98 Not Out - The Cricket Podcast

It's January. It's cold. It's wet. There might be snow. Australia has won the 5th Test and wrapped up the series 4-1 to retain The Ashes. And just when you thought it could not get more depressing, reports have emerged of Harry Brook being involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer the night before an ODI against New Zealand in November.

After all the hype and expectation, could this tour have gone any worse? I'm joined by cricket correspondent Evan Gallagher to pick over a disastrous tour.

Glamorgan has been promoted to Division One of the County Championship for the first time in twenty years. Club Chairman Mark Rhydderch-Roberts talks about a future full of opportunity after the new investment from Indian business in Welsh Fire. He spies a global spread for the county as franchise cricket dominates the cricketing landscape. He also talks about what non-host counties need to do to survive and preserve the domestic red-ball and T20 games survive into the future.

Highlights from Thursday's radio show on Phoenix 98FM, where we analyse the deep frustration and disappointing performance of England in the first two Ashes Tests. We compare that to a classic between New Zealand and West Indies, which was a proper example of how test match cricket should be played.

Also a round up of the latest news from around the counties.

*This is an updated version of the previous podcast which has a music copyright issue.

The 2026 fixtures for the County Championship, the One Day Cup and The Blast have been released and Leicestershire supporter Oliver Hawke joins me to give his thoughts and how he is already busy making arrangements to follow his beloved team across the country next summer.

With the shockwaves still reverberating after England's eight wicket defeat to Australia in the First Test, I got the views of some of the friends and collaborators of "98 Not Out" to try and make sense of what happened. Who is to blame and what have we learned? Indeed, what can we expect from the next Test at Brisbane and what are England's prospects for the rest of the series.

Thanks to Mark Pougatch, Annie Chave, Chris Stocks, Ed Warner, Asif Tanvir and Richard Clarke for their participation.

#Cricket #England #Australia #TheAshes #Perth

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Ahead of the Essex AGM, I caught up club treasurer Neil Faraday to talk about the financial health of the club and how to keep ahead of a fast-changing environment post-Covid.

We also talk player budgets - for both the men and the women's teams - as well as an update on plans for the redevelopment of the ground at Chelmsford.

#Cricket #Essex #Chelmsford

George Dobell reports from Australia ahead of the first Ashes Test, which begins in Perth later this week..

Subscribe to ⁠https://www.thecricketer.com⁠ for top coverage from Down Under this winter!

#TheAshes #Cricket

George Dobell reports from Australia ahead of the first Ashes Test, which begins in Perth later this week.

Subscribe to https://www.thecricketer.com for top coverage from Down Under this winter!

#TheAshes #Cricket

With the wait nearly over, Paul Newman from The Athletic joins me to assess England's chances Down Under. Has the preparation been enough? Does England's all out pace attack have enough to beat an aging Australian side? What did we learn from the white ball tour to New Zealand and there are questions over the schedule (again??!) as a T20 World Cup follows straight after the conclusion of The Ashes.

There's a wider look at the Test landscape and the need to bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots..

Follow Paul across social...

With the wait nearly over, Paul Newman from The Athletic joins me to assess England's chances Down Under. Has the preparation been enough? Does England's all out pace attack have enough to beat an aging Australian side? What did we learn from the white ball tour to New Zealand and there are questions over the schedule (again??!) as a T20 World Cup follows straight after the conclusion of The Ashes.

There's a wider look at the Test landscape and the need to bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots..

Follow Paul across social...

Derbyshire stalwart David Griffin aka Griff joins me as county cricket enters its low point on the calendar. We talk all things Derbyshire, as the county celebrates its 155th anniversary.

Also a look forward to the 2026 county fixtures release later this month, the necessity of wearing shorts whatever the weather and, given Griff is such a huge fan, a chat about the new Bruce Springsteen movie "Deliver Me From Nowhere".

Make sure to follow Griff on X at @dgriffinpix, he's very good!

#Cricket #Derbyshire #Springsteen

Derbyshire stalwart David Griffin aka Griff joins me as county cricket enters its low point on the calendar. We talk all things Derbyshire, as the county celebrates its 155th anniversary.

Also a look forward to the 2026 county fixtures release later this month, the necessity of wearing shorts whatever the weather and, given Griff is such a huge fan, a chat about the new Bruce Springsteen movie "Deliver Me From Nowhere".

