The Analyst Inside Cricket

A review of some strange occurrances in the latest round of county championship matches, and some of your questions answered. Including - has Surrey's bubble burst, why is Jofra Archer not coming back for the first Test, how did Harry Brook take 3-11 and why is there no electrician at Taunton to fix the floodlights. This podcast is in association with SumUp - visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ for more information

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Emilio Gay, Sonny Baker, James Rew, and Rehan Ahmed are the (relatively) new faces in the England squad for the first Test against New Zealand in June. There is also a recall for Ollie Robinson. Zak Crawley is the main fall guy from the Ashes, plus Will Jacks, while Jofra Archer was not considered as he is still at the IPL (mind you so are Jacob Bethell and Rehan Ahmed.) Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse the selections and predict England's likely starting XI.

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On the day Sonny Baker is selected for the England Test squad, Simon Hughes interviews the new fast bowling hope at his home ground. He talks about the people who’ve influenced him including Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie and overcoming the disappointment of his two one day international appearances last year. Also how Bone Broth and a meat-based diet has got him faster and fitter and which star player he would love to be for a day. For more information on Asthi Bone Broth visit www.weareasthi.co.uk

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After the latest round of County Championship matches we are sure of one England opener after Ben Duckett's excellent undefeated double hundred for Notts today. But after a shocking dismissal for 17 continuing a poor run of scores, Zak Crawley's fate is sealed. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann lament the fading of his star, and consider the likely replacements. They also discuss the astonishing hattrick on debut by Glamorgan's Tom Norton, Josh Tongue's continued hostility with the ball which caused England teammate Gus Atkinson to summon a concussion substitute, and which spinner, if any, will get the England call-up. This podcast is in association with SumUp and Making Tax Digital. Visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ for more details

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The latest round of Rothesay County Championship matches reviewed with Simon Hughes and Simon Mann. The dominance of the batters (with 78 centuries so far made in the two divisions) is reflected, notably Dom Sibley and Emilio Gay who each have two, the plight of bowlers sympathised with and Kent's decision to block comments on their social media accounts assessed. This podcast is also viewable on YouTube.

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Some classic duels took place in the IPL this week. Virat Kohli v KG Rabada, Shubman Gill v Josh Hazlewood, Jos Buttler v Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against everyone. Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta convey the exhilaration of watching such talent on show, and marvel at the conflicting emotions and unbridled passion of Kohli himself. For more on Sooryavanshi's unique gifts visit The Cricverse on Substack . This podcast will also be available on The Analyst YouTube channel

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Zak Crawley suffered another disappointing return in the latest round of Rothesay county championship matches. Three top order challengers - Dom Sibley, Emilio Gay and Haseeb Hameed - stepped up with centuries in the last couple of days. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann run the rule over the contenders and assess their pros and cons as they try to assemble England's likely batting order for the first Test in just over a month's time. Plus - do we need DRS in county cricket? After last weekend's experiences several batsmen - including Crawley - would say definitely yes.

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The Indian Premier League is almost halfway through as Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta assess the successes and failures of the tournament so far. With 24 totals over 200, batsmen capable of hitting the ball more than 100 metres, and Jofra Archer whizzing them down at 93mph it is certainly no place for the faint-hearted. But the 15 year old sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanchi is still strutting his stuff even as the 44 year old MS Dhoni is about to make his belated re-entry. This podcast is also viewable on The Analyst YouTube channel.

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Thanks to Tom Abell's nerveless 100, Somerset get home against Hampshire to extend their lead at the top of the County Championship. The match featured impressive performances by England hopefuls James Rew and Sonny Baker. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the weekend;'s action and answer listeners questions including could Rew open for England, will England consider Sam Cook again and can you pick England players from division 2? This podcast is available to view (with match action) on YouTube. Click the link here -

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Hampshire’s Nick Gubbins, 70 not out overnight, joins the podcast to explain how Hampshire took control of the championship match against leaders Somerset. It was a day when Hampshire's impressive seam attack pressurized Somerset into mistakes. Also in this episode, Sonny Baker's promise assessed, James Rew’s prodigious talent admired, the lunacy of the new substitute rule and the most eccentric quick bowler in county cricket.

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Middlesex, one of England's strongest and oldest counties, has been brought virtually to its knees financially and performance-wise over the last five years. It is the only county that doesn't own its ground. Simon Hughes listens at the club AGM to rescue plans and the proposal to develop a new venue that it can call 'home.' Also in the episode Ben Stokes recent comments on the Ashes reactions back home, and we discuss the fiasco of the new substitutes rule in county cricket. #cricket #middlesex #england #lords

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Simon Hughes spends the day at Hove watching Sussex overcome Warwickshire in a battle of Little and Large to become the only club in the country to have won both their opening championship games. A 140 run partnership between Sussex new boys Jack Leaning and Tom Price see them home. Head coach and former England assistant coach Paul Farbrace explains how passion and focus allied to smart acquisition enable Sussex to perform beyond their financial means. Also discussed: who should open the batting for England, how captaincy has helped Ollie Robinson, and are coaches too soft? A video version of this interview is on The Analyst YouTube channel

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Sunday's big IPL clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, featiring some of the biggest names in Indian cricket - notably Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah was instead dominated by an Englishman, Phil Salt, who walloped 78 off 36 balls in an opening stand of 120 with Kohli. RCB captain Rajat Patidar continued his outstanding tournament with a blistering fifty, and 240 was too much for Mumbai Indians. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review another run spree at the batting friendly Wankhede Stadum. #cricket #ipl

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Jamie Smith adds a second authoritative hundred to his season's output in partnership with a rehabilitated Ollie Pope against a modest Leicester attack at the Oval. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on another Surrey run spree and assess the failures of some of the other batting contenders for Zak Crawley's England opening spot, with one outstanding exception - Ben McKinney's unbeaten 214 for Durham v hapless Gloucester. #countychampionship For more on Zak Crawley and other cricket comment follow the Cricverse

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The first round of County Championship matches featured two totals over 500, five draws and a number of batsmen filling their early-season boots. Jamie Smith was one, promoted to number three by Surrey. What do we read into that and what else did we learn from those first matches? Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider the entrails ad celebrate the continued excellence of the 43 year old Jimmy Anderson as he passes the 1150 first class wicket mark.

Later on we chat to Sam Morshead, the founder of CounterPress, a platform offering daily, dedicated online coverage of individual counties with news, opinion and reports. The individual sites can be found by clicking on these links below -

Cider Press (Somerset) http://ciderpress.news

Hove & Away (Sussex) http://hoveandaway.news

Lanky Lanky (Lancashire) http://lankylanky.news

King Pears (Worcestershire) http://kingpears.news

Taff & Daff (Glamorgan) http://taffanddaff.news

The Bear (Warwickshire) http://the-bear.news

The Chester (Durham) http://thechester.news

The Fox (Leicestershire) http://the-fox.news

The Hawk (Hampshire) http://thehawk.news

The Peakite (Derbyshire) http://thepeakite.news

The Rey (Surrey) http://therey.news

The Spitfire (Kent) http://thespitfire.news

The Steeler (Northants) http://thesteeler.news

The Trent (Notts) http://thetrent.news

Up The Middle (Middlesex) http://upthemiddle.news

White Rose Files (Yorkshire) http://whiterosefiles.news

The Glorious Gazette (Glos) https://www.thegloriousgazette.news

#cricket #countychampionship #englandcricket

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A preview of the (Rothesay) County Championship title race, for 136 years the hardest-earned trophy in cricket. The season lasts 178 days at the end of which we will know if anyne can topple Nottinghamshire from their pedestal. Simon Hughes, who won 4 championship titles with Middlesex, is joined by Simon Mann and Surrey all-rounder and columnist CAMERON STEEL, to discuss: -

the runners and riders, stinging April catches, the new substitute rule, whether Dom Sibley can oust Zak Crawley's from the England opening spot and some yound (and older) thrusters to follow. #cricket #england #countychampionship

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Some brilliant slower balls from Lungi Ngidi helps lure Lucknow Super Giants to 141 all out in the IPL. Delhi Capitals revive from 26-4 to take an excellent win in our first live watchalong of the tournament. Simon Mann and Simon Hughes commentate on the last five overs and recap the first five matches of the competition, highlighting the early dominance of the batsmen, the remarkable 15 ball 50 of the 15 year old Vaibhav Suryavanchi and the bowlers finding some much needed help more recently. #ipl #cricket #

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The 19th season of the Indian Premier League begins on March 28th with the new holders Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore beginning the defence of their title. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Deep Dasgupta air their thoughts on the likely winners and losers, the changes in personel, how the English players like Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell and Jofra Archer will fare and reveal why everything else in India stops while the IPL is on. It is truly the only show in town. #india #ipl #cricket #circus

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After the announcement that England head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key will keep their jobs and promise to evolve, we ask will it make any difference? The heirarchy always talk about the 'learnings' but are the players able to put them into practice? Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by former England opener Nick Compton to ask if England can ever properly compete with the best teams abroad, or is county cricket too self-absorbed and the coaches too self-preserving to raise standards to elite levels? The ad-free version of this podcast is here

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Haseeb Hameed led Nottinghamshire to the county championship title last season with astute captaincy and a bucket load of runs. And at 29 he is in perfect shape to step back into the England side he last played for during Covid. While on a pre season tour in South Africa, Hameed talks to Simon Hughes and Simon Mann about how he has improved his game, the key to Notts success, his ambitions going forward and how he dreams of batting like a certain Master Blaster. To listen to this podcast ad-free and to get other cricket content straight to your device subscribe to The Cricverse on Substack

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In the week when some cricketers, notably spinners such as Adil Rashid, were bought for astronomical sums in The Hundred auction, Monty Panesar reflects on his first Test appearance exactly 20 years ago. It was in Nagpur in March 2006 where the man who became known as The Sikh of Tweak took his first test wicket - and it was of course none other than the great Sachin Tendulkar. Monty recounts that day, his emotional celebration which became his signature, how Tendulkar presented him with a signed match ball and the impact of that moment. He, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider how far the game - which was paying him barely £20,000 at the time - and its rewards have come since. This podcast is available ad-free on The Cricverse

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India dominated the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand from the fifth ball of the match which Sanju Samson pummelled for six. Seventeen more maximums resulted as the Indian batters sustained a full-scale assault. Sunil Gavaskar called it a massacre. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Deep Dasgupta analyse the match, especially Samson's unique style that eraned him the player of the tournament award. They also assess how any teams could have competed with India's batting expertise and ambition. We hear from Samson what it all means to him and from his coach who explains the special talent he always had. For an ad-free version of this podcast and more analysis on the T20 World Cup visit the Cricverse.

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In an extrarordinary sustained display of hitting England finally succumbed to india's superiority with bat and ball in the T20 World Cup semi final. In a match featuring 499 runs and a record 34 sixes india were just too strong for England, despite a brilliant hundred by Jacob Bethell. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Deep Dasgupta review the match and also celebrate New Zealand's exceptional performance against South Africa in the other semi. Sunday's final in Ahmedabad could be epic. For more on the T20 World cup visit The Cricverse on substack

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Sanju Samson, a quiet and often forgotten star of Indian cricket, reminds everyone of his exceptional talents with a stunning 97 not out to seal India's place in the T20 World Cup semi final. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the way India over came West Indies and national expectation to win the match on the back of Samson's stunning innings. They discuss the prospects for the two semi finals, how England could surprise India in Mumbai, whether bowlers should just keep it simple and bowl at the stumps rather than use so many variations, and who will be champions on Sunday. For more on the T20 World Cup and our podcasts AD-FREE subscribe to us at the Cricverse on Substack.

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A brilliant runchase spearheaded by Will Jacks and supercharged by Rehan Ahmed pulled off an unlikely victory for England over New Zealand in Colombo. It gives England an impressive unbeaten record in the Super Eights and pits them as semi finalists against either India or West Indies. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess how England pulled off such an impressive victory on a tricky pitch and despite another failure for the opening pair of Jos Buttler and Phil Salt. The ingenuity of Harry Brook, the power of South Africa and India's huge threat are also discussed plus the sound of the New Zealand national anthem played at the wrong speed.

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A bowler dominated Sunday as the meaningful part of the T20 World Cup - the Super 8s - gets underway. Simon Hughes and former Indian batsman Deep Dasgupta assess how India allowed South Africa to make 187 after being 20-3 and then collapsed to 111 all out themselves. And in Pallekele, England stumbled to 146-9 with Jos Buttler again looking woefully indecisive, but then bowled Sri Lanka out for a paltry 95. This podcast is also available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheSimonhughes

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On the eve of the T20 World Cup Super Eights it has been revealed that Hundred franchises part-owned by Indian Premier League teams are being prevented from signing Pakistani players in the forthcoming Hundred auction. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider the ramifications of this for the ECB's campaign to improve diversity and inclusivity in the game. They are also joined by writer and commentator Peter della Penna to discuss the associate teams emergence in the T20 World Cup, an encouraging future for USA cricket, the likely semi finalists and when the world's leading T20 batsman, Abishek Sharma, will score his first run in the tournament. For more on the art of T20 batting, subscribe to The Cricverse on Substack.

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A pivotal moment in the T20 World Cup as India beat Pakistan for the umpteenth time at the halfway point in the tournament. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann ask if anyone can beat India in this format (in their own conditions) and evaluate who else will join them in the Super 8s. They also discuss what makes Ishan Kishan so dynamic, the unusual bowling (and effective) action of Pakistan's Usman Tariq and evaluate England's chances after their scrappy win over Scotland. And, later in the show, the emerging force of USA cricket. Will they make it to the next stage, and why have they been so slow to develop their cricket after a great start in the 19th century?

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An incredible T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Afghanistan which goes to a second super-over is followed by England slumping to defeat at the hands of West indies excellent spinners. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse where England lost it, how Afghanistan almost won it and how the commentators Dale Steyn and Kas Nadoo almost lost their voices. For more analysis on the T20 World Cup subscribe to our blog The Cricverse on Substack. (click the link)

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In the T20 World Cup England almost suffer the ignominy of losing to brave, plucky Nepal. Sam Curran holds his nerve to put out Nepal's fire and defend 10 off the last over. Also in this episode we analyse India's near miss with USA, discuss the dominance of left handers and reveal that the India v Pakistan match, which is now back on, means $250m to the world game. Also the brilliant teenager Viabhav Sooryavanshi is assessed (age and ability). Also read Simon Hughes's assessment on Substack at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/teenage-destroyer?r=lo2wd

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After a messy build up, the ICC T20 World cup begins this weekend in India and Sri Lanka. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by former Indian player Deep Dasgupta to assess the competition and ponder who can stop India from retaining their title. England certainly could on their day, so could South Africa who are still ruing how they lost the final to india in the Caribbean 18 months ago. They pick their best XIs from the assembled talent and whet the appetite for 28 days of intense white ball assaults.

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England can finally toast a series victory this winter with a barnstorming batting performance in the final ODI in Sri Lanka. On the back of a 20th ODI century by Joe Root and a stylish 67 from Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook assaulted the wilting Sri Lankan attack as only he can with a quite remarkable 136 not out off 66 balls with nine sixes. It was a reminder of his exceptional talent which mostly went missing in the Ashes. It sets England up well for the T20 World Cup to follow, although, as Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss, the bowling is a worry.

