The Analyst Inside Cricket

The 21 year old debutant Razaullah, who was selling vegetables with his father in Pakistan last week, demolishes Englands unsuspecting attack with a scintillating lower order assault containing a remarkable nine sixes. It was reminscent of Shahid 'Boom Boom' Afridi and capped a trying day for England of missed chances, one dimensional bowling and finally some determined Pakistan resistance. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on what England could have done better and Matt Prior dwells on the one high point of England's day, the keeping of Jordan Cox. To enter the Toyota Good For Cricket Prize draw, with a prize-draw fund of £200k, go to www.toyotagoodforcricket.co.uk

To support Capital Kids Cricket and our annual match for the Peter Hughes Foundation visit peterhughesfoundation.org

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With two wickets in his first over - again - Ollie Robinson threatened Pakistan with the prospect of an embarrassing two-day innings defeat in the final Test at Edgbaston. But the weather and some third wicket resistance won them a brief stay of execution. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann watch England pile up 453 having been 39-3 and totally dominate the second day until the last half hour.

This podcast was brought to you by Rothesay Protecting Pensions. Also Toyota's grass roots initiative - the Toyota Good for Cricket prize draw - is discussed. To sign up go to www.toyotagoodforcricket.co.uk

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At least a more competitive day of Test cricket to crown our 1000th episode of this podcast which began in the relatively early days of podcasting in 2017. Older and balder and probably no wiser, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann still try to break down the day's play and explain the finer points to our loyal audience, as Pakistan try and largely fail to deal with England's probing seam attack. Also in this episode some brief highlights of some of the 1000th episodes and a few clips of our favourite guests. Thanks to Rothesay for supporting this episode, and also to Claude ai. Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/ANALYST.

Onwards and upwards.

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Simon Mann and Matt Prior discuss the upcoming third and final Test match in this series between England and Pakistan, held at Edgbaston from 9th September. Alongside this, they chat about the appointment of former England batter Kevin Pietersen as a specialist advisor to the England white-ball setup.

Huge thank you to Rothesay for sponsoring this podcast and protecting the pensions of one million people. Your future in safe hands.

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England's bowling formula was too potent for Pakistan in both these Rothesay Tests. Ollie Robinson, born in Margate, produced more magic, but he was excellently supported by the venemous Jofra Archer, the rampaging Josh Tongue and the unlucky Gus Atkinson. Jamie Smith also kept wicket superbly. England can be proud of their two victories but much sterner challenges await. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior review the match, analyse England's strengths and discuss what Joe Root might do about his recent propensity to be dismissed lbw.

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A truncated day at Lord's, but England extended their lead in the match to 357 thanks to an enterprising unbeaten 50 from Dan Lawrence. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann look back on a tough day for batsmen, and wicketkeepers stood up to the stumps in seamer-friendly conditions. Take a bow Pakistan's Mohammed Rizwan who will presumably have his battered fingers in glasses of ice tonight.

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Another day of England dominance over Pakistan, who now have a 261 run lead with 7 wickets in hand. After a perky last wicket stand,mthe England bowlers held sway with the ball, led by the metronomic Ollie Robinson who at one point had 4-7 and the venomous Jofra Archer. Pakistan folded meekly for 110.

Simon Hughes and Simon Mann applaud England's exploitation of the conditions, and bemoan Pakistan's lack of fight, despite their bowlers briefly striking back in the evening. Also in this episode how the bowlers were once consigned to a glorified shed at Lord's while the batsmen luxuriated in the grandeur of the pavilion.

This episode supported by Rothesay - protecting the pensions of 1m people and securing the future of Test cricket.

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Under overcast skies it was a day of old fashioned skills at Lords. Nagging line and length from Mohammed Abbas, early wickets, patience and selectivity from England especially Jordan Cox and some erratic fielding from Pakistan, sloppy one minute and slick the next.

Simon Hughes Simon Mann and Matt Prior review a day of tough batting from which England may have earned a alight advantage. This podcast is brought to you by Rothesay protecting the pensions of 1m people and parntering with the ECB to secure the future of Test cricket.

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England's preparations for a Test match are once again hijacked by off-field scandal. The long-suffering Joe Root reacts with frustration at the latest Brydon Carse shenanigans but promises that things will get straightened out sooner or later.

Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior bemoan the stupidity of the modern player and Prior explains how the players drawing up their own behavioural charter in 2010 worked wonders and eventually got England to no1.