Make sure to follow Griff on X at @dgriffinpix, he's very good!

#Cricket #Derbyshire #Springsteen

As the 2025 season draws to a close, Nick Browne has called time on his first class career with Essex Cricket. Here we chat about where it all began for him st South Woodford CC and how he progressed through the ranks to open the batting for Essex alongside Sir Alastair Cook and winning the County Championship, not once but twice!

It's also been Nick's Testimonial Year and we look back at some of the events and look forward to his final dinner at Greenwoods Hotel & Spa on Saturday, 29th. November.

Get your tickets now and...

As the 2025 season draws to a close, Nick Browne has called time on his first class career with Essex Cricket. Here we chat about where it all began for him st South Woodford CC and how he progressed through the ranks to open the batting for Essex alongside Sir Alastair Cook and winning the County Championship, not once but twice!

It's also been Nick's Testimonial Year and we look back at some of the events and look forward to his final dinner at Greenwaoods Hotel & Spa on Saturday, 29th. November.

Get your tickets now and...

The CEO of Essex Cricket Dan Feist joins me for a catch up, as the 2025 season winds to a close on the field, but activity continues a-pace off it, as the club is already starting preparations for its 150th anniversary in 2026.

2025 was a challenging year for the club, but it has emerged better and stronger with the emergence of exciting young talent with much to look forward to next season.

among both the Men's and Women's sides plus a mention of club legend Graham Gooch, who was given a special recognition award at the recent...

Last night, the Leonardo City Hotel in the bustling heart of London hosted the 2025 Essex Cricket Annual Awards Dinner.

A glitzy occasion where players from both the Men's and the Women's teams were recognised for their efforts this season. Hosted by Victoria Polley from BBC Essex, it was a particularly good night for the women.

I caught up with Victoria and multi award winners Esmae MacGregor and Grace Scriven, as well club legend Kelly Castle, who was awarded the first-ever women's cap by the cub, ahead of her departure pastures new.

A year on from the release of his third album "Always Somewhere", former Surrey and England batter, now better know as a commentator on Sky Sports Cricket, Mark Butcher talks about his successful side hustle writing and recording music and gives us an exclusive preview of his next release.

Of course, we also talk cricket and with the domestic season now concluded, we look forward to the winter and England's tour of Australia. Mark gives us his insight into why exactly he thinks there was logic in selecting Will Jacks ahead of Rehan Ahmed and Liam Dawson...

A year on from the release of his third album "Always Somewhere", former Surrey and England batter, now better know as a commentator on Sky Sports Cricket, Mark Butcher talks about his successful side hustle writing and recording music and gives us an exclusive preview of his next release.

Of course, we also talk cricket and with the domestic season now concluded, we look forward to the winter and England's tour of Australia. Mark gives us his insight into why exactly he thinks there was logic in selecting Will Jacks ahead of Rehan Ahmed and Liam Dawson...

Leicestershire has won the Division Two title and thus return to the top flight of the County Championship after a twenty-two year hiatus. I caught up with superman Oliver Hawke to celebrate his county's achievement and asked what it meant to the die-hard supporters of the club.

If you are not familiar with Oliver, I suggest you join the "County Cricket Matters" page on Facebook, where he provides daily updates during the season of his exploits following Leicestershire up and down the country, even detailing his chosen outfits for each occasion. To quote his favourite phrase, "Let's...

It's been a busy few days at Essex Cricket. On the field as the County Championship returned, the team was fighting hard to ensure its survival in the top flight and as it stands, Division One cricket looks likely to continue at Chelmsford next year.

Off the field, at a Members Forum last week the club outlined its stance on proposed changes to the County Championship and has called an SGM for members to endorse the club's position.

However, a shadow has been cast over the club with the forced departure of Chair Anu Mohindru...

It's been a busy few days at Essex Cricket. On the field as the County Championship returned, the team was fighting hard to ensure its survival in the top flight and as it stands, Division One cricket looks likely to continue at Chelmsford next year.

Off the field, at a Members Forum last week the club outlined its stance on proposed changes to the County Championship and has called an SGM for members to endorse the club's position.

However, a shadow has been cast over the club with the forced departure of Chair Anu Mohindru...

With the successful conclusion of the 2025 Minor Counties Cricket Festival, special guest Don Topley joins me to talk about his involvement with this long-running event and why it is so important in helping develop enthusiasm for the game among young players.