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England's woeful winter continues with a defeat in the first odi in Sri Lanka, making it 8 losses and one solitary victory in all formats since they departed for New Zealand in October. Joe Root and Ben Duckett compiled an excellent partnership of 117, but the rest of the batting and much of the bowling left something to be desired. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the match and also consider the impasse between Bangladesh and the Indian-dominated ICC over their participation in next month's T20 World Cup. This podcast is sponsored by Nord VPN. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/aic. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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The final episode of our specially produced series on the 2005 Ashes - when England finally regained the urn at the Oval after almost two decades without it. The epic series is still in the balance until the last day of this fifth and final Test, climaxing with the extraordinary maiden Test century by Kevin Pietersen. Features interviews with Michael Vaughan, Justin Langer, Freddie Flintoff, Adam Gilchrist, Simon Jones, Glenn McGrath and Andrew Strauss. The entire series can be watched on YouTube at
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy

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Continuing our recap of the epic 2005 Ashes, featuring the nerve-tingling Trent Bridge Test when England forced Australia to follow on for the first time for 20 years and then almost sacrificed themselves to the wizardly Warne. Features contributions from Michael Vaughan, Andrew Strauss, Simon Jones, Ashley Giles, Justin Langer and Glenn McGrath. Also viewable on YouTube - here's the full video playlist
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy

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The gripping third Test of the 2005 Ashes, the one when Simon Jones delivered one of the greatest inswingers of all time, the ground was full on the last day with 20,000 turned away, Ricky Ponting had to be dragged off after six hours of defiance and Australia celebrated a draw. Watch the whole series on YouTube at
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy

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Re-running our greatest Ashes audio and video series - this is the epic 2005 Edgbaston Test which eventually after a pulsating arm wrestle England won by two runs. Features interviews with many of the participants (including the late Shane Warne) and match action. Can also be watched on YouTube - full playlist here -
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy

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To fill the void of no Test matchs til June and perhaps rekindle your love of Test cricket we're replaying our audio and video series on the epic 2005 Ashes, hearing from many of the participants. . This episode features the (first) Lord's Test and a proper feisty duel between the teams although of course Australia had the final say. You can watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GsfY3YLqONo

Full playlist here -
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy

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With their five wicket defeat in Sydney, England's Ashes tour ended in abject failure. A failure of planning, of selection, of execution and often of basic cricketing skills, in contrast to the man of the series - Mitchell Starc - who was immense throughout. The series was a huge disappointment to all the committed England fans and infact to Australians too, eager for a serious and sustained contest. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Ricky Ponting analyse where it all went wrong and what is to be done about it. They also consider players off-field behaviour after more embarrassing stories in the press about late-night disorderliness. It has been a wretched tour from a playing point of view. It is to be hoped that the players learn from the original school of hard knocks and come back stronger and better. This podcast is sponsored by Nord VPN. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/aic Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Jacob Bethell has been earmarked for great things on sparse evidence. At the SCG he demonstrated what all the fuss has been about with an innings of great composure, skill and class to record a memorable first century in both first class and Test cricket. He maturely held England's fragile innings together to give them a very faint chance of victory on the last day of the tour. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Justin Langer offer their appreciation of an exceptional performance that promises a stunning future.

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A debilitating and demoralising day for England in Sydney. Travis Head flays the bowling to record his 600th run in the series and then Steve Smith exploits tired bodies and minds to make his 37th Test hundred. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report and Glenn McGrath joins in to analyse why England can't maintain control with the ball.

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Apart from a superb 41st Test century by Joe Root, another dispiriting day for England at the SCG as the batters didn't make the most of winning the toss and the bowlers couldn't sustain control. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on a day when at least the Barmy Army kept the home fires burning.

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The first truly contested day in the Ashes is cruelly terminated by absurd weather rules in Sydney. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on an enterprising day by England dashed by ridiculous protocol and inflexible laws depriving 50,000 spectators of half a day's play. They also hear from Harry Borrk who is 78 not out overnight. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal - https://nordvpn.com/aic Try it risk free now with a 30-day money-back guarentee

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground and hear from Ben Stokes who is on a mission to finish a difficult tour on a high despite admitting being unable to read how the pitch will play.

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Ashes Question Time: simon Hughes and Simon Mann field your comments and questions post the two-day MCG fiasco. Including - who should bat 3 for England, which should bowlers should play in Sydney now Gus Atkinson is also ruled out, what repercussions should there be post the tour and should the teams have played an exhibition match following the two-day Test? For our special deal on the Nord VPN subscription visit nordvpn.com/aic

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on England's first Test victory in Australia since January 7th 2011. This was a remarkable and rather unsatisfactory Test which lasted barely a day and a half on an MCG pitch which had a bit too much help for the seam bowlers but on which no batter was prepared to be patient. An impressive opening stand between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett showed up some rather hapless Australian batting, and the youngster Jacob Bethell made a crucial 40 in a tricky runchase. At last 10,000 English fans have an England victory to celebrate though Cricket Australia will bemoan major revenue losses. This podcast is sponsored by Nord VPN - go to NORDVPN.COM/AIC for your special deal.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review an extraordinary day's play at the MCG where the groundsman and the batsmen gifted the bowlers 20 wickets. A helpful Melbourne pitch was well exploited by both team's seam bowlers - especially England's Josh Tongue - confronted with batsmen who didn't seem to want to hang about too long. This is a game on fast forward. They also discuss the state of England's team and the apparent drinking culture may have begun to reinfluence English cricket. This episode is sponsored by Nord VPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan go to nordvpn.com/aic

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Despite a plucky seventh wicket stand between Will Jacks and Jamie Smith, the Aussies clinched their coveted prize in mid afternoon and celebrated in appropriate style. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse waht went right for Australia and wrong for England and hear Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum offer their explanations too. And we hear what our listeners think too. Don't forget to follow our Substack blog at the Cricverse - https://cricverse.substack.com/p/headmaster?r=lo2wd

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Chasing a virtually impossible 435 for victory to keep the series alive, England inevitably lost more than half their side to a combination of the superb Pat Cummins and wizardly Nathan Lyon as the dusty fourth day pitch played a few tricks. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review a day of intense competition as Australia draw within four wickets of retaining Test cricket's ultimate prize. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor also gives his view on England's shaky top three. Fnal day viewable on TNT Sports.

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After courageous resistance from Ben Stokes gets England close to a barely adequate 300, England's bowlers suffer at the hands of the brilliant South Australian Travis Head. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse the third day of the third Test when England's Ashes hopes are slowly and almost sadistically extinguished by Australia's batsmen. Their former star bowler Jason Gillespie also explains what makes the England bowling attack for these batting friendly conditions inadequate. Also read our Cricverse blog on the series - visit https://cricverse.substack.com/p/headmaster?r=lo2wd #ashes #england #australia

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Simon Hughes reviews the second day from Adelaide when the outstanding Australian attack gave the England batters a good roasting in the Adelaide heat. Justin Langer also gives his view on England's batting frailities which have left them clinging on to their Ashes hopes by a gossamer thin thread.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Wilde of the Sunday Times review the first day of the Adelaide Test when both teams gifted presents of runs and wickets to each other. There was also controversy when Alex Carey was given not out by umpire and DRS but admitted afterwards that he did get an edge.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the 3rd Test in Adelaide which is of course make or break for England. After England's break in Noosa, Brendon McCullum speaks and declares that England will keep the same top seven, and also explains more about what he meant by England overtraining before the Brisbane Test. He is clear though that if they play much smarter cricket than they did in Brisbane they can wIn in Adelaide and then 'the narrative changes.' Follow our Cricverse blog on Substack for more on the Ashes https://cricverse.substack.com/p/all-in-good-time?r=lo2wd

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Graeme Swann was one of the stars of England's triumphant Ashes campaign of 2010/11. In this interview he recounts how England prepared for that series - with a graphic account of the infamous boot camp in Germany - the difficult start to the series in the Gabba, how they recovered and then went on to produce almost the perfect performance at the Adelaide Oval where England play next. Graeme Swann will be part of the TNT Sports commentary team for the next Test. This podcast is supported by Nord VPN visit https://nordvpn.com/analyst for your exclusive deal

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Was Stokes right to suggest that some of his players are mentally weak? Should there be major changes if England lose the Ashes? Should they be going to Noosa for a 'mid-series break' or be practising in the nets? Do they need a psychologist or a shrink? Your Ashes questions answered with Simon Hughes and Simon Mann

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Determined batting by Ben Stokes and Will Jacks at least took this 2nd Test into the final session of the 4th day at the Gabba. But from the moment England dropped five catches to allow Australia to make over 500 the barbequing of the English torso on the Brisbane coals was underway. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann hear from a sombre Ben Stokes and an ecstatic Adam Gilchrist in reviewing the match. Australia now have one hand firmly on the Ashes urn after only six day's cricket. #ashes #england #australia

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England laboured to dismiss Australia's last four wickets in the heat of the Brisbane day and then collapsed to the Australia's willing seamers as darkness fell. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by Matt Hayden to analyse a dispiriting yet predictable third day at the Gabba which leaves England's Ashes hopes hanging by a thread. #ashes #england #australia

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England lose the plot with the ball and in the field on the second day at the Gabba, gifting Australia the initiative with poor bowling and dropped catches. But this Australian side are not as ruthless as some of their predecessors and at times handed the initiative back. But, as Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Steven Finn report, Australia still have a sizeable advantage. Can they convert it?

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Joe Root has finally got the monkey of his back with an irrepressible hundred at the Gabba, his first in Australia and his 40th overall. It was the centrepiece of a compelling first day in Brisbane which England looked like squandering at several points, but was saved by Root's dedication and skill and an unexpected unbroken last wicket stand between him and Jofra Archer. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by Matt Prior to reflect on a day when Mitchell Starc became the world's leading left arm wicket taker. #ashes #england #australia #root

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The cricket world has been stunned with the sudden death of the brilliant Hampshire and England batsman Robin Smith at the age of 62. Smith, known as The Judge for his wig-like hairstyle, possessed the most ferocious cut shot in the game and was fearless against fast bowling during a highly successful England career. This belied inner self-doubts and an almost apologetic nature that was at the heart of his problems post retirement. Simon Hughes, who played against Smith regularly, recalls his career with Simon Mann and cricket writer Simon Wilde who produced a definitive interview with Smith in the Sunday Times just last weekend.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the second Ashes Test at the Gabba which England must win to have any chance of regaining the Ashes. This is a day-night pink ball test and they discuss the difficulties that presents, the way teams approach it and the changes in personel. There are rumours that Pat Cummins might return as captain. But whatever happens, England will make sure, if they arrive by electric scooter, that they wear helmets. This series is live and exclusive in the Uk on TNT Sports. #ashes #england #australia #pinkball

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Simon Hughes an Simon Mann consider the state of the England team ahead of the second Ashes Test. And Simon Hughes then joins in a local radio show in Denmark, Western Australia to hear what the real Okkers think of the Poms. (Apologies for the slightly low sound levels on the second half.) #ashes #england #australia

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An in-depth interview with Simon Jones, one of the stars of England's 2005 Ashes triumph but who sadly never played for England again. He talks about his upbringing as the son of an England bowler, idolizing other great fast bowlers, the devastation of rupturing knee ligaments on his Ashes debut, the exhilaration of the 2005 Ashes success and the victory parade, the exasperation of constant injury problems and eventual retirement afterwards, and the work he's doing now to prevent injured cricketers falling on hard times. #ashes #swingbowling #england

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An interview with Lord Botham, great all-rounder, hero of the Ashes and scourge of Australia, to commemorate his 70th birthday. He talks with Simon Hughes about his lifelong association with the Ashes, why he loves Australians, and loves to beat them even more, and how to save Test cricket.

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Still trying to comprehend not only what happened on the 2nd day of the first Ashes Test in Perth, but also how quickly it all unfolded, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann try to rationalise how the balance of power shifted so dramatically. Plus - fans reactions, what England should do next and a special birthday. STOP PRESS - BETHELL, POTTS AND TONGUE TO PLAY IN PINK BALL WARM-UP MATCH #ashes #cricket #england #australia

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A remarkable hundred by Travis Head - one of the greatest innings ever played in an Ashes Test - savaged England's hopes and seized Australia an unlikely win in the first Test in Perth. Head's century, the second fastest in Ashes history - shot Australia to victory inside two days leaving England, leading by 100 just after lunch with nine wickets in hand, totally shellshocked. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse where it went wrong for England and right for Australia and also hear Matthew Hayden's view of Head's performance. #ashes

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Nineteen wickets fall on the first da of the Ashes in Perth, and England, have been tamely bowled out for 172 seem likely now to take a decent lead. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann praise the skill of the fast bowlers on both sides while bemoaning the lack of application of the batsmen on a bouncy pitch with some lateral movement. England's bowlers certainly relished the lift and help in the pitch and exposed Australia's vulnerability to deliveries of over 90mph. The series is covered on TNT Sports. Thsi podcast is brought to you Betfair. For latest markets go to https://betting.betfair.com/cricket/the-ashes/

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The huge build up to the 2025/6 Ashes is almost over. The talk is nearly done. Time to walk the walk. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann survey the stage at the Perth stadium and assess where the balance of power is now, and where it might be in six weeks time. Ben Stokes explains the philosophies behind his and the team's preparation and how he has emphasised to them that this is England's chance to make history. The podcast's sponsors Betfair also offer some interesting odds. Please be gamble aware and bet responsibly. The Ashes is exclusively live on TNT Sports. #ashes #england #australia

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The climax to the greatest Test series of all time - the Oval Test of 2005. England, who hadn't held the Ashes for 18 years, went into this final Test 2-1 up, knowing that if the Australians managed to sneak a victory they would retain the Ashes urn again. The last Test to be broadcast live on terrestrial TV in the UK (on Channel 4) it was regarded as the biggest sporting event in Britain since the 1966 football World Cup final. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann take you through the gripping action from England's strong start, to Australia's inevitable fightback, Freddie Flintoff's titanic spell and Kevin Pietersen's extraordinary last day hundred. With contributions from Michael Vaughan, Freddie Flintoff, Andrew Strauss, Simon Jones, Ashley Giles, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee. #ashes #englandcricket #australia #greatestseries #theanalyst

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The Trent Bridge Test of 2005 was the first time England had taken a significant lead in the Ashes for 18 years. It was only achieved in a tense finale in fading light by two players - Ashley Giles and Matthew Hoggard - not renowned for their batting. They managed to collect the final 13 runs for victory with Shane Warne wreaking havoc, only two nervous batters left in the pavilion and the nation holding their collective breath. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann tell the tale of a dramatic match which featured a buccanneering century by Freddie Flintoff, England making Australia follow on for the first time in a generation and Ricky Ponting run out by the substitute Gary Pratt. With contributions from Flintoff, Michael Vaughan, Simon Jones, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Strauss and Ashley Giles. #ashes #cricket #englandcricket #australia

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The dramatic tale of the third Ashes Test of 2005, told through the players eyes - featuring Michael Vaughan, Freddie Flintoff, Andrew Strauss, Simon Jones, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist. A gripping, tense encounter which built to such a climax that the Old Trafford ground was full by 9am on the fifth day with 20,000 people locked out. And despite England's brilliant efforts with bat (Vaughan and Strauss) and ball (Flintoff and especially Jones with some sensational deliveries ) they could not quite break Australia's resolve. In perhaps his finest innings, Ricky Ponting resisted England for six hours on the final day until dismissed, ninth out with four overs to go. But Australia's last pair of Brett Lee and McGrath held out to keep the series score poised at 1-1 with two to play. Watch the video on YOUTUBE at https://youtu.be/30CQN6-xSN8 #ashes #england #australia #classic

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Ashley Giles is the guest on this podcast. One of the heroes of the 2005 Ashes looks back on his exploits in that series during which a partnership with Kevin Pietersen at the Oval earned him the nickname 'George' - simpler than King of Spain which he was also ironically known as. Giles also reflects on darker times when he was England's director of cricket, looks ahead to this Ashes series and picks his all-time Ashes XI. The 2025/6 Ashes will be live exclusively on TNT Sports. To watch our special films of the 2005 Ashes go to https://youtu.be/GaPMtsF_Dcs?si=sqvv-ue_cEVhjacr #ashes #england #australia #2005

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The story of the most gripping Ashes Test ever played, the Edgbaston white-knuckle ride of 2005, which went literally to the wire, England eventually winning it by two runs. It featured so much drama - Glenn McGrath slipping on a ball before play, Ricky Ponting putting England in, England walloping 407 in a day, Freddie Flintoff hitting 10 sixes in the match and producing one of the greatest overs in Test history, Shane Warne's miracle ball to Andrew Strauss and then Australia all but seizing a one-wicket victory until Steve Harmison's final intervention. Features brillaint Channel 4 match footage and commentary and contributions from Flintoff, McGrath, Warne, Strauss, Michael Vaughan, Simon Jones, Brett Lee, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist. Available to watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GaPMtsF_Dcs

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Classic retelling of the epic drama of the 2005 Ashes - the greatest Test cricket series ever. This is the wildly fluctuating first Test at Lord's. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann marvel at the explosive first hour when England's fast bowlers struck down the Aussies intimidatory batting. The relentless Glenn McGrath struck back to reduce England to 21-5 from which they never properly recovered. This episode features great Channel 4 match footage of that first hour, McGrath's revenge, Freddie Flintoff's disappointing Ashes debut, Kevin Pietersen's dramatic entry into Test cricket and Shane Warne's ultimate mastery. There are interviews with Flintoff, Warne, McGrath, Michael Vaughan, Simon Jones, Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist and Jason Gillespie. And commentary from the legends like Richie Benaud and Tony Greig. Available to watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/GsfY3YLqONo?si=wYZ0LnPlHIeKF0AJ #ashes #englandcricket #england #testcricket

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The first episode of our six -part series on the 2005 Ashes - often regarded as the greatest Test series of all time. Twenty years on Simon Hughes and Simon Mann relive the drama of those Tests with its participants including Michael Vaughan, Freddie Flintoff, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Strauss and Simon Jones, interspersed with the memories of Shane Warne. This first episode recalls the build up to the series, why it was so momentous and how England were going to handle the all-conquering Aussies who had held the Ashes urn for 16 years #cricket #england #australia #ashes

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Ten days to go to the 2025/6 Ashes and Simon Hughes and Simon Mann monitor the war of words in the Australian press and on podcasts as the pressure builds from the Fourth Estate. The whingeing Poms and 'undercooked' sledges are out in force and the video cuts of Joe Root's dismissals Down Under posted in full. The players themselves are sensibly rising above the noise off stage. The Ashes series is exclusively live on TNT Sports .

