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A big upgrade from last month's, which was frankly terrible. Big thumbs up for the very US-centric 27A.

Agreed, buddy. I’m still trying to parse 5A and 21A. I figure if I post this pennies will immediately drop.

I’m sure it will, aristophanes, but in case it doesn’t, for 5a the unaltered answer reads as the three dissimilar letters from the last two words of the clue. Quite neat.

21a is just the second (mentioned), minus its last letter.

I didn’t mind the US-centric 27a at all. It’s general knowledge, and the (London) Times has enough cricket references to restore the balance. Crosswords should reflect their origin, in my view.

Thanks, quisling! Yes, 5A’s nifty.
Re 21A, I had wondered at first if the answer was matte, for finish.

It certainly satisfies the first part of the clue. But I can’t see anything else. I’m lucky I lack your imagination, I think!

Well I did see that it didn’t work. 🤓

Thanks, buddy. Agreed on last month's, which was rather toe-curling.