Australia’s struggling ODI team will attempt to get their World Cup preparations back on track when they host India for a best-of-three series in January. Aaron Finch’s men have slumped down to sixth in the world ODI rankings after losing recent series against South Africa, England and India.

Simon Taufel gave up his white coat at an age when many Test match umpires have still not started their international careers which, given the universal acclaim his ability attracted, was a great pity. That said there is often a consolation to go with disappointment, and in this case it is that Taufel has more time than he might otherwise have to speak to the media, enabling us to catch up with him and chat about his career, his life and all things cricketing.