Don also tells us about a kit collection he is organising to help rural club North Stars in Barbados. If you want to get involved and donate any unwanted clothing, bats or equipment, please email Don at:

topperscricket@gmail.com

#Cricket

With the successful conclusion of the 2025 Minor Counties Cricket Festival, special guest Don Topley joins me to talk about his involvement with this long-running event and why it is so important in helping develop enthusiasm for the game among young players.

Don also tells us about a kit collection he is organising to help rural club North Stars in Barbados. If you want to get involved and donate any unwanted clothing, bats or equipment, please email Don at:

topperscricket@gmail.com

#Cricket

HUW TURBERVILL, editor of "The Cricketer" Joins me to discuss a perceived shift in attitudes toward the much-maligned Hundred. Is it finally getting acceptance among the cricketing fraternity?

HUW TURBERVILL, editor of "The Cricketer" Joins me to discuss a perceived shift in attitudes toward the much-maligned Hundred. Is it finally getting acceptance among the cricketing fraternity?

If are enjoying this episode, please leave a five star review on the podcast page and be sure to follow "98 Not Out" across social media. Thanks!

"The Cricketer" magazine, led by writer Nick Friend, has long been campaigning for change in the T20 Blast, viewing the current format as outdated. Well, maybe the ECB has listened, as change is indeed coming in 2026. Here Nick and I take a deep dive into why these changes were needed and what the domestic cricketing landscape could look like next year.

"The Cricketer" magazine, led by writer Nick Friend, has long been campaigning for change in the T20 Blast, viewing the current format as outdated. Well, maybe the ECB has listened, as change is indeed coming in 2026. Here Nick and I take a deep dive into why these changes were needed and what the domestic cricketing landscape could look like next year.

Essex coach Tom Huggins reflects on a great week for the club in the Metro Bank One Day Cup - can they go all the way?

Essex coach Tom Huggins reflects on a great week for the club in the Metro Bank One Day Cup - can they go all the way?

Life-long cricket lover turned county campaigner Alan Higham joins me to talk about his crusade to ensure a brighter future for the domestic game. After Andrew Strauss's "High Performance Review" of 2022 was described as "an almost perfect model in how to bungle change", Higham has been galvanised into action, demanding more accountability to county members. Compromise is required, but everyone's voice needs to be heard...

#cricket #county cricket

Life-long cricket lover turned county campaigner Alan Higham joins me to talk about his crusade to ensure a brighter future for the domestic game. After Andrew Strauss's "High Performance Review" of 2022 was described as "an almost perfect model in how to bungle change", Higham has been galvanised into action, demanding more accountability to county members. Compromise is required, but everyone's voice needs to be heard...

#cricket #countycricket

"Bargain Hunt" is the BBC's most-watched daytime television programme. If you are a regular viewer, Richard Madley will be instantly recognisable as one of the show's presenters. Last week, he visited Brentwood CC to conduct the auction at a big charity lunch in aid of the Lord's Taverners, during which he created auctioning history!

George Dobell from "The Cricketer" reflects on the recently-completed Test series between England and India and argues that The Oval has a rich history of creating wonderful moments. A packed schedule seemed to take its toll on players from both sides and with now no red ball cricket until the start of The Ashes in November, will poor scheduling affect England's preparation for yet another big series. Not forgetting the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka that follows The Ashes tour within days!?!?

George Dobell from "The Cricketer" reflects on the recently-completed Test series between England and India and argues that The Oval has a rich history of creating wonderful moments. A packed schedule seemed to take its toll on players from both sides and with now no red ball cricket until the start of The Ashes in November, will poor scheduling affect England's preparation for yet another big series.

RAHUL PATIL from Radio Tarana in Auckland previews the fifth and final Test abut to get underway at The Oval. After a very short break since Old Trafford, what can we expect and is the punishing schedule now taking its toll on all the players?

Rahul also reports on the ICC AGM, which recently took place Singapore where he was representing the Cook Islands and provides some very interesting feedback.

RAHUL PATIL from Radio Tarana in Auckland previews the fifth and final Test about to get underway at The Oval. After a very short break since Old Trafford, what can we expect and is the punishing schedule now taking its toll on all the players?

Rahul also reports on the ICC AGM, which recently took place Singapore where he was representing the Cook Islands and provides some very interesting feedback.

