Cricket conversations
We discuss the final day of the fourth Test in Brisbane, where India did the improbable. Talking Points: Excuse me, what did we just see? India’s greatest series win? Teams getting ambitious with fourth-innings chases The value – and strategic brilliance – of Pujara’s innings Gill and Pant in their
We discuss the third Test in Sydney, where India held on for a valiant draw. Talking Points: When a draw was like a win Steve Smith resumes normal service The versatile Mr Jadeja Rohit and Gill – partners in promise India’s decision to pick Pant despite his wicketkeeping problems Is
We discuss India’s memorable eight-wicket win in Melbourne and place it in context of some of the famous Indian victories in Australia. Talking Points: Placing the victory in context Parallels with Melbourne ’81 Rahane’s touch Ashwin’s immaculate control Bumrah’s skid and the ball to hoodwink Smith Gill v Shaw, Pant
We process India’s 36 all out in the Adelaide Test. Was it a tragedy? Or was it dark comedy? Is it even something that can be explained? Talking Points: The visceral shock that accompanies a rapid collapse Pain, grief and decades-long hurt How does the emotional reaction to 36 all
We preview the upcoming Australia v India Test series, which has seen more headlines about bio-bubbles, quarantine, and player absences than the great rivalry between these two teams. Talking Points: Impact of Kohli’s partial absence for both commerce and cricket. How badly would India miss Ishant Sharma? India’s choice of
In this episode, we look back to India’s tour of Australia in 1980-81. India went into the Test series against a strong Australian team after playing merely one Test since the end of the home series against Pakistan in ’79-80. India suffered a thumping loss by an innings at Sydney,
In this episode, we chat with journalist, blogger, author, podcaster, vlogger – or in short, the Mark Waugh of cricket coverage – Jarrod Kimber. We focus on a piece Jarrod wrote last year titled ‘The Ugly Australian: the evolution of a cricket species’. He talks about his formative experiences with sledging
In this episode of the 81allout podcast, we zero in on the cliche that makes an appearance in all sporting contests: the moments that mattered. We discuss how for fans some moments take on more significance than others, why writers need to guard against falling into narrative traps, and how
We are thrilled to be joined by two former India cricketers – Hemang Badani and Vijay Bharadwaj. Hemang and Vijay enjoyed stupendous domestic careers and took part in some of the most memorable Tamil Nadu – Karnataka contests in the Ranji Trophy. There was no shortage of banter and competition
In this special episode of the 81allout podcast, we chat with the photographer Mala Mukerjee on her historic photo from the tied Test in Madras in 1986. Ms Mukerjee watched the last day of that famous Test from the stands in Chepauk and, while anticipating a thrilling finish, clicked