In this episode, I take aim at the silence surrounding MS Dhoni’s bizarre decision in Chennai’s latest collapse, reflect on cricket’s return to the Olympics, weigh in on the push to privatise the Big Bash, review how Australia’s cricketers are faring around the globe, and farewell the retiring Will Pucovski.

Paul is joined by Josh Massoud for a high-energy debut episode covering:

• Should the SCG get a $700 million upgrade?

• Mitchell Marsh’s strong IPL form – but should it mean a Test recall?

• Pat Cummins, Travis Head and SRH’s losing streak

• MS Dhoni: still playing well… but is it time to retire?

• Bumrah v Hazlewood – showdown of the world’s best quicks

• Fergus O’Neill’s red-hot County debut

• Marcus Harris makes a ton at Lord’s – is he still in the frame?

• Tom Banton’s monster 371 and Bradman’s record at Taunton

• Jamaica confirmed for a day/night Test

• What we’re looking forward to this week in the IPL

Paul is joined by Munners from Dealt with Cricket: the end of the Gabba, Joel Wilson sacked, top end cricket, will Konstas open in the WTC final, the state of England cricket, the IPL, the Sheffield Shield final, a loophole that must be fixed and more!

Paul and Charlie Cooke talk world test championship innovations, Usman Khawaja, no Tests in South Africa, IPL, who will be in the England Ashes side and more

Cricket tries to fight footy

Chris Macpherson and Patrick Avenell join Paul Dennett to discuss South Australia not being able to play at the Adelaide Oval because the AFL won’t let them, the 150 year anniversary test match being a pink ball test, Usman Khawaja opting out of Queensland’s final shield game and rumours of a Saudi Arabian takeover of cricket plus trivia questions and more!

India beat New Zealand to win the champions trophy. Some people think there should be an asterisk next to the title but Paul doesn’t. Paul and Patrick discuss the controversy around India’s advantages and Paul responds to some of the comments he has received online. They discuss what can be done to improve one day cricket and make it more relevant and talk about Australia’s 11 for the world test championship final in June and Paul gives Patrick three trivia questions!

India has beaten Australia in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy; Paul watched the match all night long, and here is his hot take!

Australia versus Afghanistan was shaping as a potential classic but unfortunately rain had the final say, effectively eliminating Afghanistan (unless England thump South Africa by an unprecedented margin) and seeing Australia through to the knockout phase!

Charlie Cooke and Paul Dennett discuss all the talking points from the match including Steve Smith electing not to pursue an appeal for a run out that was very reminiscent of the Jonny Bairstow stumping, the resignation of Jos Buttler as England captain plus loads more!