Essex Cricket, in association with Ambassador Cruise Line, is on a mission to celebrate the dedicated volunteers who make grassroots cricket possible across the county. Essex star Jodi Grewcock joins us to talk about her support for the initiative and how volunteers have helped her cricketing career.

The winner gets a 7 nights Scandinavian Springtime Delights Cruise and the club they represent gets an exclusive training session with the current Essex and former England Head Coach Chris Silverwood,

To vote, click the link below:

https://www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/competitions/unsung-hero-award/

Essex Cricket, in association with Ambassador Cruise Line, is on a mission to celebrate the dedicated volunteers who make grassroots cricket possible across the county. Essex star Jodi Grewcock joins us to talk about her support for the initiative and how volunteers have helped her cricketing career.

The winner gets a 7 nights Scandinavian Springtime Delights Cruise and the club they represent gets an exclusive training session with the current Essex and former England Head Coach Chris Silverwood,

To vote, click the link below:

⁠https://www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/competitions/unsung-hero-award/

Elizabeth Ammon, cricket writer at The Times joins me to preview the 3rd Test between England and India at Lord's, with the five match series tantalising poised at one each. There's been a very short break since Edgbaston and all eyes will be on Jofra Archer who returns to Test cricket after such a long break. India has the return of Jasprit Bumrah, but let's not forget the wonderful batters on display - who will get on the honours board??

Highlights of the show broadcast on Thursday. 3rd. July on Phoenix FM. Talking points are the second Test between England and India, a look forward to the Women's clash between those nations as well. Essex are in deep trouble and with the help of "The Grumbler" we examine their plight. Also a round up of all the latest action from the Essex Premier League.

Bumble is back and he has a new venture, a podcast with Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Sir Alastair Cook called "Stick to Cricket"! It's the latest from The Overlap stable after the wildly popular "Stick to Football". As always, a great chat and we get some big exclusive news too!



⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stick-to-cricket/id1821399873⁠

Bumble is back and he has a new venture, a podcast with Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Sir Alastair Cook called "Stick to Cricket"! It's the latest from The Overlap stable after the wildly popular "Stick to Football". As always, a great chat and we get some big exclusive news too!

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stick-to-cricket/id1821399873

Here is the video version of my chat with cricket writer PAUL NEWMAN.

Barely a year ago, Paul Newman retired as Chief Cricket Writer at the Daily Mail, but now he is back writing for The Athletic, as the American publication expands its reach into cricket.

As Paul's first article gets published, I had a catch up with him to discuss his new adventure and look forward to the first Test between England and India which gets underway on Friday at Headlngley.

Subscribe to The athletic (for free) here:

Barely a year ago, Paul Newman retired as Chief Cricket Writer at the Daily Mail, but now he is back writing for The Athletic, as the American publication expands its reach into cricket.

As Paul's first article gets published, I had a catch up with him to discuss his new adventure and look forward to the first Test between England and India which gets underway on Friday at Headlngley.

Subscribe to The athletic (for free) here:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/tag/cricket/

The English Test summer is here, with the World Test Championship Final underway at Lord's. Huw Turbervill, editor of "The Cricketer" magazine has written a timely book "The Final Test", where he examines an uncertain future for the longest form of the game. Huw joins us to explain how the book came about and how he sees the future.

Jarrod Kimber was one of the very first guests on "98 Not Out", when we started back in May 2019. It's also now ten years since his infamous documentary film "Death of a Gentleman", where Jarrod uncovered match-fixing and corruption in the game. So it's high time we had a catch up!

In this chat, we talk about his new book "The Art of Batting", a compilation of the greatest batters of the game; a labour of love and Jarrod hints at a followup tome. He also reveals some ideas about how Test cricket had a chance a few...

It's ten years since Jarrod Kimber's excellent documentary "Death of a Gentleman" which investigated match-fixing, corruption and the threat - even then - to the future of Test cricket. It's also six years since Jarros was one of the very first guests on "98 Not Out", so a catch up was well overdue... In this chat we talk about an idea of franchised Test cricket, whether the "Big Three" of England, Australis and India could be outmanoeuvred by the financial might of Saudi Arabia and how might it all lead to the relationship between Narendra Modi and Donald Trump! Jarrod's...

With the dust still settling on the romance of Crystal Palace's win over Manchester City in the FA Cup Final, ITV's Mark Pougatch joins me to talk about how important it is to retain the heart and soul of sport in the face of blatant commercialism. The beating heart of cricket remains in the County Championship and as the white ball summer gets underway, Mark stresses that we should not lose sight of what really matters.

Mark also talks about his new podcast - "How It All Played Out" - which focuses on the stories behind the...

With the dust still settling on the romance of Crystal Palace's win over Manchester City in the FA Cup Final, ITV's Mark Pougatch joins me to talk about how important it is to retain the heart and soul of sport in the face of blatant commercialism. The beating heart of cricket remains in the County Championship and as the white ball summer gets underway, Mark stresses that we should not lose sight of what really matters.

Mark also talks about his new podcast - "How It All Played Out" - which focuses on the stories behind the...

Here is the video version of the podcast chat with @WG_RumblePants, who looks forward to s summer Test cricket. You also get to see his magnificent retro England shirt!

As the first block of the County Championship comes to an end, internet sensation @WG_RumblePants looks forward to the start of England's Test summer with matches against Zimbabwe then India, as well as the World Test Championship Final at Lord's.

Make sure you give him a follow on X and Threads!

On this week’s show, Monty Panesar reacts to India superstar Virat Kohli’s announcement that he has called time on his Test career.

With the IPL and PSL resuming this weekend, we ask what the rescheduled timetable means for the English cricketers involved.

Round 5 of the County Championship has concluded with some thrilling encounters; Simon Harmer reflects on a superb rearguard action by Essex against Yorkshire. And the Essex Premier League is back! How did reigning champions Hornchurch and national champions Brentwood fare in their opening matches?

RICHARD CLARKE aka "The Grumbler" talks about the growing number of people watching cricket on the counties' YouTube streams and says that this is the modern way to get more people to watch County Cricket. A concerted effort to put together a nightly highlights package - "Today at the County Ground"? - married to AI technology would be a surefire hit!

Chris Cowdrey and David Gower are taking their "Holy Bail" show on tour and with the help of Turkish Airlines (and not a Tiger Moth!) they are off to Singapore. Ahead of their departure, I caught up with them to talk about the show and get a few tasters of the great stories they both have to tell. There's also a special offer for anyone travelling to the show from afar!

If you fancy attending, here is the link for full details and ticket availability:

https://sg.bookmyshow.com/en/events/gower-cowdrey-and-the-holy-bail/GCATHBAV

Derek Richards is the President and Team Manager of the St Helena Cricket Association. Based in the South Atlantic and seemingly many miles from anywhere, cricket reached this far-flung British territory back in 1900. In this chat, Derek explains to me the logistics of running the team and the cost of travelling to fulfil their ICC fixture commitments.

If you would like to get involved in any way and maybe support the team commercially of financially, please get in touch with Derek at:

Derek.Richards@sthelenacricket.org

Take a look at their website:

After an executive career in The City, Ed Warner has spent the last 15 years as chair of various financial services businesses and sports bodies, including ten years at both the accountants Grant Thornton and UK Athletics. He has written extensively on the business of sport, most notably in Sport Inc, which was published in 2018 and now in a weekly blog on Substack under the same name. He also writes for "The Times" newspaper. Currently Chair of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby, he also recently applied to be Chair of Middlesex County Cricket Club. Here, we talk about cricket's wander down...

The English cricket season is off and running and Chris Stocks from the i Paper joins me to review the opening round of fixtures and there has already been some stand out performances. We also discuss the appointment of Harry Brook as England's new white ball captain and look forward to a busy year of international cricket.

The 2025 County Championship is underway and under blue skies at Chelmsford, I had a chat with WG Rumblepants and Don Topley about the joys of the domestic red ball game.

Rod Lyall joins me from Sydney to talk about his new book "The Club". It's a fascinating account of the history of the governance of international cricket, rooted in the days of the British Empire and the evolution over the years and a power shift from St. Jonn's Wood to Dubai, Mumbai and beyond. We discuss the episodes of mismanagement, missed opportunities and poor decision-making down the years and what all this could mean for the future. It's an excellent read.

Get your copy here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Club-Empire-Power-Governance-Cricket/dp/1801509506...

Matt Kabir Floyd from Sky Sports talks about the IPL, which has just got underway in India. Already it is looking like a run fest, with sixes being smashed everywhere and last year's record-setting tournament looks to be in jeopardy! We take a look at the involvement of English players and well as which teams to watch out for and who might be grabbing the headlines. Now in its eighteenth edition, will the lessons learned in growing the success of the IPL be transferred to The Hundred, given the new involvement of Indian franchises?