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An extract of the final episode of the five-part series dramatising Great Ashes Tests of the past. This episode revisits the epic series of 1981 - Botham's Ashes - featuring interviews with Botham, Bob Willis, Mike Brearley and David Lloyd and is narrated by Stephen Fry. To listen to the full episode and for more exclusive content join the Cricverse https://cricverse.substack.com/p/great-ashes-tests-ep5-the-miracle?r=lo2wd #ashes #botham #miracle

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Fourth episode of Great Ashes mini-series telling the story of Donald Bradman and his 1948 'Invincibles' and how they sought to obliterate every English team in their path, and virtually did so. Also tells how Bradman himself became immortalised with his insatiable desire and his incredible Test average of 99.94 and his orchestration of the greatest run-chase in the history of the game. For the final part of this series on Botham's Ashes, narrated by Stephen Fry, and our daily Ashes reports, subscribe to The Cricverse https://cricverse.substack.com/

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Third of five part series featuring Great Ashes Test matches. Here Simon Hughes retells the dramatic story of the emergence of Australia's ritual destroyer of bowling attacks Donald Bradman, and England's dastardly plan to stop him. This of course was 'leg theory' - soon christened Bodyline' - perpetrated chiefly by Harold Larwood. It erupted into the incendiary Test match at Adelaide in 1933 that changed the game and intensified the rivalry of the Ashes like no other contest before or since.

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First of a five part series highlighting great Ashes Test matches through history. Narrated by Simon Hughes, this first episode tells the story of the epic 1882 Oval Test which signifies the birth of the Ashes. In it 'the Demon' Frederick Spofforth is irked by the antics of WG Grace and torpedoes the England batting for just 77 to give Australia their historic first victory in England by 7 runs. It prompted the mock obituary in the Sporting Times mourning the death of English cricket, and set in motion 146 years of intense rivalry, and counting.

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This is the story of the epic Oval Test match of 1926, and the finest hour of Jack Hobbs, England’s greatest batsman - by number of hundreds (199) anyway. Hobbs and his great opening ally Herbert Sutcliffe secure England a huge lead on a treacherous pitch and an opportunity to avenge a series of Australian defeats. Their exploits offer much-needed hope and optimism to a post-war ravaged society. #ashes #england #testcricket

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Deep Dasgupta, former Indian keeper-batsman, joins the Simons on the podcast to reflect on the Indian women's euphoric day, winning the ICC World Cup for the first time. Deep reveals the investment and personel invested in the women's game and the future growth of the Women's Premier League. Also in this episode - an Ashes update with Deep exploring what it takes to win in Australia too, having watched at close hand Indian (men's) successful tours there. #cricket #india #iccwomensworldcup #ashes #england #australia

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Ian Smith, celebrated commentator and former New Zealand keeper, joins the podcast to talk New Zealand versus England and offer a detached but informed view on the Ashes. Few know or can interpret international cricket better than the sharp-eyed, quick-witted Kiwi who is the definition of a wordSmith. He gives great insights into what makes New Zealand consistently excellent, why the Aussies are favourites for the Ashes and how they'll sledge Joe Root. England's final odi and the entire Ashes series are exclusively live on TNT Sports

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The amazing story of how cricket has revolutionized the lives of many of the inhabitants of a poverty-stricken, overcrowded and violent Syrian refugee camp in Beirut. We hear from Richard Verity, the founder of the transformative Alsama Project, and two of his star female pupils who, through cricket, are giving hope and aspiration to a generation of underprivileged children and helping oppressed girls find their voice. For more information go to alsamaproject.com

Takeaways

• Cricket is inclusive for all body types and abilities.
• The sport allows for mixed-gender participation.
• Inclusivity in sports can challenge traditional societal norms.
• Cricket can serve as a platform for social change.
• The role of cricket in promoting gender equality is significant.
• Inclusivity in sports fosters community and connection.
• Cricket can be adapted to suit different skill levels.
• The sport's flexibility makes it accessible to everyone.
• Engagement in cricket can lead to personal growth.
• Cricket's evolution reflects broader societal changes.

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Former Middlesex and England fast bowler and Ashes winner Steven Finn joins the podcast to reflect on England's build up so far, and compare it to his own experiences touring Down Under. He was of course part of England's triumphant 2010/11 Ashes-winning side under Andrew Strauss. England's rain-ruined T20 series is also discussed as they head into the three odis against New Zealand. Also Finn reveals the gamut of emotions he experienced writing his own soon to be published memoir The Ashes Files. The New Zealand/England odis and the entire Ashes are exclusively live on TNT Sports.

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A preview of England's T20 series in New Zealand starting in the Kiwi spring even before their domestic season has begun. It will be decidedly chilly at night, a severe contrast to the temperature in Perth in a month's time when the Ashes begin. But a great chance for some of England's players to get in tune before the main show. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider the series amid all the noise going on from former players about the teams' Ashes prospects. You can watch all the white ball matches in New Zealand and the whole of the Ashes exclusively live on TNT Sports.

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The combined cells of Hughes and Mann take on the might of Chat GPT to evaluate England's greatest-ever Test cricketer. Prompted by a question from Simon Mann's daughter, they use various criteria to compare and rank England's finest cricketers past and present. So who do they say is England's greatest from the likes of Grace, Botham, Hobbs, Hutton, Hammond, Root, Anderson and Stokes, and does the super-computer agree?? All is revealed.... #cricket #testcricket #england

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Kyle Hogg is our special guest on the show, discussing his role in the brilliant BBC series Field of Dreams, helping Freddie Flintoff introduce cricket to the uninitiated in some neglected communities of the north-west. Kyle, the former Lancashire bowler, explains how he got involved in the series, the passion he and Freddie share in spreading the game, the fun of their tour to Kolkata and how he can use his latest experiences in his other role, coaching the England U/19s as they prepare for the U/19 World Cup in January. #cricket #fieldofdreams

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Lots of your questions answered by Simon Hughes and Simon Mann including - was Peter Moores harshly treated as England coach, who would take over the England job if they lose the Ashes, is this Indian team one of the best white ball team ever to walk the earth, who is the worst Test batter in the world and who invented the reverse sweep, and is therefore the godfather of modern batting?

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An interview with Mervyn King, Baron King of Lothbury, who has just completed a booming year as president of MCC. The former Governor of the Bank of England discusses the remarkable sale of the MCC-administered London Spirit franchise for £145m to the so-called Tech-Titans, why he loves both Test cricket and the Hundred and how the English game can prosper on the world stage.

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Peter Moores, the coach who, following Nottinghamshire's County Championship triumph on Friday, has now led three different counties to the title, explains the process behind creating a championship-winning side. With Simon Hughes and Simon Mann, he also explores the way coaching has changed since his first title in 2003 and how the emphasis is more about liberating than controlling. #cricket #countychampionship #nottinghamshire #coaching

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Dickie Bird was one of the most famous characters in world sport, loved by millions across the globe. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann pay tribute to his wonderful persona on and off the cricket field. They discuss why he was so cherished and admired, even when presented with the most bizarre things in the middle, where he officiated with humility and humour for almost three decades. In part 2 they also analyse England's Ashes squad which was announced earlier today. #cricket #umpire #ashes

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Spearheaded by Josh Tongue, Notts secure a brilliant championship win over Surrey to go top of the table with one match to play. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse where Notts seized control and assess the prospects for the last round of matches. They also hear from former Australian paceman Brett Lee on his thoughts about the Ashes, why he loves Mark Wood and what Freddie Flintoff did to him in the dressing room after that epic two run defeat at Edgbaston in 2005. #cricket #test #ashes

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On the 12th September 2005, 20 years ago, England regained the Ashes for the first time for 18 years. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann look back at the drama and emotion of that day as another eagerly awaited Ashes series looms on the horizon. Also in the show a review of the state of divisions one and two in the county championship, how our five county players to follow have been faring, and where and when Rory Bremner dared to imitate the Analyst.

To watch the full video series looking back at the 2005 Ashes with the participants sign up to The Cricverse https://cricverse.substack.com

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann return to analyse England erratic performances in the one day series against South Africa. The standouts were Jofra Archer's bowling, Joe Root becoming England's leading ODI runmaker to go with his Test match prowess and 21 year old prodigy Jacob Bethell making his first century in senior cricket with a dramatic displat at Southampton. To enjoy our special video series on the 2005 Ashes which claim to a climax this week, join The Cricverse - https://cricverse.substack.com/p/ecstasy-the-2005-oval-test?r=lo2wd

#ashes #england

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The ninth and final extract from our exclusive 2005 Ashes video series relives the tense drama of the fifth Test at the Oval. The series was still in the balance until late on. the fifth day when Kevin Pietersen plated the innings of his life. It was an incredible piece of sporting theatre and in this episode we hear from Michael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Flintoff, Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist and Jason Gillespie on what it all meant. To watch the whole series and receive other special content sign up to The Cricverse on Substack https://cricverse.substack.com/p/ecstasy-the-2005-oval-test?r=lo2wd #ashes #england #australia #2005

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The eighth extract from our exclusive 2005 Ashes video series - the (fifth) Oval Test. The climax to the series had a long and very public build up as the nation clung to the hope that England could finally get their hands on the urn that had eluded them since the 1980s. Would Simon Jones be fit? Would Glenn McGrath recover? Could Shane Warne conjure more miraculous deliveries? Did Freddie Flintoff have anything left? Would Kevin Pietersen relinquish his dead mongoose hairdo? Who would lift the urn? In thio extract we hear from McGrath, Flintoff, Vaughan, Strauss, Jones, and Langer as the match takes shape. To watch individual episodes, or the whole series and receive other special content sign up to The Cricverse on Substack https://cricverse.substack.com/p/inching-infront-the-2005-trent-bridge?r=lo2wd #cricket #ashes #england #australia

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The seventh extract from our exclusive 2005 Ashes video series relives the drama of England's tense run-chase at Trent Bridge. With the nation on tenterhooks, England - chasing 129 - collapse to 116-7 to the physical and verbal wiles of Shane Warne. The unlikely pairing of Ashley Giles and Matthew Hoggard come to the rescue. To watch the whole series and receive other special content sign up to The Cricverse on Substack https://cricverse.substack.com/p/inching-infront-the-2005-trent-bridge?r=lo2wd

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Another extract from our six-part special video series on the 2005 Ashes. The series has moved to Trent Bridge where Freddie Flintoff stars with the bat rather than the ball, and a cheeky 12th man, Gary Pratt runs out an irate Ricky Ponting. To view this exclusive, ad-free video and the other episodes in the series, sign up to the Cricverse on Substack - https://cricverse.substack.com/p/inching-infront-the-2005-trent-bridge?r=lo2wd #england #ashes #australia #cricket

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Estimates vary about how many spectators were locked out on the final day - Monday August 15th 2005 - of the 3rd Test at Old Trafford. Some said 10,000, some said 20,000. There's no doubt the series was capturing the nation and 7m were reputed to be watching on Channel 4 as first Ricky Ponting and then Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath denied the hard-working England bowlers victory. At the end the all-conquering Australians were captured celebrating a draw! This is the fifth extract of our six-part video series available at The Cricverse on Substack. https://cricverse.substack.com/p/locked-out-the-2005-old-trafford?r=lo2wd

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The fourth extract of our special six-part video series on the 2005 Ashes. Its 20 years this weekend since the riveting third Test of that series at Old Trafford where England tried so desperately hard to take a 2-1 lead. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann hear from reverse-swing maestro Simon Jones, the incomparable Freddie Flintoff and the resourceful Andrew Strauss their memories of that match. To watch the entire video series subscribe to the Cricverse for regular exclusive content sent straight to your device. https://open.substack.com/pub/cricverse/p/locked-out-the-2005-old-trafford?r=lo2wd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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A third extract from our exclusive six-part video series retelling the drama of the 2005 Ashes with many of the participants. In this episode we hear how at Edgbaston England employed Bazball tactics to turn the tables on Australia after the tourists thumping victory at Lord's. The match featured one of the great Test match overs delivered by Freddie Flintoff but the amazing Shane Warne almost had the last word with a geometry-defying delivery at the beginning of England's second innings.

To have the full video series sent straight to your device with exclusive interviews and great match archive subscribe to the Cricverse on Substack https://cricverse.substack.com/p/two-runs-the-2005-edgbaston-test?r=lo2wd

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The second instalment from our six-part video series reliving the drama of the 2005 Ashes. This extract hears from Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath and Freddie Flintoff as Australia's bowlers respond ruthlessly to the Aussies being bowled out for 190 on the first day of the series at Lord's. To watch the full video series with exclusive player interviews and match archive join The Cricverse on Substack at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/wakey-wakey-england?r=lo2wd

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The first instalment from our six-part video series reliving the drama of the 2005 Ashes. This extract hears from Jason Gillespie, Simon Jones, Michael Vaughan, Justin Langer and Freddie Flintoff how England took the unsuspecting Aussies by storm on the first morning at Lord's. To watch the full video series with match archive join The Cricverse on Substack at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/wakey-wakey-england?r=lo2wd

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Five Tests, 25 days, 2000 overs, 12,000 balls, 7, 187 runs. A riveting fight from start to finish, the end always in doubt. Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta reflect on a classic series, highlight the stars and the turning points, declare Test cricket the winner and join all the players for a lengthy lie down. To watch our special six part series on perhaps the greatest series of all time - the 2005 Ashes - subscribe to The Cricverse - https://open.substack.com/pub/cricverse/p/oval-showstopper?r=lo2wd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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A nerve-shredding final morning concluded with India seizing a dramatic six run victory - the closest in their history - to deservedly share the series 2-2. The 55 minutes of play encapsulated the match with brilliant bowling, brave hitting, tight umpires decisions, diving attempts on the boundary, unbridled tension and England's last man, Chris Woakes, coming out to bat with his arm in a sling. You couldn't make it up. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann were there to witness the dramatic end to an epic series.

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An extraordinary day's cricket as this epic series headed to a climax, with an unexpected shower leaving England needing 35 to win the match and the series with four wickets in hand. Highlight of the day was Harry Brook's flamboyant hundred, an innings speckled with genius and audacity. he and Joe Root transformed the game with a nerveless and fluent 195 run partnership which totally knocked the stuffing out of India. Their dismissals let India back into the game.

Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on a breathtaking day as England sought the second highest run-chase in their history. This podcast is supported by Betfair. It is illegal to bet if you are under 18. Please gamble responsibly.

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A tremendous batting performance by India have set England a mountain to climb on the fourth day at the Oval. They require 374 and were shaping well with 50-0 until Mohammed Siraj yorked Zak Crawley with the last ball of the day. A tough day for England's bowlers and fielders and major work to do for England's batters if they are going to get close to securing the series 3-1. india are odds on to make it 2-2. This podcast is supported by Betfair. Do not bet if you are under 18 and please gamble responsibly.

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A Test match and series superbly poised at the Oval with India leading by 53 with eight wickets left in seamer-friendly conditions. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on an absorbing day of 340 runs and 15 wickets and plenty of confrontation that Surrey and England's Graham Thorpe, in whose memory everyone sported headbands, would have loved.

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India possibly have the better of the first day at the Oval where England bowled waywardly and lost Chris Woakes to what looked like a dislocated shoulder towards the end of the day. With Woakes unlikely to play any further part in the match it makes India's score of 204-6 on a helpful pitch worth more like 250. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review a day when India's batting held up resolutely against England's makeshift attack. they also discuss whether Tests in series as intense as this should be spread out more evenly and they respond to some caustic comments from listeners after their reactions to the farce at the end of the last Test.

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A preview of the fifth and final test at the Oval, scene also of Gilbert Jessop's fastest hundred for England in a Test match in 1902, a 76-ball record that still stands. Simon Hughes discusses the prospects of a Stokes-less England and a rebuilt bowling attack with Sunday Times cricket correspondent Simon Wilde who has written a new book - Chasing Jessop. It reveals much about the man who could be considered the original Bazballer and also makes claims that his hundred may have been even quicker than 76 balls, therefore laying down an intriguing challenge for Baz McCullum's men.

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Five days of stretching every sinew on the field by both sides has ended in stalemate at Old Trafford. Superb tenacious batting by india - having been 0-2 - held England at bay for over one and a half days during which they only lost two more wickets. In the end the dead pitch was the winner. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review a match that broke many batting records and was a triumph for the warrior-like Ben Stokes and his opposite number the courageous Shubman Gill and leaves the series poised at 2-1 with one match left. Lets see who's left standing in three days time at the Oval.

