The 2026 Tour Diaries begin in transit before diving straight into the chaos of the subcontinent.

In Episode 1, Howie takes you from long-haul flights to the madness of Sri Lankan traffic and the build-up to a do-or-die World Cup clash between Australia and Sri Lanka - a match he’s calling from the commentary box as the tournament pressure hits early.

Aussie champ Aaron Finch also joins the diary for a chat about touring the subcontinent, what it’s really like inside an Aussie campaign, and what it's like to lose to Zimbabwe!

00:00 - Tour begins

04:15 - Travel day chaos - Long flights, transit stops and arrival into Sri Lanka.

08:55 - First impressions of Sri Lanka - Five-hour drive to Kandy and settling in ahead of game day.

12:30 - Do-or-die for Australia - Why the Sri Lanka clash is crucial after the Zimbabwe loss.

16:20 - Aaron Finch joins - Finchy on touring the subcontinent and Australia’s must-win match.

17:50 - The pressure of the coin toss & the best voice in World Cricket - Howie prepares to call the game alongside Angelo Mathews for the first time.

20:30 - Match fallout

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He really is one of our favourites, and he returns for a thoughtful and revealing Next Chapter conversation.

We move beyond the traditional player story (you can also catch him in episode 73), Vaughany reflects on leadership, resilience, health, and the personal experiences that have shaped his life after cricket. He delivers a sharp take on the Ashes, discusses professionalism, team culture, and why England’s future may be closer than many think.

There is clear affection when he speaks about Australia, but the episode also explores very serious moments.

Honest, measured, and insightful, this is Vaughany at his most reflective. And we love him for it.

***

Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/

Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He really is one of our favourites, and he returns for a thoughtful and revealing Next Chapter conversation.

We move beyond the traditional player story (you can also catch him in episode 73), Vaughany reflects on leadership, resilience, health, and the personal experiences that have shaped his life after cricket. He delivers a sharp take on the Ashes, discusses professionalism, team culture, and why England’s future may be closer than many think.

There is clear affection when he speaks about Australia, but the episode also explores very serious moments.

Honest, measured, and insightful, this is Vaughany at his most reflective. And we love him for it.

***

Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/

Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.