This Week in Cricket #163: England’s record-breaking win, Black Caps v India preview & the T20 World Cup

The Top Order Cricket Podcast

In this episode of the show, we move to a new studio but it’s still cricket on the agenda as we look back at the week that was. England broke plenty of records on a Multan road, Kane Williamson looks set to miss at least the first Test against India, the White Ferns breathed life into their T20 World Cup chances and Team India’s depth was on show again against Bangladesh.

We start by discussing England's remarkable win against Pakistan, in a game which looked headed for a dull draw on a very flat pitch until first a Joe Root and Harry Brook partnership then a flurry of Pakistan wickets late on Day 4 swung the Test England's way. We talk about whether the match was enjoyable as a cricket fan, marvel at Joe Root's brilliance and wonder how both sides will back up after so spending so long in the field.

We then turn our attention to India, where the Black Caps are about to embark on a three-Test tour as heavy underdogs, without Kane Williamson – at least for the first match. How should the NZ batters attempt to combat this formidable Indian bowling attack? Will Matt Henry replace Tim Southee? And can the Kiwis put up a fight or will India win the series with ease?

In some positive New Zealand news, the White Ferns put together an almost complete performance to beat India in their opening game of the T20 World Cup, giving them a great opportunity to advance through to the semi finals. But then Australia came along and burst the bubble of joy, looking every bit the champions in wait as they skittled NZ for 88. We talk about the controversy involving Amelia Kerr, and praise Rosemary Mair for her strong performances so far.

To round out the show, we discuss the batting firepower of India's next generation T20 side as they lead Bangladesh 2-0, and Baldy opens the black book again with a Sheffield Shield update.

We'll be back again next week with more news and reviews from around the world. Until then please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter & Facebook, and @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram & YouTube) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our website.

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Thanks for listening.

0:00 Intro

2:45 England v Pakistan - A record-breaking win for England, but was it fun to watch?

12:50 Joe Root becomes England's all-time leading Test runscorer

20:00 Will Joe Root pass Sachin Tendulkar's record?

21:45 Harry Brook's performance and Ollie Pope the opener

26:55 How will these two sides manage the short turnaround before the second Test?

31:05 Shan Masood's response to pressure

33:00 Black Caps head to India without Kane Williamson - can they avoid a 3-0 sweep?

35:10 How should NZ's batters approach this formidable Indian bowling lineup?

41:35 Changes to the bowling for New Zealand?

45:50 India likely to have a similar looking side to the Bangladesh series

49:10 T20 World Cup - White Ferns beat India, but Australia marches on

55:45 India v Bangladesh T20s - India's next generation have serious batting firepower

59:00 Sheffield Shield news and outro

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