In this bonus episode of The Offspin podcast, Labour's Kieran McAnulty and National's Chris Bishop join the show to talk about the Parliamentary World Cup, and attempt to prove they're cricket fanatic credentials.  To coincide with the business end of the Cricket World Cup, MPs from all over the world will be flying to England to play some games of their own – and maybe catch a playoff match or two. It sounds like the ultimate junket, but the NZ Parliamentary cricket team co-captains Kieran...

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...

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 with writer and journalist James Borrowdale. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

In episode seven of The Offspin, with the weather continuing to be very bad in England, and not a lot of cricket being played, we took the opportunity to reminisce on our personal journeys in the sport. And spend some quality time hating Australian cricketers.

With much of the Cricket World Cup rained off this week, White Ferns superstar Suzie Bates joins The Offspin to discuss the growth of the women's game, pay equity, and provide her expert tips for the Black Caps on English playing conditions. And there's a chance to win a special White Ferns prize pack – listen to the podcast to find out how to enter.

In the fifth episode of The Offspin, we're joined by Basir Safi and Ismail Wardak, two Kiwi-Afghan cricket lovers who talk about learning the game in refugee camps, the incredible story of Afghanistan's ascent and the high expectations the world now holds for them.  Another day, another win at the Cricket World Cup for the Black Caps. So why doesn't this one feel quite so good? Is it because maybe, deep down we all want to see Afghanistan succeed?

In a special edition of The Offspin, Mohammad Isam, ESPN Cricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent, spoke to the podcast about his experience of the Christchurch terror attack, and the effect had on him and the team.

In the third episode of The Offspin globetrotting freelance cricketer and muscleman Mitchell McClenaghan joins the podcast to discuss winning the IPL, the changing patterns of cricketing analytics and a nervy Black Caps win over Bangladesh. The Offspin is made possible by Coffee Supreme, keeping Simon (who's been up since 1230am and now has a full day at work) and Alex alive while cricket is played on the other side of the world.

In the second episode of The Offspin esteemed uniform ranker Calum Henderson joins the podcast to discuss the Black Caps comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka, uniform fashion trends and Simon Doull's glorious goatee and earrings in 1999. The Offspin is made possible by Coffee Supreme, keeping Simon and Alex alive while cricket is played on the other side of the world. It's produced by Tina Tiller and theme music by Sam Flynn-Scott.

In the first episode of The Offspin, The Spinoff's new Cricket World Cup podcast, hosts Alex Braae and Simon Day are joined by Jogi Bhatt to examine the Blackcaps chances of glory. They also investigate the psychological differences between Indian and New Zealand fans, relive Simon's darkest day, and question David Warner's credibility as a children's book author. The Offspin is made possible by Coffee Supreme, keeping Simon and Alex alive while cricket is played on the other side of the world.