# Steve Smith Lights Up the BBL — Plus a Major New Co-Host Announcement

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/cricket-unfiltered-200842/steve-smith-lights-up-the-bbl-plus-a-major-new-co-host-announcement
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/cricket-unfiltered-200842/steve-smith-lights-up-the-bbl-plus-a-major-new-co-host-announcement.md
Podcast: [Cricket Unfiltered](https://stenobird.com/podcast/cricket-unfiltered-200842)
Published: 2026-01-21T10:23:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/COMG9184011928.mp3?updated=1768991386
Audio file: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/COMG9184011928.mp3?updated=1768991386
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/cricket-unfiltered-200842/episodes/steve-smith-lights-up-the-bbl-plus-a-major-new-co-host-announcement
Duration seconds: 3065

## Resource

The Big Bash League reaches fever pitch as Steve Smith and David Warner produce a stunning SCG spectacle, while controversy erupts around player behaviour, team dynamics, and proposed new BBL rules. Menners and Damien Watson unpack Perth Scorchers’ dominance, Sydney Sixers’ brutal finals travel scenario, and Babar Azam’s difficult tournament under intense scrutiny. The episode also features strong reactions from Mitchell Starc and David Warner to the newly announced “designated batter” rule, analysis of record-breaking TV ratings for the BBL, and discussion around Australia’s T20 squad selection for the upcoming Pakistan tour. Broader questions about the future of the Big Bash, including private ownership and long-term identity, are also explored. Plus, a major show update: former Australian Test spinner Stuart MacGill is announced as a regular new co-host, adding a fresh and experienced voice to the program moving forward. The episode wraps with positive news on Damien Martyn’s recovery and a look at emerging Australian talent in the T20 format. (1:33) Big Bash booming: crowds, ratings, finals picture and Perth’s dominance (7:18) Babar Azam controversy, Steve Smith strike dispute & cultural clash (16:20) Starc and Warner react strongly to the new BBL “designated batter” rule (23:05) Record BBL TV ratings, comparison with Australian Open & future concerns Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a vi…

## Actions

- request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/cricket-unfiltered-200842/episodes/steve-smith-lights-up-the-bbl-plus-a-major-new-co-host-announcement/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.
- read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/cricket-unfiltered-200842/steve-smith-lights-up-the-bbl-plus-a-major-new-co-host-announcement.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.

A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed.

## Transcript

Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.