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Despite England's huge 311 run lead and two early Indian wickets, the India third wicket remained intact for the rest of the day as KL Rahul and Shubman Gill knuckled down to the job of drawing the game. The day featured Ben Stokes becoming only the fourth Englishman to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test match. Simin Hughes and Deep Dasgupta evaluate the day and where Stokes ranks in the all-rounders Hall of Fame.

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England take inexorable control of the fourth Test at Old Trafford thanks primarily to Joe Root's faultless 38th Test hundred. In the course of it he went past Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid and Ricky Ponting to become the second highest run scorer in the history of Test cricket. Only the incomparable Sachin Tendulkar has more (about 2500 more.) Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta assess the day and India's legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar gives his verdict on Root's monumental achievement.

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Helped by the unexpected contribution of the injured Rishabh Pant India make a battling 358 on the second day at Old Trafford. But after Ben Stokes takes his first 5 wicket haul for eight years, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley make a superb statement of their own with a 160 run opening partnership. Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta review a day which has left the match well poised with England 133 runs behidn with 8 wickets in hand.

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An attritional 83 overs on the first day of the Old Trafford Test as India progress to 264-4 but Rishabh Pant suffers a bad injury to his foot on 37 and may play no further part in the match. Ben Stokes was again the go to bowler for England and having now bowled more overs (119) than in any other previous Test series, he has the same number of Test wickets (226) as both Freddie Flintoff and Steve Harmison. Simon Hughes and former India player Deep Dasgupta assess the day's play and the state of the bat-dominated balls in this series. Apologies for the variable sound quality

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Twilight of the Gods: the first episode of our six -part series on the 2005 Ashes - often regarded as the greatest Test series of all time. Twenty years on Simon Hughes and Simon Mann relive the drama of those Tests with its participants including Michael Vaughan, Freddie Flintoff, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Strauss and Simon Jones, interspersed with the memories of Shane Warne. This first episode recalls the build up to the series, why it was so momentous and how England were going to handle the all-conquering Aussies who had held the AShes urn for 16 years. The series is also viewable on The Analyst YouTube channel.

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A truly melodramatic final day at Lord's featuring only 112 runs but six vital wickets to give England the narrowest of victories by 22 runs. It was on the very day six years ago when England tied the World Cup final and won the Super Over on a boundary count back, and two of England match-winners that 2019 day - Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer - were at the forefront of England's victory today. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann look back at a wonderful advert for Test cricket and the extraordinary defiance of the Indian lower order with the former Indian player Deep Dasgupta.

To see and hear our special six part podcast series on the 2005 Ashes, subscribe to The Cricverse at https://open.substack.com/pub/cricverse/p/the-future-of-finger-spin?r=lo2wd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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Defending a meagre 193 for victory, England's Durham pair Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes offer hope of a brilliant climax to an absorbing third Test with late wickets. India now require a further 135 runs to win, with serene opener KL Rahul looking secure and the mercurial Rishabh Pant due in next. It promises to be an exciting final day as the moribund pitch gradually deteriorates. Can Ben Stokes inspire England again on the sixth anniversary of his miraculous World Cup final performance at Lords in 2019?

Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss an intriguing day and consider why England lost more batsmen bowled (12) than in any Test since the 1880s. India are marginal favourites to win on Betfair. Remember you must be 18+ to bet and please gamble responsibly.

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England and India finish on exactly the same score in their first innings at Lord's. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss a day of attrition with the odd memorable highlight and a juicy confrontation between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley at the end of the day as the England openers manage to make one Bumrah over last eight minutes before stumps were drawn.

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A day of attrition at Lord's, as England battle to 387 all out - despite Bumrah's five wickets - and hold india to 145-3. Jofra Archer bowled a sensational first over after on his Test match return after four years in rehab, and England dismissed the prolific Shubman Gill for only 16. On a fiercely hot day at Lord's 15 overs were left unbowled and Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss what can be done about the interminable delays and talk to the managing director of Dukes' balls, Dilip Jajodia, about why the teams keep changing the ball. This podcast is supported by Betfair. You must be over 18 to bet and please gamble responsibly. The second day was in aid of the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Click here to donate https://ruthstraussfoundation.com/get-involved/how-to-support/

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Led by the indefatigable Joe Root England ground out a solid base on the first day of the 3rd Test at Lord's. On a slow pitch England elected to bat first and only allowed India four wickets in the day for 251 runs. There is more hard work tomorrow once Root has got the one run to record his 37th Test hundred. But Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are concerned by an apparent muscle twinge suffered by his fifth wicket partner Ben Stokes. This podcast is supported by Betfair. You must be 18 or over to bet and please gamble responsibly. https://betting.betfair.com/betfair-predicts/

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the 2nd Test at Edgbaston which ended in a thumping win for India. They assess how England will respond and who they will pick for Lord's starting on Thursday. Will the returning Jofra Archer significantly bolster their ailing attack and can they find a solution to the prolific Shubman Gill who has amassed 585 runs in the first two Tests.

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India grind England's bowlers into the Edgbaston dust to notch up 1014 runs in the match and set England a nominal 608 to win. Even the Bazballers can't make that especially after losing three early wickets. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on a record breaking, bat throwing day for India's batsmen led by the remorseless Shubman Gill

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A day of extremes at Edgbaston as two England batsmen - Harry Brook and Jamie Smith - make over 150 and six are out for ducks. Despite Brook and Smith's magnificent partnership of 303 England still are coming comfortably second in this game and will need a miracle spell on Saturday morning to have any chance of winning the match. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report from England's spiritual home on a noisy Friday.

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A majestic 269 from Shubman Gill shattered records and broke England bowlers' hearts to put India in an indomitable position at Edgbaston. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on a debilitating day for England as the India batters piled up the highest total registered against Ben Stokes' England. Having lost three top order players for 25 England have a Herculean task now to get anything out of this game.

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Shubman Gill's sublime century is the cornerstone of India's 310-5 on the first day at Edgbaston after Ben Stokes put India in. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess a lively first day with England lifted by the boisterous Birmingham crowd to keep India in. check but the second new ball will be key in the morning. This podcast is supported by Betfair. Note you must be 18 or over to bet and please gamble responsibly.

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In another episode of The Analyst Rewind, looking back at a great moment in cricket history, Simon Hughes talks to the author Richard Whitehead, whose new book on England's 1954/55 Ashes victory celebrates perhaps England's greatest Ashes triumph. It chronicles how Len Hutton's team came back from a disastrous first Test in Brisbane to win the series 3-1, only the second time in Ashes history that England have come from behind in Australia to win the urn. It was the series that christened the rapid but unknown Frank Tyson as The Typhoon - regarded by the men who played in or watched that series as the fastest bowling there had ever been.

The episode also includes a tribute to the brilliant, virtuoso Northants, Durham and England batsman Wayne Larkins, who passed away last weekend.

Victory in Australia - the remarkable story of England's greatest Ashes triumph - by Richard Whitehead is available at https://amzn.eu/d/cX4fanZ

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Wicketkeeper batter John Simpson took on the task of leading Sussex out of Division 2. Not only did he do that immediately in collaboration with coach Paul Farbrace, but now they are flying high in Division 1. and he is second top run-scorer. Simpson talks to Simon Hughes about his captaincy style, why he left Middlesex, how to manage the returning Jofra Archer and his unusual way of preparing for an innings.

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Sir Clive Lloyd, hero and captain of the West Indies team that won the first (men's) World Cup in 1975, is interviewed by Simon Hughes at Lord's, fifty years on from that fantastic final against Australia. For the video version of this podcast subscribe to The Cricverse at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/the-first-world-cup-winners?r=lo2wd or join The Analyst Plus at https://www.patreon.com/posts/clive-lloyd-on-131608534?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

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Led by the exceptional Ben Duckett, England pull off one of their greatest-ever run-chases in the first Test against India,at a venue famous for excitement. England, emboldened by a first wicket stand of 188, overhauled their target of 371 with time and wickets to spare. It was a victory all the more remarkable because India dominated the game for most of the first four days, but came unstuck by resourceful, fearless England on the fifth. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann marvel at Duckett's bravado and the dynamic brand of cricket that England play.

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The first Test of the Anderson/Tendulkar series is delicately balanced after four days - and that is the best description of the dominant innings of the day by KL Rahul. Perfectly executed, deliciously poised. The Simons assess a lively fourth day and examine the likely outcomes

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England draw level with India thanks mainly to a scintillating innings from Harry Brook, setting Headingley alight until squandering a deserved century on 99. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on a pulsating third day at Headingley which began with a poignant tribute to the life of David 'Syd' Lawrence, and continued with bat mostly dominating ball except when the brilliant Jasprit Bumrah has it in his hands.

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A second day of wildly fluctuating fortunes at Headingley. with Rishabh Pant the star turn. India, set for 600, capitulate for 471. England survive early alarms, build a strong second wicket partnership with Duckett and Pope the lose late wickets. The match is in the balance. The Simon's report on a riveting second day and forecast a compelling third one. This podcast is supported by Betfair. The odds on various outcomes can be found here - https://www.betfair.com/betting/cricket/test-matches/england-v-india/e-34417715 Remember you must be 18 or over to bet and please gamble responsibly.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the first day's play from Headingley, dominated by India's batters after Ben Stokes put the tourists in. Yashasvi Jaiswal's expertise is admired, Shubman Gill's poise applauded, Rishabh Pant's audacity marvelled at. The England attack looked mostly impotent. It doesn't bode well, but the pitch promises lots of runs. This podcast is supported by Betfair. The odds on various outcomes can be found here - https://www.betfair.com/betting/cricket/test-matches/england-v-india/e-34417715 Remember you must be 18 or over to bet and please gamble responsibly.

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The first part of the Analyst podcast recorded infront of a live audience at the Square Club, Bristol in aid of Syd Lawrence and his MND fund. Featuring Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Vic Marks reliving some of their scariest experiences on the field (some involving Syd!) and in the commentary box. Includes a preview of the England v India Tests, our predictions, and stories from Vic's new book on England captains past and present. The Cricket Captains of England 1979-2025 by Vic Marks is published by Fairfield Books. In Syd's Voice: The Extraordinary Life of Dave Lawrence is also published by Fairfield Books. Both titles available to buy at fairfieldbooks.co.uk

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Live from Lord's, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann celebrate South Africa's historic victory in the World Test Championship final, analyse how they achieved it in a compelling match and against the odds, and assess what it means both for the Rainbow Nation itself and for the vanquished Australians. To be part of our live podcast on June 18 in Bristol visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the first day of the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord's - the Home of Cricket - when fourteen wickets fell for little more than 250 runs. Australia predictably have the upper hand against South Africa's makeshift batting line-up after being bundled out themselves for 212. . England's T20 series whitewash of the West Indies is also assessed. Final reminder if you want to attend our live 'Scary Moments' podcast on June 18th in Bristol in aid of Syd Lawrences's MND cause - visit - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259

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A deep dive into the mental side of cricket (and sport) with former Lancashire player Nathan Wood, son of Barry Wood, who has set up Cricket Mind to help players deal with the mental side of the game. We explore what stresses and strains modern players of all ages and abilities experience and how to establish coping mechanisms with Mindset Coaching. If you are someone who plays superbly in the nets but can't convert it into runs in the middle, or are desperate to take that first five-fer or suffer from concentration lapses, this pdocast is for you. For more information or to set up a consultation visit cricketmind.online

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England batter the West Indies bowlers at The Oval to complete an emphatic 3-0 series win, as England successfully reboot their one day approach. Meanwhile Virat Kohli helps Royal Challengers Bangalore to a first ever IPL triumph in Ahmedabad. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss. Also a reminder of our live podcast evening on 18 June in aid of Syd Lawrence's MND fund. Tickets here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

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A crazy weekend with one player playing two top class cricket matches on two different continents in the space of 24 hours, while one English club side win a match by 424 runs in half an afternoon. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on the madness of cricket and look at a slightly more sane weekend of county cricket action. Our live podcast in aid of Syd Lawrence is in Bristol on June 18. Please join us - tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259 victor now on the post!

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England polish off brave and plucky Zimbabwe by an innings. Shoaib Bashir took six wickets and benefitted from a good workout but the real stars of the show were Ben Stokes potent bowling after a long lay off and Harry Brook's incredible slip catch. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report and assess the strength of the just-announced India squad for the main fare in a month's time. For the last few tickets for our live podcast show on June 18 visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259

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Simon Mann and Simon Hughes report on the first day mismatch between England's eager batters and Zimbabwe's hapless bowlers as England's feast on a liberal diet of 'help-yourself' deliveries. For a match report read Derek Pringle at the Cricverse at https://open.substack.com/pub/cricverse/p/england-batters-fill-their-boots?r=lo2wd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true For tickets for our live podcast in Bristol on June 18 visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259

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Following Ben Stokes declaration of an alcohol-free year so far, we discuss what is, and what is not, the best diet for a professional cricketer. Also why do Durham produce so many pace bowlers and other counties do not, which famous commentator prompted the old bouncer war between Middlesex and Leicester and who is the best overall cricketing package - Joe Root or Virat Kohli? To join our live podcast evening in Bristol on June 18 with Vic Marks in aid of the Syd Lawrence MND cause, click on this link - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider England's newly announced odi and T20 squads, the first under new captain Harry Brook, and assess their chances of rejuvenating an ailing brand. In the second half of the show we hear from Roland Butcher - the first black cricketer to play for England - about his life , richly detailed in his newly published autobiography Breaking Barriers. For tickets for our live podcast show on June 18 in aid of Syd Lawrence, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259

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Virat Kohli today announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket. Simon Hughes and Indian commentator Deep Dasgupta discuss the significance of this decision - this is the man who is a global brand with over 300m social media followers - the amazing legacy Kohli has left behind and who will be the next Indian Test captain now that Rohit Sharma has also retired. Be part of our special live podcast show on June 18th in Bristol - details here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259

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Part 2 of our conversation with Jarrod Kimber, author of a new book The Art of Batting, counting down the fifty greatest Test batsmen of all time. Using scrupulous statistical analysis and exhaustive research, Kimber has identified some unexpected high rankers, and while Number 1 is no surprise, he has also eliminated some surprising stars for well explained reasons. Never before has such a meticulous evaluation of the greatest players been conducted and it makes for lots of excellent talking points. For instance, is it fair to rank modern batters higher than those brave souls who played in the pre-helmet era? The Art of Batting is available here - https://amzn.eu/d/7md9ktV

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Greatest Batters

01:02 Criteria for Ranking Batters

03:01 The Case of Graham Gooch

05:53 Comparative Metrics in Batting

09:01 The Unlucky Barry Richards

11:58 The Mental Approach to Batting

18:02 Exploring the Top 50 Batters

22:18 Controversies in Rankings

28:28 The Top 10 Batters Discussion

31:42 The Impact of Helmets on Batting Greats

34:30 Courage and Technique in Fast Bowling

37:36 Top 10 Batters: A Deep Dive

43:41 The Top Five Batters of All Time

52:00 Analyzing Bradman, Tendulkar, and Hobbs

59:46 The Legacy of Don Bradman

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the latest round of county championship matches which resulted in some nerve-tingling run chases. They also discuss England's squad for the Zimbabwe Test and hear from Australia's Jason Gillespie how Australia consistently win more cricket matches than any other country and why the idea of Sheffield Shield final would work for the County Championship.

Details of our live podcast in Bristol on June 18th and tickets are here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259

For more cricket features and revelations subscribe to The Cricverse at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/so-who-is-the-greatest?r=lo2wd

Visit www.betterhelp.com/INSIDECRICKET  to get 10% off your first month – as heard on the podcast.

