Episode
Alyssa Healy’s Legacy, Ashes Reality Check & Australia’s Next Test XI
- Podcast
- Cricket Unfiltered
- Published
- Jan 14, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3818
- Processing state
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Summary
In this episode, Menners is joined by Damian Watson to unpack a huge week in cricket, starting with the announcement that Alyssa Healy will retire following the upcoming series against India. The discussion reflects on Healy’s extraordinary career, leadership, defining innings, and her impact on women’s cricket both on and off the field. From there, the conversation turns to the 2025–26 Ashes, analysing the historically short series, standout performers like Mitchell Starc and Travis Head, and what the numbers reveal about England’s struggles. The episode also tackles the controversy around pink-ball Tests, England’s resistance to day-night cricket, and why fan-first scheduling is critical to the health of the game. Attention then shifts to the Australian Test team’s future, with searching discussion around opening combinations, Marnus Labuschagne’s form, Cameron Green’s role, Alex Carey’s place in the order, and how the side should evolve without forcing wholesale change. The show wraps with analysis of the BBL’s resurgence, Mitchell Starc’s return, overseas imports, the WPL vs WBBL debate, listener feedback from the Ashes, and a worrying proposal that could reshape junior cricket pathways across Australia. (01:20) Alyssa Healy retirement: career highlights, leadership & lasting legacy (09:52) Ashes by the numbers: two-day Tests & record-low balls bowled (15:00) Pink-ball Test controversy & England pushback (21:07) Australian Test team review: openers, Marnus, Green & Carey-at-six (37:01) BBL state of play: crowds, imports & Starc’s return (44:25) WPL vs WBBL: growth, money & scheduling crossroads (50:58) Listener mail & Ashes fallout (54:12) Grassroots alarm: Tasmania, ACT & NT pathway concerns Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Crick…