A Brief History of Cricket Down Under

The 2000s — Navigating Success

2025 · 11 episodes · 10h 0m in all

This era covers Australia's rise to the peak of international cricket. It follows the team's dominance, legendary players, major rivalries with teams such as India and England, and the challenges that came with maintaining success while a new generation began to emerge.

Episodes

1. 

   1. Success

   14 Dec 2025 · 53 min

   Australia dominates world cricket; India emerges as a major challenger and the new T20 format begins changing cricket.

2. 

   2. Leadership Factor

   21 Dec 2025 · 55 min

   Australia's leadership succession; India takes a different approach and a new Indian leader begins transforming the team.

3. 

   3. The Epic Performances

   28 Dec 2025 · 53 min

   Shane Warne reaches 700 Test wickets, Glenn McGrath joins an elite group, and major innings from Steve Waugh and Michael Vaughan.

4. 

   4. Thrillers

   4 Jan 2026 · 54 min

   England puts Australia under pressure; India vs Pakistan produces a major high-stakes match; an underdog makes a bid for victory in Hobart.

5. 

   5. Young Guns

   11 Jan 2026 · 56 min

   Brett Lee's debut, Brett Lee vs Shoaib Akhtar, and Elyse Perry beginning her international career.

6. 

   6. The Rivalries

   18 Jan 2026 · 53 min

   Australia's Ashes struggles and subsequent battles; Brian Lara vs Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee vs Sachin Tendulkar.

7. 

   7. Personal Best

   25 Jan 2026 · 57 min

   Matthew Hayden's extraordinary batting, Darren Gough's milestone and Sachin Tendulkar's comeback.

8. 

   8. Controversies

   1 Feb 2026 · 56 min

   The controversial Australia–India Test, allegations of player vilification, and Shane Warne's problems with cricket administrators.

9. 

   9. Game Changers

   8 Feb 2026 · 52 min

   Adam Gilchrist's revolutionary ODI batting/keeping, Sanath Jayasuriya's pinch-hitting and Jacques Kallis' all-round ability.

10. 

    10. Dynamic Duos

    15 Feb 2026 · 54 min

    Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie rescuing Australia with the bat; Matthew Hayden–Justin Langer opening partnership; Rahul Dravid–VVS Laxman.

11. 

    11. End of an Era

    22 Feb 2026 · 57 min

    Wasim Akram's final appearances, an Indian bowling great's Australian campaign, and the emotional retirements of three Australian legends.