In episode eight of The Offspin, we break down the best game of the tournament so far, and talk about the shattered dreams of South African cricket. 

Writer and journalist James Borrowdale grew up with dreams of South African cricket running through his brain, but they’re long gone now, traded in for a Black Caps shirt. Once again, South Africa has collapsed at a Cricket World Cup – but in this case, can you even call it a choke?

We talk through the game, and what it means for the tournament. Have South Africa’s transformation targets helped or hurt the team on the biggest stage? Do the Black Caps need to do some shuffling to keep advancing, with bigger teams coming up? Will Kane Williamson ever fail to make a decent score in England between now and the end of time?

Plus, James gives a glimpse into the passion of the Hanse Cronje era of South African cricket and how it all went sour, Alex bangs on at length about the greatest cricket shot ever played, and Simon reveals the frankly bizarre and disturbing habits the late nights of the World Cup has forced him to pick up.

Download this episode (right click and save), listen on the player below, subscribe on iTunes or via Spotify. Cricket World Cup audio courtesy of Sky Television. 

For the six weeks of the Cricket World Cup, join hosts Simon Day, Alex Braae and a rotating squad of sloggers, change bowlers and outfielders on The Offspin after each of the New Zealand team’s games. With the Black Caps playing all their games at wildly inconvenient overnight times, Simon and Alex will be swapping sleep for cricket, then rolling into the studio to drink Coffee Supreme (proud sponsors of The Offspin) and offer their expert analysis of the World Cup.

Like, share and subscribe to The Offspin, and drink Coffee Supreme to keep you alive after long nights of cricket this World Cup.