What would Joe Rogan think if he watched the Ashes? Russell Crowe tries to explain Test cricket to the world's biggest podcaster

3 hours ago 12
  •  The five-day game is seen as the pinnacle of the sport

By MICHAEL PONTICELLO

Published: 00:16 GMT, 12 November 2025 | Updated: 00:16 GMT, 12 November 2025

US podcaster Joe Rogan has been left scratching his head in bewilderment after being given a rundown on how Test cricket works courtesy of famous actor Russell Crowe.

The Gladiator star recently appeared as a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast with the pair discussing a variety of topics from politics to acting, love and sport.

In the episode, which lasted almost three hours, Crowe attempted to explain the concept of Test cricket to the UFC commentator, who boasts more than 50 million followers across social media and Spotify.

Cricket, unlike baseball, is a five-day grind that requires teams to take 20 wickets - equivalent outs in baseball - to win a match, with each team usually playing two innings instead of nine.

And it's common for the matches to end in draws despite their length.  

'That five-day game, the way it ebbs and flows, once you're into it, it's the only way you want to watch cricket,' Crowe explained.

Russell Crowe (pictured in Joe Rogan's studio) has been involved with cricket since childhood

Joe Rogan (pictured) is one of the world's most popular podcasters and has interviewed numerous celebrities and big names - but he was left scratching his head over cricket

Crowe (pictured with late Aussie cricket legend Shane Warne and former England Captain Nasser Hussain) joined the Sky Sports Commentary Team for a stint in booth during the 2009 Ashes series

'At one moment, your team can be so far ahead ... and then it'll turn on a dime.'

The 61-year-old Oscar winner revealed his fondest memories of watching the sport as a child.

'It (Test cricket) is fantastic, man... as a kid, I used to attend every day of a five-day game... it was crazy,' he said.

Rogan was taken aback by the revelation.

'Wow... yeah, there's nothing like that here,' he replied, looking visibly puzzled.

Crowe's love of the sport is well known in Australia, and it was proven in 2014 when he paid tribute to Phillip Hughes, the Aussie cricketer who tragically died after being struck in the neck with by a ball during match. 

Crowe's ties to cricket go deeper than just fandom.

His cousin Martin Crowe, who sadly passed away in 2016 after a long cancer battle, is a New Zealand cricket legend who played professionally for more than a decade. 

The veteran actor's comments came via the same chat in which he also revealed rugby league, another very popular sport in Australia, played a major role in determining his commitment to long-time girlfriend Britney Theriot.

Russell Crowe's cousin Martin Crowe (pictured) who passed away in 2016, is lauded as one of New Zealand's greatest ever cricketers

Russell Crowe and his girlfriend Britney Theriot (pictured) have reportedly been dating for five years, with sport playing a big role in bringing them together

Phillip Hughes (pictured) was one of Australia's greatest cricketing talents, but tragically lost his life after a cricket ball stuck him in the neck in November 2014. Crowe paid tribute to him after his death

The Ashes series between Australia and England is often referred to as Test cricket's pinnacle, and takes place every two years.

The latest installment will get underway on November 21 at Perth's Optus Stadium and finish up in Sydney in January.

Australia is looking to retain the Ashes urn for the fourth consecutive time.

A desperate England side will attempt to claim their first Ashes series win since 2015.

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