ABC Cricket Podcast

Australia retain the Ashes with a 4–1 series win, but the margin tells only part of the story. Corbin Middlemas and Ed Cowan step back from the daily grind to assess how the series actually played out, from selection calls and tactical shifts to England’s evolving approach and the standards that ultimately separated the sides.They revisit the moments that shaped the series, the Tests that elevated it and the ones that dragged it down, and what this Ashes revealed about where both teams are headed next, with an eye already on the road to 2027.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda, the latest in live fixtures with a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Australia sealed the Ashes 4–1 with a composed five-wicket win on day five at the SCG, finishing the series in control when it mattered most.England’s resistance ended early, losing their final two wickets for 40 as Mitchell Starc completed a defining series with 31 wickets. Chasing 160, Australia had a few untidy moments but were never seriously threatened, with Alex Carey striking the winning runs.Corbin Middlemas and Ed Cowan reflect on a series decided by moments. England had chances, but Australia consistently won the big ones. Travis Head’s 600-plus runs shaped the series, Starc earned Player of the Series, and Usman Khawaja was farewelled in his final Test at the SCG.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Jacob Bethell gave England something they have lacked for much of this series: belief.Arriving at the SCG without a first-class century to his name, the 22-year-old played an innings defined by control, patience, and authority, announcing himself on the Ashes stage and dragging England back into a contest that had been slipping away.Australia still hold the upper hand, but Beau Webster again underlined his growing importance. His unbeaten 71 rescued Australia’s innings, before he returned to take wickets with off-spin, including the key dismissal of Ben Stokes, on a surface offering more than expected.Corbin Middlemas and Ed Cowan unpack the day and set up the final act of the Ashes at the SCG, where Australia will be presented the urn.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

Travis Head set the tone early, igniting the match with another decisive hundred that lifted the tempo and left England exposed. Once Head departed, Steve Smith took over, delivering a century built on discipline, patience, and total control. It was vintage Smith, marked by patience, clarity, and an absolute refusal to take the bait, as Australia seized command of day three.Corbin and Ed then turned to the man of the series debate, weighing Mitchell Starc’s wickets against Head’s match-shaping hundreds, before deciding the conversation could wait.Australia’s depth again became a key talking point. Cameron Green’s frustration after another start without a defining score was contrasted with Beau Webster’s calm, accomplished contribution, while Usman Khawaja’s dismissal was not the farewell many fans had hoped for in his final Test.The discussion closed with a blunt assessment of England’s unravelling, with missed chances, mounting pressure, and fading confidence defining a day that increasingly felt one-sided.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’

England had the chance to bat Australia out of the contest on a high-quality SCG wicket, but despite a superb 160 from Joe Root, they failed to fully capitalise, leaving the door open once again.Root’s innings was the class act of the day, controlled, chanceless, and warmly received by the SCG crowd. Yet from a position of dominance, England were dismissed for a total that felt light given the conditions, missing the opportunity to put the game beyond Australia’s reach.Australia responded through Travis Head, whose aggressive, authoritative batting shifted momentum back toward the home side. On a surface offering an even contest between bat and ball, England will look back at day two as a moment where control was available but not taken. Australia, as they have throughout the series, remain standing.ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter.Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’