anderson was at his peak in those years and he played the whole series vs India and only bowled 4 overs vs Aus.

𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 💛🖤 The 6ft 6in paceman joins Gloucestershire Cricket on a rookie deal until the end of the 2026 season 🔥 #BecomeGlorious

Our first squad of the 2025 T20 Vitality Blast campaign... 💛🖤 The defence begins now... There are two potential Glos debutants, with new additions D'Arcy Short and Aman Rao included in the squad. #BecomeGlorious

MAIDEN WICKET FOR AMAN RAO!!!!! 💛🖤 The team looks delighted for our new signing as he claims the wicket of Jack Carson (8), caught at deep square by Miles Hammond! Sussex are 163/7 [17]. #BecomeGlorious

Spent a great day at Lord’s today. Saw some great cricket. SA have been superb in this innings. Absolutely loved the atmosphere..

How many batters have hit a ton in their first Tests in Australia and England? Would love to know..