Also in this episode memories of another scandal - the no-ball fiasco of the 2010 Lord's Test - resulting in extensive bans and prison sentences for the culprits - and a preview of the next Test at Lord's starting on Thursday,. And - Prior admits to being tempted by a hair transplant years ago, but was talked out of it...

This episode is brought to you by Rothesay, protecting pensions for nearly a million people and official title partner of England Test cricket. Rothesay. Your future in safe hands.

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With Ollie Robinson's wicket to the first ball of the match, this game was over almost before it had begun. Pakistan were poor with bat, ball and especially in the field - a pale shadow of their once proud and distinguished team. England were disciplined and clinical and never let them back into the game which ended before tea on the 3rd day with a comprehensive Innings victory for England.

Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on what England can learn from it (not a lot!) and pick out the high points. Joe Root also congratulates his players and bemoans no more Tests at Headingley for three years, after seven successive victories on his home ground.

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All the England middle order enjoyed the fairly abject Pakistan outcricket at Headingley to build a 195 run lead. Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Dan Lawrence all helped themselves to fifties without any of them going on to a substantial score. Brook dropped on 1, played a more measured game than sometimes. Cox was impressive. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the day and bemoan the fact that there is no moer Test cricket here for three years as it is England's most successful recent ground.

This podcast is supported by Claude ai. Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/ANALYST.

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Ollie Robinson ensured the perfect start for Joe Root's new England, producing a wicket with the very first ball of the series against Pakistan. He continued in that vein, teasing out the Pakistan batsmen with highly skilled wobble seam bowling. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann admire his artistry and Josh Tongue's quick adaption from the Hundred to also take a five wicket haul. There were a number of lbws and Matt Prior reflects on the importance of geting DRS right and the diminshing number of dressing room bat throwers irked by dodgy decisions.

For more information on Barmy Army tours with England visit barmyarmy.com

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It is 100 years today (august 18) since one of England’s great Ashes victories, the 1926 Oval Test. It was the final match of the series. The first four matches - all three day games - were drawn, and the ICC (then the Imperial Cricket Conference decreed that the fifth Test could be timeless so a positive result could be achieved. On a tricky, rain-affected pitch, Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe - England’s greatest opening pair - wiped off a first innings deficit of 22 in a sensational opening stand of 172, dominated by the prolific Hobbs who made exactly 100 in 3 hours 40 minutes. Sutcliffe, the only England batsman to average over 60 in Test cricket, went on to an indomitable 161 ensuring England set Australia an impossible target of over 400. England’s 289 run victory made national heroes of the players and had a huge impact on a depressed country still dealing with the loss of 750,000 men in the Great War. The eminent cricket writer David Frith got to know a number of the players of both sides later in their lives. He discusses the match and the characters with Simon Hughes. The video of this match with amazing Pathe footage accompanied by their conversation is on the Analyst Substack site HERE

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This is a fascinating interview celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the great fast bowling feats: Michael Holding's 14 wickets (12 bowled or lbw) on an Oval featherbed in mid August 1976. Holding recalls how the 1976 West Indians were motivated by Tony Greig’s famous “grovel” comments (initially picked up by 22 year old Holding himself) which not only motivated West Indies to hammer England 3-0 but it also set in motion a decade and a half global dominance.

Holding reveals how he originally didn’t want to be a professional cricketer, who he was inspired by, how he discovered reverse swing at the Oval during that match, the only batsman he ever ‘had words with’, how he got his Whispering Death nickname and who he would choose as the King of West Indies fast bowlers.

For paid subscribers to The Analyst on Substack - CLICK HERE tomorrow a special bonus episode looking back at the extraordinary 1926 Oval Ashes Test - 100 years ago this week. It featured an incredible 172 run opening partnership between the great Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe. There is remarkable Pathe footage of the game that celebrates and investigates a seminal moment in cricket history. #cricket #england #westindies #blackpower #grovel

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Three days after the final of the Hundred, England take on Pakistan for the first of three Tests. It means several England players have to rapidly turn their techniques and mindsets from lashing the white ball over the ropes (or trying to prevent it) to negotiating the red ball and bowling maidens. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior consider how they will handle this transformation and what strategies Joe Root will adopt in his second stint as England captain.

They also discuss curfews, Australia losing for their first time at home to Bangladesh and on the 100th anniversary of the legendary Jack Hobbs making an Ashes-seizing 100 at the Oval (on August 17th 1926) who is the greatest modern batsman they have seen.

Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/ANALYST.

To watch the discussion and footage of the great Hobbs and Sutcliffe partnership that won the Ashes in 1926 click this link #ashes #engvpak #root

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With England about to announce the squad for the first Test against Pakistan, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss England's future under Joe Root, hired for a second term as captain. He himself sees enthused by the chance to work (later in the year) with new coach Stephen Fleming. But there ar major challenges ahead.

Also in the episode Ben Stokes latest interview reviewed and we explore why some elite batters (in this case Jos Buttler - about to become the world's leading T20 run scorer) are in the psychological hold of certain bowlers

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With declining numbers and rising costs, club cricket is at the crossroads. This is a live debate at the 150 year old Ealing Cricket Club with Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Chris Goldie, former Middlesex player and chairman of Richmond CC, covering many of the issues and some possible solutions.

How to repurpose old pavilions for modern demands, and re-create that community feel to offset escalating costs. How to capitalise on growing junior sections and the development of the women's game. What formats to play. How to interact better with state schools. and the professional game. Why the survival of cricket clubs matters. #cricket #grassroots #clubcricket

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In Part 2 of our look at the leadership crisis in the England Test team we look at the runners and riders for the head coach's job. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by former England batsman and batting coach Mark Ramprakash and double Ashes winner Matt Prior to assess what a head coach's job actually is, who have been the best at it and why, how to manage fragile characters and big egos, and whether any English coaches are in the frame. Prior recommends Jonathan Trott and Ramprakash suggests Ian Bell. #englandcricket #coaching #testcricket #bazball

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England are expected to announce Joe Root as the new Test captain. Although he is likely to do a better job than second time around, it also underlines the lack of alternatives. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann explore the list of successful England captains with two former England players - Matt Prior and Mark Ramprakash . They discuss what were the attributes of some of England's best Test match skippers and what assets you need now - in addition to a good team - to prevail in the modern game. This is the first of two podcasts on England's leadership crisis. Part 2 on choosing a Test match coach is released tomorrow. #cricket #testmatch #england

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Being a county cricketer is a privilege enjoyed by the very few but it's a life that comes with a lot of pain as well as pleasure. The recently retired Surrey player Cameron Steel discusses with Simon Hughes the highs and the lows, the pressures, the strange characters, the messiest teammates, the best dressing rooms and the worst lunches, and the motorway service stations to avoid.

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An opening stand of 192 between Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett was the foundation of England's 387-3 - the highest score ever made in Odin at Lords. It proved to much for India despite the efforts of Rohit Sharma who answered critics of his continued presence in the team (and possible retirement) with 138 and the evergreen Virat Kohli. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Deep Dasgupta review the match and the series and are impressed by the re-emergence of this England odi side. #england #cricket #india

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The death of arguably the greatest all-rounder who ever lived - Sir Garfield Sobers - was announced today. Simon Hughes pays tribute to an incredible player and a remarkable man with two men from Barbados who knew him well - former Middlesex and England batsman Roland Butcher and former Worcestershire and Middlesex fast bowler Ricky Ellcock. They all grew up inspited by Sobers and have vivid memories of first seeing him on a cricket field and then getting to know him in later life. Sobers was the King of West Indies cricket. He may have passed away but he will live on people's memories for ever. He is immortal.

Both Butcher and Ellcock have recently written fascinating books about their lives in cricket and growing up in Barbados when Sobers was still playing. Butcher's Breaking Barriers is here and Ellcock's Balls to Fly is here

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With runs and wickets, India's Axar Patel seizes victory for India at Edgbaston in the first of three odis to continue England's poor run in this format. But as important as the cricket was the fundraising for the Prostate charity. It was Blue for Bob day in memory of the great Bob Willis who tragically died of prostate cancer in 2019. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the match and remember the impact Bob had on and off the field with his brother Dave, one of the founders of the charity which has raised more than £2.5m in aid of prostate cancer research. To donate text ten, twenty or forty to 70843. #england #india #prostate #blueforbobday

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Brendan Mccullum has been sacked as England Test coach. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss the decision and how he will cope having been removed from one job and retained in another (the white ball role.) One shambles is replaced by another. Plus the first ever women’s Test at Lords reviewed and an unusual new job for The Analyst #cricket #england #mccullum #womenstest

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142 years after the men played a Test match at Lord's, the women have finally got their chance. Glorious weather greeted this seminal moment in the game as England hosted women for a one-off women's Test. Simon Hughes was there to commemorate the occasion, conduct a brief tour of Lord's and reflect on the absurdity of the women having to wait over a century for their turn at the self-appointed Home of Cricket.

