Season 16, Episode 1: After two Test caps and about a hundred tours on the bench, Michael Neser has lost his Australian contract and is way down the pecking order. Is it over for the hashtag man? Various South African players are actively dodging contracts, while Jason Gillespie has left South Australia and may be bound for Karachi. Also this week, it's a new season - the English county season will begin with nine matches on opening day. Nathan Lyon will play a reduced part after Cricket Australia clipped his wings. There will be plenty of attention on the use of spinners and the work of wicketkeepers. Bangladesh women struggle against Australia, as do New Zealand against England, but Papua New Guinea’s women had their biggest result. Plus our very tangled IPL wrap. Your Nerd Pledge number this week: 39.70 - Jeremy Brown Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Get your 10% discount on top-notch kit from Serious Cricket. Use FINALWORD24 at checkout --> seriouscricket.co.uk Get that sweet Nord VPN discount - nordvpn.com/tfw Run or donate to the 2024 Edinburgh Marathon for the Lord's Taverners All links at linktr.ee/thefinalword Find previous episodes at finalwordcricket.com Title track by Urthboy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices