Cricket Unfiltered

Australia Humbles South Africa

Cricket Unfiltered

Show Notes

Australia have made a statement in South Africa, winning the first Test by 214 runs. Menners and Damian Watson break down Matt Renshaw's remarkable return to form, Josh Hazlewood's bowling masterclass and Steve Smith's extraordinary slip catching. They debate Australia's selection options for the second Test, question the state of Test cricket in South Africa and examine the risks of private ownership in Australian cricket. Plus, a look at the latest Sheffield Shield performances, Australia's dominant women's team and a memorable commentary box gaffe involving Mark Howard.

(00:57) Australia Humbles South Africa by 214 Runs

(05:13) Matt Renshaw's Remarkable Comeback and Pat Cummins' Contribution

(07:45) Josh Hazlewood vs Brett Lee: Who Would You Pick?

(10:14) Steve Smith's Incredible Slip Catching and Nic Maddinson's Response

(14:34) Australia's Selection Dilemmas Ahead of the Second Test

(18:11) South Africa's Disappointing Performance and the State of Test Cricket

(24:51) The Commentary Box Gaffe That Went Viral

(36:02) Private Ownership, Sheffield Shield Standouts and Australian Cricket News

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from Cricket Unfiltered

Oct 22, 2026

South Africa have levelled the series in stunning fashion, crushing Australia by an innings and 31 runs in Kaberha. Travis Head’s century and Scott Boland’s gutsy 40 offered some resistance, but the damage was done after Australia’s disastrous batting collapse on day four.

Oct 21, 2026

Australia’s second Test campaign against South Africa has descended into chaos, with a catastrophic batting collapse leaving them on the brink of defeat in Gqeberha. After being bowled out for just 99 in their first innings, Australia were forced to follow on and finished day four at 4/156, still 170 runs behind. Menners examines the batting failures, questions the selectors’ decisions and looks at the futures of Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson and Beau Webster. Travis Head remains Australia’s biggest hope of saving the Test, while Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer have starred for South Africa. Can Australia somehow survive day five, or are the teams heading to Cape Town level at 1–1?

Oct 20, 2026

South Africa produced a remarkable turnaround on Day 3 in Gqeberha, recovering from 5/97 to declare at 9/425 and put Australia under enormous pressure in the second Test.

Oct 19, 2026

Menners wraps up a frustrating second day in Gqeberha, where torrential rain again restricted play and Australia made inroads into South Africa's batting lineup. Scott Boland led the charge with four wickets, while Matt Renshaw produced a stunning catch to dismiss Ryan Rickelton.

Oct 18, 2026

Rain interrupted the second Test between Australia and South Africa at St George’s Park, with just 12.2 overs possible on Day 1. But there was still plenty to discuss, as Scott Boland ripped through the South African top order, taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries to leave the hosts at 2/20.

See all episodes →