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Broadcaster, author and stats guru Jarrod Kimber joins the podcast to talk about his new book The Art Of Batting - a deep dive into what makes a great Test match run-maker and using sophisticated metrics to identify the best batters of all time. In this first part, we examine the difference between 'batting' and runmaking, the five phases of batsmanship through the ages, how players - eg Lara, Richards, Bradman - were often shaped by their environment and which outstanding players didn't make the top fifty. Final week of being able to enter the draw for Lord Test match tickets - subscribe to The Cricverse - https://cricverse.substack.com/p/what-the-actual-fk?r=lo2wd #CRICKET #BATTING #GREATEST

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Batting

01:09 Understanding Batting vs. Runmaking

04:48 The Science and Art of Batting

10:15 The Subconscious Nature of Batting

15:32 The Influence of Environment on Batting

19:14 Characteristics of a Successful Batter

21:40 The Evolution of Batting and Bowling Dynamics

25:05 Phases of Batting Through History

30:54 Shot Innovation and the Impact of Equipment

37:23 The Role of Protective Gear in Modern Cricket

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The 14 year old wunderkid Vaibhav Suryavanshi has just assaulted four international bowlers for a 35 ball hundred in the IPL: Its the second fastest IPL hundred of all time after Chris Gayle's 30 ball effort in 2013, and earned him the nickname Boss Baby. After trying to digest this astonishing performance, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann talk to Leicestershire's Ian Holland, the leading wicket-taker in Division 2, about being top of the table, who are the best all-rounders in the county game and who has the silliest nicknames. Final week of entering the free Test match tickets competition by subscribing to The Cricverse at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/test-cricket-the-next-phase?r=lo2wd

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by Daily Telegraph cricket writer and author Tim Wigmore to discuss the backstory, the current state and the future prosperity of the Test format as examined in Tim's new book Test Cricket: A History. The conversation ranges from the origins of the Test match idea, with just three countries involved, how it expanded, chronicling key matches, turning points and characters, how the great 1970s West Indies and 1990s Australia were formed, and why Australia are consistently so much better than everyone else. Finally we consider if India can dominate in the same way and how the Test format can survive and prosper. To buy Tim's book visit https://amzn.eu/d/1Qrtofk

To enter our free competition for Lord's Test tickets subscribe to THE CRICVERSE at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/county-crickets-saviour?r=lo2wd

CHAPTERS -

00:00 The Brutality of Test Cricket

01:40 Exploring the History of Test Cricket

04:34 The Evolution of Test Match Selection

07:22 The Global Expansion of Test Cricket

10:40 Key Moments and Shifts in Test Cricket

13:18 The Impact of Prejudice in Team Selection

16:17 The Competitive Landscape of Test Cricket

19:11 Looking Ahead: The Future of Test Cricket

21:05 Cricket's Golden Age: A Historical Perspective

23:55 The Evolution of Test Cricket and Key Matches

28:24 The Rise of India in Test Cricket

32:05 Australia's Dominance and Cultural Impact on Cricket

34:47 The Future of Test Cricket: Challenges and Opportunities

41:39 Preserving Test Cricket in a Changing Landscape

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the action in the weekend's county championship matches, highlighting the disputed catch to give Essex victory over Worcestershire. The discussion focusses on whether DRS should be brought into county cricket, with now every match available on YouTube which celebrates its 20th anniversary this week. Also a debate about the points system in county cricket, Zak Crawley battles to a fifty and how our 10 to follow got on last weekend. For our regular cricket blog subscribe to The Cricverse at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/boots-on-the-ground?r=lo2wd

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Three gnarled veterans of the bowling brotherhood - Simon Hughes, Angus Fraser and Derek Pringle - jovially reflect on the hardship of the fast bowlers' lot, but are thankful for the craftsmanship that went in to their hand-made boots. They sent down more than 170,000 deliveries between them, putting at least six times their bodyweight through their knees and ankles every ball. Read Derek Pringle and Simon Hughes on The Cricverse and enter the competition for free tickets for the Lord's Test at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/these-boots-are-made-for-bowlin?r=lo2wd

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Melissa, Luke and Nikki discuss the immense signing of Ellyse Perry at Hampshire, the appointment of Charlotte Edwards as England Women’s Coach and the new ICC dedicated task force to support the Afghanistan Women’s Team.

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The highlight of the second round of county championship matches was Warwickshire's dramatic one wicket win at Durham. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann focus on that, a brilliant first division win for Sussex, Hampshire's brave fightback against Surrey, Yorkshire's resounding win despite Johnny Bairstow's controversial dismissal and the amazing IPL circus act that is MS Dhoni. To enter our competition for pair sof Lord's Test match tickets subscribe to The Cricverse at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/take-a-deep-breath?r=lo2wd

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A review of the IPL so far, with Simon Hughes and Indian commentator Deep Dasgupta reviewing how a superb KL Rahul innings in Bangalore usurped Virat Kohli's RCB team and took Delhi Capitals to joint top of the table. They pick out other star performers in the tournament so far including Nicholas Pooran and Jofra Archer, and marvel at MS Dhoni's continued brilliance as he takes over the Chennai captaincy (again!) from the injured Ruturaj Gaekwad. To enter the draw for Lord's Test match tickets subscribe (free) to THE CRICVERSE at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/knott-a-bad-cricketer?r=lo2wd

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The first round of County Championship matches were either comprehensive victories or pulsating draws. Somerset were the unluckiest, being kept at bay for 200 overs by a determined Worcestershire in their second innings to hang on nine down for 87 deliveries. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review four days of action blessed by glorious weather, report on their ten players to follow and react to the confirmation of Harry Brook as England's white ball captain.

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Somerset captain LEWIS GREGORY joins the podcast to explain how SOMERSET hope to find a way past Surrey's County Championship dominance, and describes Somerset's unique DNA. Also Simon Hughes and Simon Mann pick their ten county players to follow. To win Lord's Test match tickets subscribe (free) to THE CRICVERSE at https://open.substack.com/pub/cricverse/p/the-year-of-the-cat?r=lo2wd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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Tim Bostock, Durham's influential CEO, tells Simon Hughes and Simon Mann of his ambition to boost the County Championship's image by creating more jeopardy, introducing play-offs and making the championship the envy of the cricket world. Also what to do with the Hundred windfall and how Durham cricket can establish a booming sporting ecosystem in partnership with their premier league women's footballers. To win Lord's Test match tickets subscribe free to THE CRICVERSE at https://open.substack.com/pub/cricverse/p/competition-watch-england-v-india?r=lo2wd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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A preview of the richest, craziest, noisiest and longest cricket show on earth - the IPL 2025. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Indian commentator Deep Dasgupta discuss the intricacies of the tournament, marvel at MS Dhoni's longevity, ask whether this could finally be RCB/Virat Kohli's year and assess the likely fortunes of the ten English players involved.

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There is a 13 year old (possible) debutant in the IPL (Vaibhav Suryavanshi). A 20 year old Ashes debutant, leg spinner Mason Crane, reflects on handling the pressure when young and how powerful Shane Warne's influence on him still is. We reflect on pre-season training in March, mad playing colleagues and the rumoured Saudi Arabian T20 league. For more insightful cricket content subscribe to The Cricverse blog at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/because-youre-worth-it?r=lo2wd

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Second part of the interview with the giant former England fast bowler Chris Tremlett on how he got to be this big and yet how, without Shane Warne's considerable influence as his county captain he would never have been part of an Ashes winning team. For more on Test cricket and the Ashes go to The Cricverse blog at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/get-in-the-pink-a1e?r=lo2wd

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Chris Tremlett, the tallest fast bowler to play for England in Tests, recounts the tale of England's 2010/11 Ashes success, its meticulous planning and execution despite a very inauspicious start when he inadvertently put England's spearhead, Jimmy Anderson, temporarily out of action.

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India's four-pronged spin attack proves too restrictive to New Zealand's determined cricketers to give India their second ICC trophy in the last 8 months. Simon Mann and Simon Hughes review the match and assess where this Indian team rank in the white ball world hall of fame. For more cricket analysis and opinion subsribe to The Cricverse on Substack - https://open.substack.com/pub/cricverse/p/dubai-the-unlikely-cricketing-hub?r=lo2wd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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The two Champions Trophy semi finals were relatively comfortable victories for India and New Zealand, pitting the world's most populous nation against one whose population would fit into an Indian suburb. The Simons review the two semis, examine how much of an advantage it is to be playing all your matches in Dubai, and explain how the UAE has become such an important cricketing venue. For more on this go to The Cricverse blog on Substack - https://cricverse.substack.com/p/dubai-the-unlikely-cricketing-hub?r=lo2wd

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's hapless performance against South Africa in the Champions Trophy, giving them nil points in the competition. England's wekaneses explored and explained, future captains debated and some future changes to white ball cricket revealed. Have your say on our ideas at The Cricverse - https://open.substack.com/pub/cricverse/p/avoiding-the-pitfalls?r=lo2wd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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England lose a nailbiter to Afghanistan and are out of the Champions Trophy. That's six successive defeats in 50 over cricket. Time must be up for Jos Buttler as captain and several other players in this format. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann chew over the entrails and ask what's next in the competition and wonder how far Afghanistan can go. For more cricket content supplied direct to your email join our community at The Cricverse at https://cricverse.substack.com/

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's defeat to Australia in their opening Champions Trophy game in Lahore which was administered by Josh Inglis who was born in Leeds. They also preview Sunday's blockbuster match between india and Pakistan. For ad-free advance episodes of this podcast visit patreon.com/analyst25

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The former Hampshire and England batter Michael Carberry, the last black British player to represent England (Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan were both born in Barbados), joins the podcast to talk about his coaching work with the previously-neglected London Schools association, reflects on the challenges of facing Mitchell Johnson in the infamous 2013/14 Ashes and questions whether Bazball will work Down Under. For the complete interview and other exclusive content join the Analyst Plus at patreon.com/theanalyst25

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the Champions Trophy which begins on Wednesday. All teams are assessed but the overwhelming view is that India have a huge advantage because of their depth and the fact that they are playing all their matches in Dubai. For advance, ad-free podcasts and special series join The Analyst Plus at patreon.com/theanalyst25

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An update on The Hundred franchise sales and what it means for the domestic game, analysis of England's white-ball woes and an interesting admission from a man who many believe should be in England's one day squad, Liam Dawson. For the full Dawson interview and other exclusive, ad-free content join The Analyst Plus at patreon.com/theanalyst25

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann admire the continued dominance of India at home in white ball formats as they seize the ODi series 2-0 having trounced England 4-1 in the T20s. A look at what England need to do to compete and more on the shareout of the money from the Hundred franchise sales. To join our Analyst Plus community including our special series on the 1974/5 Ashes, visit patreon.com/theanalyst25

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With the investment of £365m (so far) in five Hundred franchises which will be shared equally amongst counties, it is a seismic moment for the domestic game. But how should the money be used? Simon Hughes and Simon Mann delve into the detail and also analyse England's T20 disasters against India. For more on the way to future-proof county cricket visit The Cricverse at https://open.substack.com/pub/cricverse/p/how-to-spend-it?r=lo2wd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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In a very special episode Nikki Chaudhuri and Melissa Story speak to Afghan women’s cricketers Firooza Amiri, Nahida Sapan, and Benafsha Hashimi. They share their cricketing stories from Afghanistan to Australia, how they discovered their love of cricket and what it’s been like adjusting to their new lives down under. We also hear about what action they would like to see from the ICC and how the global cricket community can help them live their dreams. From Firooza cover driving like Virat Kohli, Benafsha loving to face bouncers, and Nahida’s heartfelt message of hope to women and girls in Afghanistan - these three women’s positivity and enthusiasm is not one to miss. Thank you to Firooza, Nahida and Benafsha again for their time and if you’d like to support the Afghanistan women’s cricket team, please see the link to donate here: https://www.lords.org/refugeefund

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Nikki Chauduri is joined by Simon Hughes for a post mortem on England's disastrous Ashes campaign which ended with a humbling innings defeat and a 16-0 overall score. The Australians once again exposed the chasm in ability between the two teams, with some brilliant bowling on the third day, led by the superb leg spinner Alana King.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann complete the special podcast series looking back at the epic 1974/5 Ashes by assessing its seismic impact on cricket. It heralded the most ferocious period of fast bowling the game has seen, and the inevitable introduction of proper head protection. Now, half a century on, it has led to a generation of super-adventurous, fearless batters and a doubly entertaining game. For the complete HEADHUNTERS boxset visit https://www.patreon.com/collection/1258828

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England's mix of extreme pace and mystery spin shuts down India's erratic batting in the third T20 in Rajkot, keeping the five match series alive. Simon Hughes and former Indian batter Deep Dasgupta analyse the match and question GenerationT20's obsession with six-hitting. For our special podcast boxsets on historical series and exclusive interviews visit patreon.com/theanalyst25

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Melissa, Nikki and Luke confront another disappointing England performance and marvel at the skill of Beth Mooney. In addition, they dissect England Coach, Jon Lewis’ bewildering comments on Australia’s advantageous climate.

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England's new white ball campaign under Brendon McCullum begins with a humbling defeat by India. England's incompetence against India's spinners results in their heaviest T20 loss. Simon Hughes and former Indian opener Deep Dasgupta mull over the evidence.

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Simon Hughes is joined by former cricketer and commentator Izzy Westbury to look back at England's dismal performances in the women's Ashes and analyse why there is not so much a gap as a chasm between the England and Australian teams. Does the England women's team need a complete reset from the Director of Cricket down? For more on Ashes history check out our special boxset on the 1974/5 Ashes https://www.patreon.com/collection/1258828

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Nikki, Melissa and Luke dive deep on the first t20 between Australia and England. Australia retain the Ashes as England continue to struggle against spin. Just how fearless can you be, before you start looking at changes?

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In the fourth part of our special podcast boxset looking back at the brutal 1974/5 Ashes series, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann relay the drama of the critical Sydney Test, and reveal with David Lloyd and Dennis Amiss - two men who survived that series relatively unscathed - the seismic impact it had on the game. For the entire five-part series go to patreon.com/theanalyst25

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann answer listeners questions which included views on the carve up of the Test arena, selection philosophies of England's current regime, the worst incidents in cricket and the future of the game's various formats.

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Nikki and Melissa review the 2nd WAshes ODI where England bowled out Australia for 180, but fell short in their run chase by 21 runs despite the batting efforts of Amy Jones. It was a day for the spinners with Alana King taking taking 4-25 and England’s Ecclestone and Capsey taking 7 of the Australian wickets. Stay tuned for more WAshes Dailies!

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Nikki and Melissa review the first Women’s Ashes ODI which saw Alyssa Healy and Ash Gardner guide the home side to a 4 wicket win and pick up the first points of this Ashes series. Meanwhile, Heather Knight’s England need to bounce back in Melbourne and rectify some fielding errors and address batting depth.

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Episode 3 of our special podcast series looking back at the epic 1974/5 Ashes fifty years ago. This programme features the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne 1974 in which all results were possible until the very end. Dennis Amiss and Ian Chappell help Simon Hughes and Simon Mann tell the story. For the complete series go to patreon.com/theanalyst25

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the final day of a riveting series which Australia won 3-1 as one of us predicted! We assess the decisive moments and characters, the winers and losers, the flashpoints and what it all means for England's prospects in Australia in 12 months time. For our exclusive boxset series on the 1974/5 Ashes go to patreon.com/theanalyst25

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Intriguing developments in the World Test Championship table as Australia overcome India in the exciting Boxing Day Test, and South Africa move to the top of the table with their win over Pakistan. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss the events of the last week, the permutations going forward and their highs and lows of the year. For the special podcast series on the epic 1974/5 Ashes contests go to patreon.com/theanalyst25

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The second instalment of our special 5-part series looking back at the iconic and brutal Ashes contests of 1974/5, fifty years ago. This episode features the painful encounter in Perth when England's batters - supplemented by 41 year old Colin Cowdrey - were subjected to a barrage from Lillee and Thomson. For the complete series go to The Analyst Plus at patreon.com/theanalyst25

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First episode of our regular question time sessions - answering listeners questions. This week's include - should Ben Stokes captain England if is not fit to bowl, where does Jasprit Bumrah raank in the all-time bowlers pantheon, what is the future for membership-structured counties and who is cricket's Scrooge and Santa. To be part of our cricket community with q and as and special podcast series like our 1974/5 Ashes dramatisation - go to patreon.com/theanalyst25

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England's Test match year began with a bang (winning in Hyderabad) and ended with a whimper (losing to New Zealand by 423 runs). Our assessment of the final Test in Hamilton and where the England team are at now. For more exclusive content including our special series on the great 1974/5 Ashes 50 years ago, visit patreon.com/theanalyst25

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After being suppressed for the first two Tests, New Zealand finally demonstrate their talent and quality on a day dominated by a classic Kane Williamson century. Sample some Kiwi music as a backdrop to a dominating performance by the home team.

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A New Zealand side invigorated by their last two wickets adding 75 put a rather lacklustre England side under the cosh to build a lead of 340 by the end of the second day in Hamilton. It was the result of what Michael Atherton called 'hooptedoodle cricket' (a word borrowed from Elmore Leonard to mean meaningless or skippable prose) in the morning. Special podcast series on the 1974/5 Ashes - 50 years ago - at patreon.com/theanalyst25

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New Zealand's lower order manage to recover some respectability after England's persevering seamers induce a middle order collapse on the first day of the third Test in Hamilton. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report. For their exclusive series on the brilliant 1974/5 Ashes go to patreon.com/theanalyst25

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The first episode of a special four-part series telling the story of the brutal 1974/5 Ashes Tests. Fifty years ago, England's unsuspecting batsmen were subjected to a barrage from Australian speedsters Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann narrate the harrowing details of the first Test in Brisbane with help from the participants David 'Bumble' Lloyd, Dennis Amiss and Ian Chappell assisted by Ian Botham and author David Tossell. For other episodes in this series go to patreon.com/Theanalyst25

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A review of England's thumping victory over New Zealand in Wellington and Australia turning the tables on India in the second Test in Adelaide. Makes the World Test Championship table fascinating. For more content and special series like HeadHunters - our feature on the brutal 1974/5 Ashes go to patreon.com/Theanalyst25

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England build up a huge lead over New Zealand in the second Test thanks to a hattrick from Gus Atkinson (in his 10th Test) and some precocious batting from Jacob Bethell (in his second) ably assisted by Ben Duckett and Joe Root (in his 151st.) The Simons report on that, the origin of the term hattrick and a strong second day by Australia in Adelaide

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Highly entertaining days cricket in Wellington (and Adelaide) featuring 26 wickets and over 500 runs (in two simultaneous Test matches) and one of the finest innings played by an Englishman in testing conditions - Harry Brooks brilliant 123. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the day and there's also an extract from our new podcast series HeadHunters - full episode available at patreon.com/TheAnalyst25.

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Brydon Carse becomes the first English seamer to take a ten wicket haul overseas for 16 years as England complete a handsome 8 wicket win over New Zealand in the first Test in Christchurch. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report, analyse what it means for the World Test championship and discuss hitting Santa for six. Go to our premium site for a special four-part series on the 1974/5 Ashes starting next week - pateron.com/TheAnalyst25

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Powered by Harry Brook's scintillating if at times fortuitous 171, sharp outcricket and Ben Stokes intuition, England now dominate this first Test, with New Zealand only four runs ahead with just four wickets left. The Simons assess where the match swung. Join us on our premium site for early release ad-free podcasts, special series and documentaries - patreon.com/TheAnalyst25

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England do well to pull close to New Zealand's first innings score of 348 helped by some error strewn out-cricket from the hosts. Harry Brook was the main beneficiary - dropped four times during his rumbustious seventh Test century. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the first two days of the Christchuch Test. For premium content including ad-free early release of this podcast go to patreon.com/TheAnalyst25

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A review of India's astonishing 295 run win in the first Test in Perth, assessing where the match turned and what Australia need to do now. Also a preview of England's first Test in New Zealand. Will pick a batter Jacob Bethell for his Test debut with a first class average of only 25?

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A preview of the big Test series clash of the year - Australia v India - which begins on Friday in Perth. India have won the last two series in Australia but are nursing injuries and absences and have lost top spot in the Worl Test Championship table. The Simons preview that, look back at England's white ball matches in the West indies and also discuss their new premium site - https://www.patreon.com/TheAnalyst25

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The big talking point is India refusing to play any Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann ponder the likely resolutions, and also discuss Pakistan's surprising defeat of Australia in the odi series and England's recent T20 demolition of West Indies.

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Nikki and Melissa are joined once again by Luke Wolstenholme as they discuss new signings in the women’s domestic game, the ICC’s women's Future Tours Programme (FTP) and console Nikki who has some sad, yet expected news.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess England's sluggish reinvention in one day cricket after losing the three match series against West Indies, and discuss how Jimmy Anderson managed to keep going into his 40s, well chronicled into his newly released autobiography Finding the Edge.

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Simon Hughes and Middlesex's no1 batter Sam Robson in conversation about their county's plight, the benefits and challenges of having Lord's as your home ground and why England can't play spin.

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England capitulated before lunch on the third day as Pakistan again exploited England's fallibility against spin on helpful pitches. It marks an extraordinary turnaround in the series only exceeded by New Zealand's amazing series triumph in India. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report, and assess what next for England.

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The poise and artistry of Pakistan's Saud Shakeel turns a stuttering home position into one of potential strength with England losing three crucial second innings wickets before the close. The Simons review the day and think this move could prove decisive. Also - what they used in football before the advent of the referee's whistle....

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The precocious keeper-batter Jamie Smith rescues England from a parlous position on the first day of the air-dried pitch in Rawalpindi. But Simon Hughes and Simon Mann ask if England's 267 all out is enough.

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Melissa and Nikki return, this time joined by Luke Wolstenholme from BBC Sport, to discuss the T20 World Cup. They dive into New Zealand’s thrilling and unexpected victory, South Africa’s heartbreaking loss, and the underwhelming performances of both England and India. Tune in for their reflections on the tournament, a lively debate on where things went wrong for England, and Luke’s scarily accurate impersonation of a strict Victorian teacher.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's inevitable demise on a 9 day old Multan track to lose the second Test by 142 runs. Was their approach flawed? Was winning the toss the decisive factor? How can England improve in spin-friendly conditions?

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As the Multan pitch rapidly deteriorates England allow Pakistan to build a bigger lead than they should have and now face the greatest challenge of the Bazball era - to make 297 on a dustbowl. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's prospects and the extraordinary demise of India for 46 all out in Bengaluru.

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After seven days of a deceased pitch the surface in Multan finally comes alive to assist Pakistan's spinners and England are up against it, despite a brilliant hundred from Ben Duckett. The Simons discuss an interesting day and the fallout from England's demise in the Women's T20 World Cup

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A review of the first day of the second Test in Multan during which a reconstructed Pakistan side is held in check by some impressive bowling from England. especially Brydon Carse. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on a more interesting day than the first day of the first Test

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review a remarkable victory for England in Multan after conceding 556 in the first innings. They consider what next for Pakistan, and also reflect on the strange story of the last time England made 800 in an innings.

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During an extraordinary run-spree Joe Root and Harry Brook break the 67 year old record for England's highest partnership with 454 on the fourth day in Multan. The Simons report on a bonanza day for the stats men.

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Reporting from Multan, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann pay tribute to Joe Root becoming England's greatest Test runscorer and evaluate where he belongs in the Test match hall of fame.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the second day of the first test in Multan which has certainly seen Pakistan take significant control, but the outcome was significantly influenced on two key incidents in the field

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Simon Mann and Simon Hughes rview the first day's play from Multan where England bowlers deal manfully with stifling conditions and a benign pitch. We also hear from author and climate change authority Peter Frankoppan on what the authorities could do to minimise the impact of global warming on cricketers.

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The former Hampshire and England off-spinner reveals harrowing detail of five years of struggle with a serious disease and personal tragedy and pays tribute to the late Shane Warne and the PCT charity who have helped him through. Plus he questions why Liam Dawson isn't going to Pakistan

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Previously the quiet month in the cricket calendar has started with a bang with an extraordinary two day win for India over Bangladesh and continues with England's three Test tour to Pakistan and then with the first of three odis in the Caribbean. The Simon's review England's five odis against Australia and preview the Pakistan tour.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the first two one day internationals between England and Australia - a steep learning curve for some of England's newer recruits facing up to the highly accomplished and versatile world champions. The Simons also analyse the success of Surrey completing a hattrick of county championship titles.

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Simon Mann celebrates his Gloucestershire county's long awaited Vitality Blast success and joins Simon Hughes in admiring their ailing president Syd Lawrence's strength in attending finals day and helping his team triumph.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review an emphatic victory seized by Sri Lanka, England's only Test defeat of the summer and hear Ollie Pope's explanation for England's careless batting. We also hear from the veteran Sri Lankan batsman Siddath Wettimuny on what this victory means for Sri Lankan cricket.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess some kamikaze batting by England in their second ininngs - lasting just 34 overs - to gift Sri Lanka a decent chance of an unexpected victory. They also discuss the solutions to the bad-light issue and celebrate Moeen Ali's illustrious international career.

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Kamikaze second day batting by England and unhelpful light forcing spinners to be bowled in seamer friendly conditions has given Sri Lanka a route back into this third Test. The Simons report on the fiasco of bad light and an interesting debut for the 6ft 7in Josh Hull.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the first day of the final Test at the Oval where Sri Lanka's erratic bowling in lively conditions helps Ollie Pope rediscover his talent despite a truncated day. The pair also discuss the obvious solution to bad light in test cricket - pink balls.

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Gus Atkinson takes his fourth five wicket haul to go with his first innings hundred to take the man of the match spoils as England overcome Sri Lanka by 190 runs at Lords. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on a poorly attended fourth day at the home of cricket.

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During the 3rd days play at Lord's Joe Root overtakes Sir Alastair Cook's record of 33 Test Hundreds with his second century of the match. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann run out of superlatives for the man who must surely be high on King Charles New Year's Honours List. But Root is certainly far from satisfied with that.

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Simon Hughes and Simon. Mann report on a second day at Lord's when Gus Atkinsin completed a remarkable double with 12 wickets in his first Test and a maiden first class hundred in his second at the Home of Cricket. His clean striking enabled England to dominate a second day, bowling Sri Lanka out to achieve a 200 plus lead.

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Joe Root spares England's blushes with a diligent 33rd Test hundred to compensate for England's shoddy early batting and afterwards commemorates his innings to his former coach, the tragically departed Graham Thorpe. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report from Lords

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Simon Hughes discovers the true origins of cricket, established 400 years ago this week, with a tragic accident on the field at Horsted Keynes CC in Sussex, an incident explored in revealing new detail by historian and archivist Bob Willard Watts. For a commemorative book on this story visit www.HKCC-1624.co.uk

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann praise Joe Root's tenacity and dependability and Jamie Smith's panache as a makeshift England side overcome a plucky Sri Lanka in the first Test at Old Trafford.

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After the precocious Jamie Smith's notches a maiden Test century to give England a lead of 122, the bowlers wear down Sri Lankan resistance to move in sight of victory.. The Simons assess a gusty third day at Old Trafford

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A determined Sri Lankan bowling performance holds England in check until the precocious Jamie Smith eases them into a position of potential dominance. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann suggest the first hour of the Third day will hold the key to the match.

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At 6-3 and 113-7 it looked like a predictable capitulation for Sri Lanka on the opening day of the Test series, but a captains innings and a fine debut got them close to respectability as the gloomy conditions forced Ollie Pope to employ spinners against the tail. The Simons review the play from OldTrafford which was dedicated to the memory of Graham Thorpe.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss Sri Lanka's prospects in the forthcoming three Test series against a Stokes-less England, highlighting their comprehensive defeat to an England 5th XI in their only warm-up match and this being their first three-Test series for six years. Also in this show, a reflection of The Hundred tournament having completed its fourth season.

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At a charity day to raise funds for the Professional Cricketers Trust, Simon Hughes talks to former players including Paul Nixon and Monty Panesar especially about dealing with mental health issues arising from the game. And in the wake of Graham Thorpe's tragic death we hear from charities trying to address the problems which seem particular to our great summer sport. For more info on the Professional Cricketers Trust and to donate visit thepca.co.uk/trust

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A short reminder about the special family fun day at Teddington CC on Tuesday 13 August to raise money for the Professional Cricketers Trust featuring coaching and masterclasses given by the likes of Monty Panesar, Paul Nixon, Alex Tudor, Stuart Meaker, Darren Stevens and other former professionals. For more details visit worldsbestcc.com

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The premature death of the ebullient Surrey and England batsman Graham Thorpe at just 55 has left everyone in the cricket world numb with disbelief. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Simon Wilde, the author of Thorpe's autobiography, Rising From The Ashes, celebrate the career of a man who didn't win the accolades or the garlands that he deserved.

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Simon Hughes talks to Durham chief executive Tim Bostock about potential Saudi investment, creating a further boost to the North East economy, the imminence of a ninth team in the Hundred, and how a new hotel at Chester le Street will double the county's income and produce even more world class talent.

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With as explosive a spell of fast bowling as produced by an England bowler this century, Mark Wood demolished West Indies, leaving the path clear for Ben Stokes to put the lid on the series with England's fastest ever Test fifty. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the match and the series and how England are shaping up for sterner challenges ahead.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann admire the resilience of Root and Stokes and the panache of Jamie Smith to rescue England from a parlous position to the prosperity of a decent lead and complete west indies misery with two late wickets. Another three day test?

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report from Edgbaston on a day when England's bowlers secured 10 West indian wickets with well-honed plans but then handed several back with ill-judged shots.

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Melissa Story and Nikki Chaudhuri review England's triumphant summer before turning their attention to this year's Hundred competition with a detailed look at how each side is shaping up.

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England seal the Botham-Richards series 2-0 with an impressive demolition job on the fourth day at Trent Bridge, led by the rookie spinner Shoaib Bashir with an impressive five wicket haul. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on a much more competitive second Test.

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On a lively third day at Trent Bridge, the England batsmen drive their team into a strong position to overcome spirited tailend West Indies resistance. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann marvel at Harry Brooks panache and lament West Indies bowlers' inconsistency

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann praise two men from the tiny island of Dominica who make England sweat in the Nottingham sun and give West indies renewed heart after a sorry performance at Lords.

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Led by the frisky Ollie Pope making his sixth Test hundred, England's batsmen frolicked on a lively Trent Bridge pitch profiting from some wayward West Indian bowling and shoddy fielding. Although England were bowled out in a day Simon Hughes and Simon Mann both believe England have got enough to boss the game. For more information on our sponsor Nicholson original gin go to drinknicholson.com

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Roland Butcher, the first black cricketer to play for England, stands on the Lord's outfield where he first established himself to reflect on the celebrated West Indies teams of the 1970s and 1980s and the importance of trying to recover the skills and exuberance that made them the envy of the cricketing world. Thanks to our sponsors Nicholson. For more information go to drinknicholson.com and use the code Yakka2024 for your 15% discount on products.

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Simon Hughes and former England swing bowler Derek Pringle pay tribute to the amazing career of Jimmy Anderson who has put 25,000 tonnes through his knees and ankles and run over 500 miles in the England cause and can still produce deliveries of exquisite and deadly quality. There will never again be a bowler like him. Toast him with a Nicholson cocktail (or a Guinness!) Go to drinknicholson.com for more info and use the code Yakka2024 for a 15% discount.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the sad decline of West Indies Test cricket brutally exposed by England on the second day of the Lords Test. England's debutants enjoyed it anyway and Ben Stokes joined the all-rounders elite of 200 test wickets to go with his 6000 Test runs. This podcast is supported by Nicholson original gin. For more info and a 15% discount go to drinknicholson.com and use the code Yakka2024

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann witness a remarkable Test match debut by Gus Atkinson to steal the limelight on Jimmy Anderson's farewell bow, as West Indies capitulate for 121. This episode is supported by Nicholson. For more information and a 15% discount on your purchase go to drinknicholson.com and use the code Yakka2024

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Brian Lara joins the podcast to look back on his epic, record-breaking innings against, and in England 30 years ago, featured in a new book - Lara: the England Chronicles published this week. He reveals the men who shaped his style and the man who bowled the most unplayable ball he ever faced, and considers the prospects for his compatriots next week at Lord's. Also in this episode a discussion on the future of the world game following the gathering of cricket's most significant movers and shakers at Lord's this week. LARA The England Chronicles is available to buy in hardback and ebook formats at thenightwatchman.net. Hardback: £20 (RRP £25) + p&p - use coupon code LARA6 at the checkout. Hardback signed: £25 (RRP £30) + p&p - use coupon code LARA6 at the checkout. Ebook: £4.99 (RRP £6.99) - use coupon code LARA7 at the checkout

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The Simons analyse the announcement of England's squad for the first Test of the summer, which includes the call-up of Surrey's Jamie Smith at the expense of Jonny Bairstow. In the second half of the show is a review of the T20 World Cup final, and a first Indian title for a dozen years, a fitting crown for the departing Indian coach Rahul Dravid and the mercurial Jasprit Bumrah. The podcast also includes Sunny Gavaskar's surprising choice as his favourite all-time T20 player.

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India and South Africa deservedly make it through to the T20 World Cup final as the only two unbeaten teams in the competition and show their potency and versatility in two one sided semis. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the action which could signal the end of one or two senior England players.

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The phenomenal South African fast bowler Dale Steyn - taker of 699 international wickets - joins the podcast to talk lost World Cup semi finals, prospects for South Africa at this T20 World Cup as it reaches its climax and how to advise modern pace bowlers. 'Always take the positive option. Think wickets even if you're going at 14 an over....'

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review two days of madcap T20 cricket after which Australia are eliminated from the last game, and brilliant, irresistible Afghanistan make it to their first ever World Cup semi final to face South Africa on Wednesday.

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After a slightly stuttery early campaign England secure their T20 World Cup semi final spot with an annihilation of the USA team. The Simons assess England's growing confidence and analyse their likely semi final opponents, and beyond the cricket report on an impressive coral reef restoration project. For more information visit https://www.emcantigua.org/

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Simon Hughes is joined by West Indian born former Middlesex express Ricky Elcock to review England's Phil Salt-inspired defeat of the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and to discuss Elcock's later life training in the Caribbean to be Virgin Atlantic's first-ever black pilot. Ricky's fascinating autobiography Balls to Fly is available here - https://amzn.eu/d/0igB6ee0

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann relive England's anxiety through a day in the T20 World Cup when rain relented to allow England just enough time to defeat Namibia, and Australia had just enough depth to overcome the plucky Scots.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann admire England's demolition job on Oman and consider which teams are now odds on to make it to the Super Eights. Plus - what Freddie did and Yozzer samples a gin with a historic connection to cricket

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the T20 World Cup so far and are joined by Australian great Matthew Hayden to assess England's chances of qualifying and why Australi are so good at tournament cricket

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review a sticky performance by Englsnd against the old enemy in the T20 World Cup, punctuated by bad decisions and inflexibility

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on the first four days of the T20 World Cup, featuring dodgy weather in Barbados, a dodgy pitch in New York and a super over triumph for Namibia whose hero David Wiese talks us through his superover strategy.

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The T20 World Cup starts this weekend with USA v Canada in Dallas, Texas. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the tournament as England hope to defend their title and the ICC seek to re-introduce cricket to the US, the world's richest sports market. Back home we also check in with the remarkable progress of the South Asian Cricket Academy and hear from its founder Tom Brown and one of its recent graduates.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's T20 against Pakistan at Edgbaston which saw the welcome return of Jofra Archer - fit and firing - also dip into some county cricket action and preview the IPL final.

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) are back to analyse England's T20 series against Pakistan and the Charlotte Edwards Cup but get sidetracked by Nikki's obsession with the test and Melissa's recent Bridgerton binging. Aside from lots of telly the pair find time to chat with Matthew Ellis of Not Out Mental Health - a great cause highlighting the importance of speaking about mental health in cricket.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider Jimmy Anderson's impending departure and how it was decided, and discuss with West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder the legacy he has left and some ideas to help beleaguered bowlers in the shorter formats which Jimmy has wisely avoided.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss the difficulty of scheduling county cricket to anyone's - never mind everyone's - satisfaction and hear about the real (10th century) origins of cricket - with fairly brutal consequences - from a most unexpected source. This podcast is sponsored by www.visitbarbados.org/cricket

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse this month's big talking point, the potential sale of the Hundred franchises to private investors and what it might mean for the 18 counties and MCC. PCA chief executive Daryl Mitchell and Leicestershire CEO Sean Jarvis offer their views.

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) return to the massive plan to return the women's game to the counties and the impacts of this move. Reading listener concerns and speculating on the game before Surrey CC Women's Captain Amy Gordon describes the uncertainty the plans have had on her life.

She also talks about how commendable work in founding teh charity "Pad Up" an organisation delivering period products to girls in Kenyan schools to keep them engaged in education and sport.

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One of England's truly great players, David Gower, joins our virtual cricket club to discuss the future of Test cricket, his most embarrassing dismissals, which modern player he'd most like to be and why he loves Icelandic cricket. Join our virtual club at worldsbestcc.com

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) dissect the ECB's latest plans to expand the professional women's game with 00 Child Podcast host Polly Starkie and the Independent's sports writer, Sonia Twigg, who makes her second appearance on the pod.

Whether the new announcement will grow or harm women's cricket is down to natural selection but the panel left no stone unturned with a critical and passionate debate on how to develop the domestic game.

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Special guest Tino Best recounts the tale of playing in the Test match when Brian Lara broke the world record Test score with his 400 not out, twenty years ago this week. Its also 30 years to the day since Lara's epic 375 not out in Antigua. Simon Hughes was there.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann celebrate the life of the incomparable Derek Underwood, Kent and England's prolific spinner and hear from Rob Key, also a Kent legend, about his ethos in charge of England, why he chose Brendon McCullum as coach and what Harry Brook said to Ben Stokes .

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The sportswriter Ben Bloom discusses his new book Batting for Time - the fight to keep English cricket alive - and Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess his findings and evaluate the solutions

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) celebrate Melissa's remarkable achievement in winning the Christopher Martin-Jenkins Broadcaster of the Year award before turning their attention to England's tour of New Zealand.

The girls then spoke to the brilliant Estelle Vasudevan to get her insight into all things Sri Lanka Women's Cricket ranging from this year's world cup to the domestic leagues.

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On the eve of the new County Championship season, Simon Mann and Simon Hughes talk to the optimistic Mark Alleyne, newly installed head coach of Gloucestershire who failed to win one first class match in 2023 and finished bottom of Division 2.

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Lottie - the most decorated-ever female cricketer is in the house to talk with Melissa Story and Simon Hughes about her life in the game, both as star player and now as trophy-winning coach, her fears for (women's) international formats and what its like to win the cup bearing her own name.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann talk to the former Warwickshire player and current Rajasthan Royals coach Trevor Penney about the art and science of fielding and how it has evolved from the butterfingered days of Yozzer's 20th century efforts

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann talk to franchise globetrotter David Wiese about life on the franchise circuit, what are the best and worst T20 leagues to play in, why the US has got it made and what is a travelling cricketer's favourite form of relaxation these days. And its not golf. David's own podcast is called Hitman for Hire

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) discuss the final stages of the 2024 WPL as RCB take home their first trophy as a franchise. Nikki makes her TMS debut, correcting some false advertising from the producer, and does brilliantly. The girls round up by looking forward to England's white-ball tour of New Zealand.

Nikki is STILL doing some research on women's cricket and we need you! If you are a female player or ex-player please fill out this survey, it takes around 2 minutes and will help us immensely. Thank you

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) return as the WPL moves towards its finale in 2024. Melissa describes a soggy weekend away before examining Sophie Ecclestone's rather brutal assessment of her teammates' fielding.

Nikki is doing some research on women's cricket and we need you! If you are a female player or ex-player please fill out this survey, it takes around 2 minutes and will help us immensely. Thank you

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Former England great Graham Gooch, who made more runs in all competitions than any player in history, tells Simon Hughes and Simon Mann some home truths about batting and offers some sage suggestions about how might England progress after their Indian ordeal.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann celebrate the remarkable achievement of Jimmy Anderson reaching 700 Test wickets in Dharamsala and congratulate superb India on completing an innings drubbing and a 4-1 series result. They assess where and why England's inevitable demise occurred and what's next for Ben Stokes's team.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess a second day in Dharamshala when India's top order batters demonstrated how to construct an innings to put India in a near impregnable position. At least England never gave in, the mercurial Ben Stokes produced a moment of magic and Shoaib Bashir kept going admirably to take four excellent wickets.

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England begin well again but then, in a carbon copy of earlier matches, fluff their lines as the spinners are brought on and another middle order collapse ensues. Then Yashasvi Jaiswal again dominates the final session of the first day in Dharamshala. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the day and hear from the man who is producing a new generation of brilliant Indian batsmen.

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) round up last week's WPL fixtures as games continue thick and fast before entering a powerful discussion on body image and the pressure on female cricketers.

Nikki is doing some research on women's cricket and we need you! If you are a female player or ex-player please fill out this survey, it takes around 2 minutes and will help us immensely. Thank you

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann evaluate listeners' suggestions for the way forward for the Decision Review System and hear from the owner of the Rajasthan Royals, Manoj Badale, on the future influence of IPL franchises on Test cricket, player development and potential investment in the English game.

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) deliver a comprehensive round-up of the WPL's opening fixtures with humour, analysis and a bizarre marriage metaphor for franchise tournaments. With games every day stay tuned for more episodes for the rest of this year's WPL.

Nikki is doing some research on women's cricket and we need you! If you are a female player or ex-player please fill out this survey, it takes around 2 minutes and will help us immensely. Thank you

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review a tense fourth day in Ranchi, and where the match was won and lost and India seal their 17th successive home series. And Paul Hawkins, the founder of Hawkeye, explains how the Decision Review System works and refutes ill-informed media comment that the system is flawed or susceptible to manipulation.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann admire the consistency and skill of England's two novice spinners Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley as England engineer themselves a dominant position on the second day in Ranchi, in spite of the precocious brilliance of Yashavi Jaiswal.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess a dispiriting third day for England as India add 130 for their last three wickets, and England then lose their last seven for 35. India with all second innings wickets in hand now have a golden chance to seal the series on the fourth morning in Ranchi.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the first day of the fourth Test from Ranchi, where on a cracked pitch Joe Root reverts to type to play a classic innings, recording his 31st test Hundred and a record-breaking 91st score of over 50 in Test cricket. Watch the series live on TNT Sports

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) are back to talk winter nets, ramp shots and more. The girls discuss Project Darwin, the next evolution (geddit?!) of the domestic women's game proposed by the wisecracking ECB. They round off this episode with a WPL preview as Storylines gears up to follow the 2024 tournament.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on England's colossal 434 run defeat in Rajkot - India's biggest ever Test match victory, assess what changes England may need to make before the fourth Test and also pay tribute to the great Gloucestershire and South Africa allrounder Mike Procter who passed away this weekend.

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Simon Hughes is joned by Indian commentator Prakash Wakankar to review a day's play which began with England in a position of potential dominance and ended it with India in control, thanks to some ill-judged England shots and a magnificent third Test century by the young Indian star Yashasvi Jaiswal

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann eulogise about an exhilarating century by Ben Duckett, the fastest ever by an Englishmen against India, as England respond brilliantly to India's daunting first innings score on the second day in Rajkot.

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After a bright start England's bowlers are tamed by a superb 202 run partnership between Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja which, along with a bright debut by Sarfaraz Khan has put India in the box seat on the first day in Rajkot. The Simons review a tough first day for England

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During the extended break in the India v England series, Derbyshire's Anuj Dal explains how many county cricketers are spending the winter, preparing physically and in his case mentally for the forthcoming season, and we also reveal an amazing story concerning Harry Brook.

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Chasing 399 in the final innings in Vishakapatnam proves beyond even this mercurial England side as India’s outcricket proves too sharp. But this is now a serious five-match contest. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the evidence. The third test begins on February 15 on TNT Sports get.discoveryplus.com

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Simon Mann is joined by seasoned Indian commentator Prakash Wakankar to review the pivotal third day of the second Test in Vizag which India have taken a firm hold of.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann admire the genius of Jasprit Bumrah detonating England's middle order with a brilliant spell of reverse swing to pass 150 Test wickets at the astonishing average of 20.29. India on top.....watch it all live on TNT Sports

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An intriguing first day of the second Test in Vizag starring two Gen Z players born this century - Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shoaib Bashir - who could easily be seasoned commentators' grandsons.... honours even at the end of the day? Watch it all on TNT Sports from 4am...

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann marvel at England's miraculous victory in the first test in India, making light of a 190 run first innings deficit to shock India into an incredible, record-breaking defeat thanks to Ollie Pope's ingenius 196 and Tom Hartley's extraordinary 7-68 in his debut Test. It must be England's most remarkable overseas performance.

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A remarkable undefeated hundred by Ollie Pope gives England a glimpse of upsetting India's hopes of an easy 1st Test victory as England close on an expected 316-6 on the third day in Hyderabad. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss a mercurial performance. For more information on NordVPN go to nordvpn.com/aic

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the second day's play from Hyderabad in which Indian batting expertise exposes the inadequacies of England's spin bowlers. For more information on NordVPN go to nordvpn.com/aic

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the first day of the first Test in Hyderabad, during which England's brave attempt to make a score on a tricky pitch is put into perspective by the brilliance of the young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the forthcoming India v England Test series, assessing the likely strategies, and the chasm in quality and experience of the two spin attacks, but hearing from former England batsman Owais Shah about how a particular song helped engineer a rare England Test win in India in 2006.

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) return with an extended interview on the challenges facing the many women playing university cricket in the UK. Nikki does her best despite recording at 3 am and Melissa is obsessed with her own face and showing to her co-host.

We have been nominated for the Best Cricket Podcast and Best Equality and Social Impact Podcast awards from the Sports Podcast Awards. If you take the time to vote for us you will be supporting the pod in the most meaningful way, it takes less than a minute and is completely FREE!

Thank you so much for all your support it is our privilege to present this podcast to you.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss England's planning and approach to their Test series in India with fast bowler (podcaster and Karaoke fan) Steven Finn who has tasted success in the sub-continent but warns that the challenge awaiting England is greater than touring Australia

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The amazing and uplifting story of Lewis Hatchett, born with a significant physical disability, who defied the odds to open the bowling for Sussex and is now passing on his experiences of overcoming major physical and mental hurdles as a mindset coach and podcaster. Go to https://lewishatchett.com to find out more

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Having discussed the remarkable, shortest-ever Test match between South Africa and India, the two Simons chat to podcast creator Tony Pastor, the man behind chart topping shows like The Rest is History, The Rest is Politics, The Rest is Football and The Rest is Entertainment about what makes a good podcast and how cricket could benefit when India finally catches the podcast wave

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann look back on a momentous year of cricket, with contributions from Ricky Ponting, Harry Brook, Trevor Bayliss, Mike Gatting and Ricky Ellcock. It was a year of epic moments rather than epic matches, each one covered on this Analyst podcast. Please subscribe to our future shows, and for a special offer on NordVPN go to NordVPN.com/aic Happy New Year!

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann evaluate England's white ball campaign in West Indies, welcome the mega salaries earned by some long suffering (Australian) fast bowlers in the recent IPL auction, and assess the rights and wrongs of the Big Bash ban on England's Tom Curran. For our special deal on NordVPN go to NordVPN.com/aic

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) bring you the joyous news that Storylines is in the running to win the Best Cricket Podcast and Best Equality and Social Impact Podcast awards from the Sports Podcast Awards. They also review England's dismal test match in India and look forward to 2024.

We understand voting is a bit of a faff here are some top tips, USE A PC/TABLET! The website isn't great for phones. If you take the time to vote for us you will be supporting the pod in the most meaningful way, it takes less than a minute and is completely FREE!

Thank you so much for all your support it is our privilege to present this podcast for you.

TO VOTE :

BEST EQUALITY AND SOCIAL IMPACT

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire & TMS) is joined by Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey & TMS) from India in a chaotic yet thorough analysis of the game so far. Melissa's big night out comes back to bite and Nikki's uber issues cause much hilarity. We wrap up with some of your questions and look forward to a test and series wrap up.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's lacklustre performances in the West Indies, hear Rob Key explain the surprising spin selections for England's tour of India in the New Year and listen to author David Woodhouse's fascinating account of England's 1953 Tests in the West Indies, as controversial and seismic as the notorious Bodyline series. To access our special NordVPN offer, go to www.nordvpn.com/aic

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's disappointing 2-1 ODI loss to West Indies and consider what it means for the team going forward, with five T20s on the immediate horizon. To access our special NordVPN deal go to NordVPN.com/aic

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Melissa Story (TMS and Gloucestershire) begins Storylines daily coverage of England's 2023 Tour of India. With the potential for intra-podcast rivalry, these daily podcasts are not ones you want to miss as Melissa evaluates the highs and lows of the first game of a scintillating series.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the breakdown in relations between two prominent Australians - Mitchell Johnson and David Warner, elsewhere odd promotions of disgraced former players, a strange case of obstructing the field and what England should do about Sam Curran in their series in the Caribbean. To sign up for the special deal with NordVPN go to https://nordvpn.com/aic

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Fast bowler Ricky Ellcock was a teenage sensation, playing professional cricket at 17 and later getting an England call-up. A succession of back injuries cruelly finished his career at 25 but he then retrained as a pilot to become Virgin Atlantic's first-ever black captain. He had achieved not one but two boyhood ambitions. Then a freak accident resulted in a brain hemorrhage requiring four major operations. He talks to Simon Hughes about Balls to Fly - the book he has written about his extraordinary life - and what the next chapter might be. Balls to Fly can be pre-ordered here - http://rickyellcock.co.uk/

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by Mark Ramprakash to analyse Australia's extraordinary and clinical heist of the World Cup trophy, led by Travis Head, and to look back on the tournament overall. This podcast series has been brought to you by IG trading and investments. For more info visit IG.com/investing

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse the key moments in a gripping World Cup semi final in which Australia just have enough in the tank to overcome a gritty but flawed South African side to deny them the chance of a first-ever World Cup final. This episode is in association with IG. For more info go to IG.com/investing

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann admire a complete performance by india in the first World Cup semi final in Mumbai featuring a 50th odi century by King Kohli and wonder if either Australia or South Africa have quite the resources to overcome Rohit Sharma's tremendous team.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's last World Cup match against Pakistan and their campaign overall and consider Rob Key's honest reflections on a hugely disappointing six weeks. Also features Waqar Younis talking about his favourite World Cup moment. This episode is brought to you by IG. For more information go to IG.com/investments

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) deliver a delightfully chaotic rendition of the ICEC handover event where the ground-breaking report was celebrated and formally accepted by ECB officials. Nikki reveals her feelings towards a certain excitable commentator and incoming MCC President before journalist Sonia Twigg joins Melissa for her insight on making an impact on the male-dominated sports writing industry.

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Simon Hughes Simon Mann and Matty Hayden assess where Glenn Maxwell's staggering 201 not out ranks in the pantheon of one day innings, consider Timed Out and stopwatches in cricket and congratulate England on finally achieving their second win of the World Cup. For more information on IG go to IG.com/investments

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann watch England succumb to the Australians to make it six defeats out of seven and finally relinquish their hard-won title with official elimination from the World Cup with two games left to play. Review of a woeful campaign. This podcast is brought to you by IG trading and investments. Visit IG.com/investments

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Simon Hughes is joined by cricket writers Lawrence Booth and Nick Hoult, the authors of a new book - Bazball: the Inside Story of a Test Cricket Revolution - to discuss its origins and influences and why England have not been able to implement it in this World Cup. For more information on Spond go to https://spond.sng.link/D472x/8d3r/9mo8

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann watch England's latest demise from a rooftop bar in Kolkata and ruminate on their failings from the oasis of calm that is the Oberoi Grand hotel. This podcast is brought to you in association with IG. For more information got to IG.com/investments. To sign up to Spond visit https://spond.sng.link/D472x/8d3r/9mo8

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) gives you an exclusive interview with one of the world's best fast-bowling coaches Cath Dalton. Recently announced as fast bowling coach for Pakistan Super League franchise Multan Sultans, Cath is changing the game as a trailblazer for female coaches who work in both men's and women's cricket. Her insight is remarkable in this extended interview.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann try to explain how England's World Cup defence has become so badly derailed with their fourth heavy defeat in five matches this time to Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. England now have only the remotest chance of making the semis. This podcast is in association with IG - for more info go to IG.com/investments. To sign up to Spond visit https://spond.sng.link/D472x/8d3r/9mo8

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann witness an England shellacking by South Africa in stifling, exhausting conditions in Mumbai, and Shaun Pollock pays tribute to the Proteas resilience and skill. For more information on Spond go to https://spond.sng.link/D472x/8d3r/9mo8

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Simon Hughes in Mumbai and Simon Mann in Bengaluru report on the latest matches in the world cup and ask if anyone can topple the powerful Indians. PLUS the peerless commentator Ian Smith on New Zealand cricket and rugby and the art of calling final moments. For more details on Spond go to https://spond.sng.link/D472x/8d3r/9mo8

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann witness Afghanistan suffocate England to register one of the great World Cup giant-killing acts, and Shane Watson joins the podcast to give his view. This podcast is in association with IG trading and investments. For more info go to IG.com/investments

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Simon Hughes In Delhi and Simon Mann in Ahmedabad admire India's clinical demolition of their arch rivals Pakistan and look ahead to England's next match against Afghanistan. This podcast is in association with IG trading and investments. Go to IG.com/investments

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess a powerful performance against Bangladesh led by Dawid Malan and test the chai at a taxi driver's home. This episode was brought to you by IG.com/investing

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) are back after a little break to review an action-packed summer of women's cricket. We get an update on everyone's new houses and before diving into picking apart an immense year for Charlotte Edwards and her Viper/Brave teams. The girls then discuss England's fortunes and look around the world to discuss the amazing amount of women's bi-lateral games happening in the coming weeks.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report from opposite ends of India on the hosts superb victory over Australia, England's preparations at altitude and a nightmare journey up the mountain. This episode is in association with IG Trading and investments. Visit IG.com/investing

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report from india on England's hapless first World Cup match against New Zealand and consider their prospects going forwards. This World Cup podcast is in association with IG trading and investments. For more information go to IG.com/investments

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India and predict that the winners of an arduous tournament in often sapping heat will be the team with the hardiest travellers as much as the hardest hitters.

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Celebrating 200 years of cricket in Corfu, Simon Hughes is joined by members of the touring Authors cricket team - Ed Smith, geneticist Adam Rutherford and historian Peter Frankopan to talk the science of selection, unravelling unconscious bias and the impact of climate change on cricket

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England and New Zealand finally conclude their one-day World Cup warm-up series - Simon Hughes and Simon Mann weigh up their progress and cast the net across the other teams

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) are back and on a quest to find Nikki's dashing airline steward Rami before diving into the England vs Sri Lanka series. Melissa then welcomes the brilliant Maia Bouchier to the podcast for a detailed insight into her life as a young professional player.

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The battle for one day supremacy between England and New Zealand continues with no obvious winner in sight. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the teams so far and shed light on the Rajasthan Royals bid to own Yorkshire

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After 23 years as chairman of Hampshire Rod Bransgrove was finally able to announce an Ashes Test in 2027 at the ground he built. Simon Hughes hears how he hauled the county back from the brink, and discusses with Simon Mann his huge influence on the domestic game.

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) are with Producer Matt to dissect this year's Hundred competition. Melissa has another game for the podcast (no singing this time) before the trio chat about the big winners and losers of the 2023 tournament.

In other news The Analyst himself - Simon Hughes is delighted to announce his film "The Greatest Game" is on BBC 2 at 11:05pm tonight (01/09) and on BBC iPlayer for the next 12 months, a must-watch for all cricket fans studying England's 2019 World Cup Triumph.

https://bbc.in/3P0I6M2

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss England's emerging World Cup side with reference to recent T20s and their 2019 triumph captured on the film The Greatest Game which is now airing on BBC iplayer - to watch visit https://bbc.in/3P0I6M2

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An in depth interview with the brilliant Harry Brook and his coach Martin Speight the day after he smashed a 41 ball hundred in The Hundred, discussing the Ashes, his batting style, why he doesn't suffer from nerves, why he loved bowling at Steve Smith and what he is going to do during the World Cup.

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Simon Hughes laments the sad passing of cricket's great friend and enthusiast Sir Michael Parkinson, and talks to a largely unsung hero of cricket, Trevor Bayliss, about his life's work in the game and hugely successful coaching methods

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) are joined by the chair of the ICEC Cindy Butts for an immensely open and powerful conversation about the details of the report and how it will hopefully make cricket "the most inclusive sport in the country."

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A revealing and insightful interview with Martin Speight, the former Sussex and Durham player, who was and still is Harry Brook's coach and has brought through a whole phalanx of stars with his unique style at Sedbergh School.

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In the aftermath of the brilliant Ashes series, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider some of the lingering issues, and debate the pros and cons of the controversial tournament now dominating the airwaves - The Hundred

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) are joined by Producer Matt as Melissa casts a forensic and theatrical eye over the events of the thrilling 2023 women's ashes series. The focus now shifts to this year's Hundred competition starting on the first of August as everyone evaluates the key changes to this year's teams and gives their predictions on who if anyone can take the trophy away from the Oval Invincibles.

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With great sense of theatre Stuart Broad takes the last two Australian wickets to seal England's series levelling victory and rides off into retirement. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann look back on a compelling last day and a stunning series with former Australian captain Mark Taylor. This podcast series has been supported by IG trading and investments. For more information go to ig.com/investing

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Stuart Broad's farewell to Test cricket is ruined first by the dedication and excellence of the Australian openers, a dead pitch and then some biblical rain. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on a frustrating day for England but a brilliant career.

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A brilliant day of batting by England at the Oval is trumped by Stuart Broad's announcement of retirement following the final day of this fifth Test match. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report

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A day of hard yakka for batters and bowlers leaves Australia with an (IG) net gain of just 12 runs. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess a day of attrition and controversy at the Oval. For more information on the IG net gains fund got to ig.com/investing

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An end of term feel to the first day of the final Ashes Test with a carefree attitude and lots of mistakes from both sides as assessed by Simon Hughes and Simon Mann. This podcast is supported by IG Trading and Investments. For more info go to ig.com/investing

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Traditional Manchester weather ruins the final day of the fourth Test securing Australia the Ashes 2-1 with one Test to play. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess where it went wrong for England and right for Australia. This podcast series was in association with IG trading and investments. For more information go to IG.com/investing

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Only 30 overs possible on Day 4 at Old Trafford but the versatile skills of Joe Root saw off a determined Marnus Labushagne after his accomplished century kept England at bay. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider if there will be enough play on the fifth day for England to level the series.

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The tourists receive a beasting by Jonny Bairstow and a battering from Mark Wood as England demoralize a tired and hapless Australia. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess a brutal day at Old Trafford.

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Brilliant England batting spearheaded by Zak Crawley and hapless and confused Australian tactics have enabled the hosts to boss the 4th Test with a lead of 67 going into the third day. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on a run-drunk day...

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Simon Hughes and Simin Mann review a first day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford during which Stuart Broad takes his 600th test wicket, but Chris Woakes is again the star bowler. Now can England build on the bowlers work and play Bazball before the rain arrives?

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Melissa and Nikki are joined by Producer Matt and The Analyst as they review the final match in the fantastic 2023 Women's Ashes Series.

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Melissa and Nikki digest the second thrilling ODI from the Ageas bowl where despite Nat Sciver-Brunt's heroic 111* Australia retained the Ashes thanks to stellar performances from Ellyse Perry and Alana King.

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In the break between the 3rd and 4th Ashes Tests Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the state of the two teams and their likely choices for Old Trafford, review England's brilliant comeback in the women's Ashes, dip into the West indies v india Test match and the all new brash Major League Cricket in the US.

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Melissa Story and Simon Hughes examine a nervy and exciting England odi win at Bristol to keep the women's Ashes alive creating a 6-all scoreline with two to play

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Melissa and Producer Matt dissect the final T20 of the Women's Ashes Series from Lords.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann witness Chris Woakes and Mark Wood secure the winning runs in the gripping third Test at Headingley and consider who will still be standing to contest the remaining Tests

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A truncated days cricket but still the 3rd Test advanced rapidly with England taking the remaining six Australian wickets to leave them a tantalising 251 to win. Simin Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on the way the weather gods came to England's aid and Stuart Broad recalls the painful dramas of Headingley four years ago

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Another riveting day of Test cricket on a superb Headingley pitch and two sides going at it hammering and tongs. The winner is hard to call but inevitably the skill and cricketing intelligence Ben Stokes probably holds the key to England's Ashes survival. The two Simon's reflect on a breakneck second day

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A brilliant spell of rapid pace bowling by the returning Mark Wood is almost upstaged by the man known as Bison - Mitch Marsh - and honours about even at the end of another compelling day at Headingley in the first day of the third Test. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann were there

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Melissa and Nikki meet in person at The Oval to discuss an incredible game of cricket in the Women's Ashes.

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) give their ashes predictions with producer Matt before being joined by the director of the MCC Foundation Dr Sarah Fane OBE to discuss how the MCC aim to change lives through cricket. The Analyst explains the changes he's seen in the MCC and hopes to see further progress with the foundation's great work.

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Melissa Story gives an detailed review of the first T20 in the women's ashes series from Edgbaston.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann witness an incredible virtuoso performance by Ben Stokes and a day of drama and controversy at Lord's but see the ruthless Aussies eventually triumph to continue their remarkable win record at the Home of Cricket

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann enjoy a bizarre day at Lord's tarnished by a boring bouncer barrage and ask whether England's miracle man Ben Stokes can extricate them from another parlous position

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England leave the Lords crowd sighing with despair after gifting their last six wickets away for 47 runs this morning and looking relatively impotent with the ball. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann watch a day of ominous strength from Australia

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A day of grand strokes and sacrificed wickets at Lord's, analysed by Simon Hughes and Simon Mann, leaving the match in the balance, while Glenn McGrath explains why he loves Lord's more than any other ground

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Steve Smith anchors Australia response to being put in at Lord's, where England desperately missed the thrust that Jofra Archer provided here four years ago, as Smith himself painfully remembers. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by Derek Pringle to look back on a dispiriting first day

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Legendary England captain Mike Brearley and renowned cricket writer Gideon Haigh join Simon Hughes to discuss the Ashes - its history, its importance and its heroes - infront of a live audience at the Chalke Valley History festival in Dorset

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Melissa and Producer Matt pick the bones of the Women's Ashes Test after Ash Gardner's historic 8-fer secures an 89 run victory for Australia.

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Melissa, Nikki and Producer Matt discuss more listener questions and break down another brilliant day at the Women's Ashes Test in Nottingham.

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Melissa is joined by Georgie Heath and Polly Starkey to round up a historic third day of the women's ashes test at Trent Bridge.

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Melissa and Nikki discuss all the action on Day 2 of the Women's Ashes test. Nikki makes a shocking admission and Melissa admits a test match tipple and tanning faux pas.

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) is joined by producer Matt and The Analyst Simon Hughes to review day 1 of the Women's ashes test.

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A tenacious, resilient, smart Australian captain is the difference between the teams at the end of a riveting first Test. England fought to the end but were defied by Cummins and the flattest pitch on earth. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on five enervating days

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With first Test in the balance on the fourth evening Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on the key moments and hear Michael Vaughan's memories of the final day of the epic Edgbaston Test of the 2005 Ashes

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A change in the weather during the third day at Edgbaston brought about a crash of wickets, and with little to choose between the teams, a tight finish is in prospect. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report and hear from Ian Botham about the way he seized the Edgbaston Test in 1981

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Australia work hard to recover from early losses on the second day at Edgbaston and are indebted to Usman Khawaja's first century in England, but what is the cost of two misses by Johnny 'Bluey' Bairstow?

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The Analyst at the Ashes daily podcasts are in association with IG.

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Australia's greatest-ever opening pair - Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden - come on the podcast to talk about each other, the Ashes and that fateful day at Edgbaston at 2005 when Australia won the toss and fielded first.

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) give their views on the Charlotte Edwards Cup finals day before an in-depth examination of both Australia and England's Test Squads. Nikki explains her wild weekend before welcoming South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) Managing Director and Co-Founder Dr Tom Brown for a fascinating conversion on the struggle South Asian players face on the pathways and why so few have made it to the professional level.

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Mission accomplished by a clinical Australia to become deserved World Test Champions. Now look out England say Simon Hughes and Simon Mann.

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Australia labour hard to exert their superiority on the fourth day of the World Test Championship final and Justin Langer suggests Virat Kohli remains between Australia and victory.

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India's first true Indian great, Sunny Gavaskar is back at the venue where he made 221 in 1979 and almost made Test match history. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann question whether India could do it again

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Australia's all time leading run-scorer Ricky Ponting joins Simon Hughes and Simon Mann to assess Australia's dominance on the second day of the WTC final and bemoan the lack of valuable data when he played...

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Australia's fourth wicket pair of Travis Head and Steve Smith seize control over the Indian bowlers on day one of the Ultimate Test - Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report.

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Two sessions of hard labour for England in the field, but Josh Tongue's five wicket haul offers another bowling option for the Ashes

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Special guest MCC President Stephen Fry discusses the second day's play from Lord's, his first memory of Test cricket and his attempts to replicate Shane Warne's ball of the century

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on the first day of the England v Ireland Test attended by some fascinating and highly influential people bonded by their love of cricket

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) bring news from The Charlotte Edwards Cup as well as an update from Nikki's adventures in Jersey. Listener questions keep the girls on their toes and you can ask your own by messaging @storylinespod on Twitter and Instagram. Nikki's Surrey teammate Thea Brookes gives an incredibly honest and candid account of her struggles after leaving the professional game last year before sports photographer Laura Malkin joins Melissa in "It's a Man's World" to discuss what its like to be one of the very few women in her industry.

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Chennai Super Kings steal a fifth IPL title through the mercurial MS Dhoni and Ravi Jadeja, crowning a pulsating tournament and whetting the appetite for the summer's Tests which start on Thursday

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Stuart Broad on Jimmy Anderson's perennial competitiveness and desire to improve, Anderson on himself, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann on the Ashes, the IPL and new hips.

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) give another Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy update followed by a chat about international cricket and the news of 2 high-profile retirements in the game. Producer Matt makes his debut and international umpiring superstar Anna Harris joins Melissa in "It's a man's world" to discuss her journey to top-level officiating.

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A review of the weekend's cricket at home and abroad including an assessment of the state of the county championship and an interview with Middlesex's 1000 wicket man Tim Murtagh

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Melissa Story (Gloucestershire) and Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey) discuss all things Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy before Southern Vipers players Charlotte Taylor and Rhianna Southby chat about life as fully professional players for the first time. We end the show with our recurring feature "It's a man's world" where a woman working behind the scenes in cricket and broadcasting will be given the chance to tell their story. This week BBC Test Match Special Producer Charlotte Swift joins Melissa to chat about her journey into cricket broadcasting.

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On Sunday in the IPL 21 year old Yashasvi Jaiswal made his maiden 100 for the Rajasthan Royals and became the competition's leading scorer. Simon Hughes traces Jaiswal's roots back to his formative years living in the groundsman's tent at the Azad Maidan - a municipal ground in Mumbai - and hears the predictions of his coach Zubin Bharucha.

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With the impending player takeover by IPL franchises issuing year-round contracts will this summer's Ashes be Test cricket's last hurrah? Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss this and Ashes prospects with former Australian player and coach Justin Langer

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