The Final Word

The Final Word cricket podcast, with @CollinsAdam & Geoff Lemon. Find us everywhere, support the show at

[Adam Collins @collinsadam]

Pat Cummins says no XI today. Smith tbc. Adds when asked that Green will play - they prefer him in the middle order, but stopped short of confirming him as 5 not 3. Acknowledged Lyon v fourth seamer question also still be answered. #SAvAUS @SEN_Cricket @1116sen @Final_Word_Pod

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

“Opening batters used to be a very specialist position. What’s changed and why won’t selectors pick openers who actually open?”

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

“Don’t forget Scott Boland has had this wonderful career because the selectors backed him when nobody else would have thought to pick him.”

Latest episode of the TFW weekly out now in your feeds.

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

TFW Weekly out!
@norcrosscricket joins Geoff to ponder upcoming winter and the conventions of naming storm systems, as we tell ourselves that we'll talk about something other than just South Africa and Australia, then inevitably do that anyway.

Listen: https://t.co/o6Rro9EUXd

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

“Scott Boland will be remembered forever. And what he did today with the bat typified why: fully committed, and always getting everything out of himself.”

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

It wasn't supposed to go that deep. But then, a nightwatchman isn't supposed to bat all day. And a team's fourth seamer isn't supposed to bowl the best deliveries. The unexpected came around in various ways in the push to the finish line at Gqeberha.

https://t.co/ZkKLv9Y8ci

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

Just dropped! Our new Final Word Lightning Bolts tee, inspired by Australia's iconic 1992–94 kit.

Get yours now!
https://t.co/AzLfh7QvvX

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

“South Africa weren’t there to make friends, they came to give Australia hell, and it felt that way.”

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

“Marnus got a second chance by 4 millimetres - so why did he do what he did next? A career is in the balance.”

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

Australia still has a way out, but can they resist the South African attack? Bharat Sundaresan joins Adam Collins at St George's Park in Gqeberha.

Listen: https://t.co/pvjWSQE0nS

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

“Temba Bavuma was the mainstay, the standard bearer, the bloke who stood up and the tree from which everything else grew in this innings.”

[Adam Collins @collinsadam]

New @Final_Word_Pod merch! As ever, the ideas factory @LeagueTees is to thank for the idea and implementation... maybe our best yet. On sale now:

https://t.co/BV0MdQEgrr

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

“The maturity Jansen showed kind of tells you there’s a future captain in waiting for South Africa.”

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

It would take something monumental to flip the series on its head, and the man smallest in stature stood the tallest to do just that. Can Australia come out swinging tomorrow to keep their 1-0 advantage?

Listen: https://t.co/mZo5RU7KcM

[Thomas Miles @TomCricket99]

Hard to define just how big this beautiful and gritty 100 is from the inspiring Temba Bavuma! Fans screaming “you are my hero” in the stands #SAvAus

[Adam Collins @collinsadam]

Temba ton. Statement innings. Captains’ knock. #SAvAUS @SEN_Cricket @1116sen @Final_Word_Pod

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

“Boland’s accuracy is phenomenal, on a length that convinces batters they can drive when they can’t. Both his wicket-taking deliveries landed within millimetres of each other.”

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

There was a long wait to get onto the park, but a session of highlights followed - a blinding catch, supreme bowling, and some balls flying out of the park as Bavuma tried to drag South Africa out of the Scott Boland-shaped hole.

Listen: https://t.co/ED8wljRgV2

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

“What a slips catch! And nobody was more surprised than Matt Renshaw that he’d held on to it.”

[The Final Word @Final_Word_Pod]

“Home entertainment problems? Call Big Dick!”