Andrew Menczel is a passionate cricket fan and the host of the hugely popular ‘Cricket Unfiltered Podcast’
As a cricket fan and broadcaster Andrew shares his love and passion for the game
What year you were born?
1976
What State do you live in?
NSW
When did you first start developing a love for cricket?
1988/89 summer. I was on Lord Howe Island watching the West Indies smash Australia.
Tell us briefly about your journey in the game, where you’ve played, what clubs and how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I was an off spinning allrounder growing up but stopped playing soon after I left school. The highlights of my journey have been coaching with Barry Knight cricket camps for many years. Working with Doug Walters, Norman O’Neil and Brian Taber were stand outs.
Then in 2013 I started a cricket podcast, Cricket Unfiltered, and I have released over 500 episodes. In the 8 years since I have been fortunate to interview numerous former Australian captains and players, work with some great people in the cricket media and commentate on numerous matches for Cricket New South Wales. Now I am producing a podcast called Cricket Daily, which is a short daily cricket news update
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
Commentating on a Steve Smith shield century at the SCG
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Steve Smith
Who has been your favourite Australian captain and if you could add a few words to why?
Steve Waugh – It is a really tough choice because I also loved the way Allan Border and Mark Taylor led their teams. But Steve Waugh slightly edges them because of the legacy he left on the game and the sheer joy he brought me at the 1999 World Cup.
Who’s been the batsman you’ve enjoyed watching the most?
Such a difficult decision but Lara takes the prize. He was an elegant destroyer and unmissable when in full flight.
Who in your opinion has been the best fast bowler?
Malcolm Marshall – his record speaks for itself. Curtly Ambrose deserves a mention for breaking my heart many times when I was a kid for inciting cataclysmic Aussie batting collapses.
Who in your opinion has been the best spinner?
Murali. Just jokes.
Warne of course. He was the master bowler and performer and we will never see anyone like him again.
Who in your opinion has been the best wicket keeper?
For pure glovework, Ian Healy but overall, Adam Gilchrist.
Watching Gilly in full flight was a thrilling and enthralling experience.
What’s the most picturesque ground you’ve had the opportunity to watch or play a game of cricket?
The SCG. Every time I walk-in I get a buzz. The Adelaide Oval and Lords are tied for 2nd. The MCG is soulless, overrated and is good for footy.
If there was one match up, a bowler and batsman going head to head at their peak, who would you choose?
Shane Warne vs Mark Waugh – They locked horns in a Shield match and Waugh made a hundred and it was a ding-dong contest.
What’s your preferred format of the game, Test Cricket, One day games, T20?
Test cricket, but not by much. I love T20 cricket and being able to watch a whole game in one sitting.
What do Cricket Officials need to do over the next 10 or so years to ensure people get to enjoy the game as much as you do?
I think internationally the right steps are being taken. Test cricket needs an overall context, so the Test championship is a step in the right direction.
I think in Australia we need more ‘cricket only’ grounds so competitions and tours can be hosted right throughout the year and we can start to play some smaller nations more often to promote the game around the world.
Who are the 3 cricketers from any era you’d like to invite to a BBQ?
None, heroes often disappoint.
I would love to interview on a podcast:
Steve Waugh, he always declines.
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