‘It struck me that you can score 574, declare twice, and still lose a Test’ – Allan Border‘It struck me that you can score 574, declare twice, and still lose a Test’ – Allan Border

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We talk to legendary Australian captain and batsman Allan Border about his experience of touring the subcontinent in the 1980s –  taking in the tied Test in 1986, the World Cup win in 1987, and the controversial tour of Pakistan in 1988. Joining Border is veteran journalist Mike Coward, whose


Cricket Beyond the Bazaar: the revival of a classic bookCricket Beyond the Bazaar: the revival of a classic book

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We are delighted to announce the republication of Cricket Beyond the Bazaar by the revered Australian journalist Mike Coward. First published in 1990, this landmark book combines memoir, travelogue, history, and journalism to explore Australian cricket’s chequered relationship with the Indian subcontinent. Coward offers eye-witness accounts of the tied Test in


A lifetime in cricket writing – Mike Coward interviewA lifetime in cricket writing – Mike Coward interview

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We speak to the veteran journalist and author Mike Coward, who has watched and covered cricket over six decades. Coward rewinds the clock to various points in his illustrious career and talks about the importance of journalists and players trusting each other. He also opens up on his experience of


The subcontinent beyond the cliches: revisiting a landmark cricket book

The subcontinent beyond the cliches: revisiting a landmark cricket bookThe subcontinent beyond the cliches: revisiting a landmark cricket book

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In this episode, we revisit Mike Coward’s book about Australian tours to the subcontinent through the 1980s: Cricket Beyond the Bazaar. Joining us to dissect the book – and its importance for Australian cricket literature – are two contemporary journalists – Russell Jackson and Daniel Brettig. They tell us about


‘He made you believe the impossible’: Gideon Haigh on Shane Warne

‘He made you believe the impossible’: Gideon Haigh on Shane Warne‘He made you believe the impossible’: Gideon Haigh on Shane Warne

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We celebrate the 100th episode of the 81allout podcast with an illuminating conversation with Gideon Haigh – the gold standard when it comes to cricket writing. We could have spoken to Gideon about anything – cricket or otherwise – but we chose to focus on his brilliant book On Warne – a


When a tie was a victory for Border’s battlers

When a tie was a victory for Border’s battlersWhen a tie was a victory for Border’s battlers

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  In this special episode of the 81allout podcast, we chat with Michael Sexton on his latest book Border’s Battlers, which provides a fascinating account of the iconic tied Test between India and Australia at Chepauk in September 1986. Michael has been a journalist, producer, and sportswriter for over three


An Asian coup, an Australian heist – the 1987 World Cup

An Asian coup, an Australian heist – the 1987 World CupAn Asian coup, an Australian heist – the 1987 World Cup

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In the latest 81allout podcast we rewind to the World Cup in 1987 – when Australia pulled off a sensational triumph. We talk about Allan Lamb taking on Courtney Walsh in Gujranwala, Gavaskar scorching a hundred, Dave Houghton blasting 142, Navjot “Sixer” Sidhu clattering the big ones, Gooch sweeping India