In episode nine of The Offspin, we’re joined by Black Caps test spinner Mark Craig to explore the crueller side of cricket in the wake of the Black Caps victory over the West Indies in both thrilling and devastating circumstances.

There are few things in life more cruel than being blessed with spin bowling talent, but having to use it in New Zealand.

Such is the fate of Mark Craig, a veteran of the domestic game who has played 15 tests for the Black Caps. He could have played more, and might still do so, were it not for injuries and local conditions robbing him of chances. However, he will always be the first and only person to hit their very first ball in test cricket for six.

But is that anything on the cruelty suffered by the West Indies in their Cricket World Cup loss to the Black Caps? Carlos Braithwaite had scored a century, and needed just one more big hit to keep his team’s chances alive at the World Cup. Had he hit it just one metre further, Trent Boult wouldn’t have been able to pull off the match-winning catch. But such is cricket.

Also in this episode, The Offspin gets into the aura of Universe Boss Chris Gayle and what it’s like to bowl to such a fearsome batsman, Alex shares a conspiracy theory about the commentary of Brendon McCullum, and Mark Craig shares his thoughts on the missing pieces in the Black Caps puzzle.

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. 

Watch the highlights of this incredible game here:

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.