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The BBC's Simon Mann and former Indian player Deep Dasgupta describe with some astonishment England's 125 run thrashing of India in the 3rd T20. Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue blasted through India's top order - despite the teenager Sooryavashi whacking two of his first four balls for six - and reduced them to 51-5. After this they subsided meekly to be all out in 11.4 overs in reply to England's commanding 201, which was in-spite of a first over maiden from Arsdeep Singh. Archer was player of the match inflicting on India their biggest-ever T20 defeat. They can now only draw the series 2-2. #cricket #england #india #T20

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An instant review of the women's T20 World Cup final. Simon Hughes attends the match with his daughter Nancy - a former young England player herself who played alongside many of the current T20 team. They evaluate how far the women's game has come and how much England have improved since last year but how far they still have to go to match the superb Aussies.

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Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's chaotic defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge, resulting in England's first series loss at home since 2012. The old school New Zealand approach is celebrated. The retiring Ben Stokes declares support for his vice captain Harry Brook to take over and Matt Prior acclaims Stokes brilliant career but also suggests that he now leaves England in some disarray. #cricket #england #stokes #engvnz

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Ben Stokes, one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, announed his international retirement today. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann pay tribute to a remarkable cricketer, remember his highights, ask 'why now' and consider how England replace the irreplaceable. Oh, also, there's still a Test match going on whch New Zealand will probably go on to win and clinch the series. What will that mean for Bazball and the England heirarchy?

To read Simon Hughes' piece on Substack predicting this eventuality 2 weeks ago click this link #cricket #england #stokes

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A fluctuating day on a capricious pitch which in the end the New Zealanders are in control of. Nagging seam bowling and some prodigious movement earned them an 84 run lead which they boosted to 204 by the close. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the passages of play dominated by New Zealander's bowlers and their keeper stood up to the stumps. tough match for England to win from here #cricket #england

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Ben Stokes ignites a remarkable turnaround in the Trent Bridge test, hustling New Zealand to 438 all out (after being 317-0) with a spell of irrepressible bowling which brought him is 250th Test wicket. Simon Hughes and Matt Prior marvel at his unbridled passion and stamina and applaud England's batsmen for - so far - capitalizing on the opportunity he has secured. #cricket #england #englandcricket

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Mother cricket decreed that England, after the shenanigans of the last fortnight, would have to field first in baking hot conditions on a flat pitch for the final Test. And for the first two sessions they failed to take a single wicket. But they kept at it, and in the final session got at least a hint of a reward with a couple of late wickets. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior review a day when the one thing you could not accuse England of was lack of commitment. #cricket #englandcricket

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After the shambles of the last 10 days Ben Stokes is back to lead England in the 3rd and decisive Test at Trent Bridge. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior analyse the fallout and consider the rumours and ask how England will pick up the pieces, which they must or heads will roll. Also your questions answered including do England players need a curfew, do they take the World Test Championship seriously, and should Simon Hughes be their travel agent? Definitely not says everyone. #cricket. #englandcricket #engvnz #stokes

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After Englands humbling 253 run defeat, simon Mann and Simon Wilde discuss the imminent return of Ben Stokes, his relationship with Brendan McCullum and was England’s defeat an accident waiting to happen after the events of the previous fortnight.

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Simon and Nikki discuss play on Day 3. Very much New Zealands day with Henry Nicholls' unbeaten century helping them reach 252/3 in their second innings after England were bowled out for 291. New Zealand ended the day with a commanding lead of 352 runs, leaving England facing an uphill battle and in theory two days to bat.

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Nikki and Simon Mann catch up on day 2 and discuss what was very much a good day for New Zealand. A fabulous knock from Glenn Phillips alongside questionable tactics from England in the morning session. England end the day 7 wickets down and a long way to go, can debutant Cox show what he's worth?

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Nikki and Simon Mann reflect on Day 1 of the Test at The Oval, where England enjoyed the upper hand despite being without Ben Stokes. On a surface offering good pace and carry but fewer demons than Lord's, England's bowlers maintained pressure throughout the day, taking regular wickets and preventing New Zealand from establishing control. The pair discuss the key spells, standout performances, and what the balance of the match looks like heading into Day 2.

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The events of late Sunday night in London have again set the cat amongst the pigeons and placed Ben Stokes' position in jeopardy. Simon Hughes and Matt Prior debate the hiatus that the captain's off-field antics have caused and who is likely to take over the captaincy in the short term. They also consider Stokes' mental state after four arduous and stressful years in charge. They are joined by a live audience - members of the Worlds Best Cricket Club - to discuss this and other burning cricketing issues. #stokes #cricket #englandcricket #captaincy

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England seized an important, confidence boosting win over New Zealand on the fourth day at Lord's but it was achieved on an unsatisfactory pitch that made batting a lottery. The highest score in the match was 57 and 24 batsmen were out bowled or lbw, a Test match record. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the game, analyse what benefits have been gleaned and assess what the MCC can do about a pitch issue which has been a talking point for a couple of years, though Lord's is not the only major ground having problems. This podcast is supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit - https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/

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In the small amount of play on the third day at Lord's there were two significant moments. Another excellent dismissal achieved by Ollie Robinson and Jamie Smith moving up to the stumps to enhance Robinson's effectiveness which immdiately brought a wicket. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior reflect on the importance of that move and also reveal what cricketers do when it rains.

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The second day of the Lords Test was again a bowler-friendly day, and England ended it on top with New Zealand needing another 225 to win - to make the highest score of the match with only 7 wickets in hand. Star of the day debutant Emilio Gay who made the highest individual score of the match - 57 - to give England foundation and a handy lead. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior analyse the day, and forecast the outcome.

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An extraordinary bowler-dominated day at Lord's when 16 wickets fell for only 200 runs. England's reboot was scotched by excellent New Zealand seam bowling and an awkward first day pitch, not what the MCC would have wanted to celebrate the 150th Test match at the famous ground. But after England had been routed for 140, the recalled Ollie Robinson retorted with three wickets in his opening over - including Kane Williamson for a second ball duck and now England are on top with New Zealand reeling at 61-6. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann but former England star Matt Prior to try to make sense of a crazy day.

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The first Test of the summer is here - the 150th ever staged at Lord's - an opportune moment for England to banish their Ashes ills. Can Stokes and McCullum be realigned on their philosophies and make England more than the sum of their parts, rather than less? The public demand it after the woes of last winter. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by double Ashes winner Matt Prior to debate how England rediscover their mojo and get back on the winning road. Prior also recalls the joy of making your Test debut at the Home of Cricket (which he celebrated by making a hundred) and assesses how Jamie Smith will go as England's first choice keeper.

This podcast is supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/

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Part 2 of our discussion on the art of commentary and how the radio version differs from TV. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Gavin Scovell, ICC senior TV director, share invaluable insights into the best (and worst) approaches to commentary, including techniques for effective communication, handling live broadcast challenges, and building a career in sports media. Much of what is discussed here is applicable to any kind of public speaking or indeed communication in general.

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A eulogy to another incredible performance by the extraodinary 15 year old Vaibhav Sooryavanchi in the IPL. In yesterday's innings of 97 in 29 balls he surpassed Chris Gayle's record tally of 59 sixes in one edition of the IPL. Sooryavanchi has now hit 65, many off some of the world's greatest bowlers - Pat Cummins was struck for 4 yesterday. Sooryavanchi has also resumed his place at the top of the IPL runmakers leaderboard with 680 at a strike rate of 240. And this on the day (May 27th 1938) when Sir Donald Bradman became the only man to twice score 1000 first class runs before the end of May (the previous time was in 1930.) Sooryavanchi is exhibiting the same incredible dominance and almost comic-book supremacy as Bradman did then. #india #ipl #power #unstoppable

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As the international summer gets properly underway, we analyse cricket commentary, how to get into it, what's the best approach , a few basic rules of engagement, some do's and don'ts.. We are joined by Gavin Scovell, senior ICC TV director who has directed a number of major events including World Cup finals and trained some of the most familiar voices on the airwaves. This is the first episode of a 2-part series and we are supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/

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In our latest IPL catch up, Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta focus on the three teams who have made it into the play-offs with one Gujurat Tiltans focussing as much on pace bowling as power hitting, with Kagiso Rabada bowling 92 mph rockets.

The final qualifying place is still in the balance, to be decided this weekend. Can the precocious teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pull off another astonishing innings for the Rajasthan Royals. Probably given his last remarkable innings...

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The recent announcement of an imminent change in the Laws of Cricket regarding bats will have a big effect on English willow producers. Simon Hughes went to Suffolk to experience the crafting of the willow clefts from which many of the world's great runmakers bats have come, including Sachin Tendulkar's.

From October cricket bats in adult cricket do not have to be made from only one complete piece of willow as they have been since pretty much the beginning of time. When the new law has been introduced you’ll be able to use laminated bats – that basically can be made of several pieces of wood.

This interview with Guy and Will Foskett reveals why the change is being made, what effect it will have and what you should look out for when choosing a new bat. And if you want to see how it all happens for yourself go to the Analyst YouTube channel and watch the video

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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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