Briadcaster and commentator Charles Dagnall is just back from India where he was covering the Women' s Premier League, which came hot on the heels of the Women's u19 World Cup. "Daggers" gives his thoughts on the continuing success of women's cricket and looks forward to the English season which is not far away now!

To very little surprise, India has won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Undoubtedly a good side, their continued dominance over the game is rising questions about spreading the wider appeal of cricket and their insistence that their fixtures in the tournament be rearranged due to their refusal to play cricket in the host nation Pakistan ash caused upset. After they rearranged timings of fixtures at last year's T20 World Cup, to suit Indian tv audiences, surely it's time to question their dominance of the world game? Sports Freak's Rahul Patil joins me to discuss all this and also highlight New...

After stints with England and Sri Lanka, as well as coaching in various franchise competitions around the world, Chris Silverwood has returned to Essex, where he began his coaching journey all the way back in 2010. As well as being back among one or two familiar faces, Chris talks about what has changed at the club and welcomes the arrival of new, young talent and is excited by the arrival of professional women's cricket in the for of Essex Women.

Essex old boy Tymal Mills has been at Sussex since 2014 and has been awarded a testimonial year for 2025. Here, he talks about a meteoric career, having only started playing cricket at the age of 14, being picked up by Essex, selected for England Lions at 19, then going on to be (at the time) the second most expensive Englishman to play in the IPL. Only Ben Stokes fetched higher money back then!

Tymal talks about his plans for a busy testimonial year and reveals some fantastic events he has lined up, all while raising money for three great charities...

As huge amounts on money are set to flood into the English game, David Griffin - "Griff" - joins me to look at how the new money can be best used to give the domestic game a much-needed shot in the arm and benefit everyone from the top, down through the counties and to grassroot level cricket.

The money needs to be used wisely, because when it's gone, it's gone. Will the new investors take the game in a new direction and leave tradition behind?

Despite all the uproar, has the ECB pulled off a masterstroke in getting such huge sums of money from the sale of stakes in the franchises for The Hundred. Valued at a whopping £967mln, this provides a big windfall for all the counties, but they need to invest the money wisely if there are to survive long into the future. Is this the lifeline they needed?

Ricky Ellcock has led an amazing life. Born and raised in Barbados, at the age of 15 he was offered a scholarship by Malvern College and he made the journey to start a new life in England. Progressing through schools, then county cricket, Ricky was selected to play Test cricket for England in the West Indies. His debut was curtailed by a back injury, the first of many and when he had to retire from cricket, Ricky retrained as an airline pilot, eventually being picked up by Virgin Atlantic to become their first black captain. Unfortunately, bad luck struck again...

A very interesting and wide-ranging chat with Rachel Mitchell, Head of Women's and Girls cricket at Billericay Cricket Club and part of the Essex Cricket the Community initiative. We discuss England Women's performance Down Under in the WAshes and ask whether Alex Hartley had a point when she questioned the fitness levels of some of the players. We also talk about the domestic scene and the arrival of county women's teams in 2025, but Rachel is fearful that careless fixture decisions will harm club cricket.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments...

Former Barbados, Middlesex and England cricketer joins us to talk about his new book, "Breaking Barriers: From Barbados to England and Back". It's a great account of his life coming to England as a youngster from his native Barbados, becoming the first black player to represent England and how once he had retired, returned to "Bim" and become actively involved in all sports on the island.

With the news that James Vince and Tom Kohler-Cadmore have decided to miss the 2025 first class season in England in order to pursue lucrative franchise contracts, RICHARD CLARKE aka "The Grumbler" says this was sadly inevitable. Given the direction of travel and the ECB's apparent lack of support for the county game, will there be more to come and what can the English counties do to stave off a drain of their best talent?

It may be the depths of winter, but there is plenty going on in the world of cricket. England’s men have the power to take a stand and refuse to play Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy next month, so says Tonia Antoniazzi MP. We discuss…

Australia’s Test series again India lived up to all the hype and the hosts sealed a 3-1 win to take the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and seal a place in the World Test Champions Final at Lord’s in June. South Africa has been hosting Pakistan and a 2-0 series win sees them hea...

Johnny Barran is just back from Buenos Aires, where he has been covering the Americas qualifying rounds for the 2026 ICC World Cup, which is to be held in India, We talk about the rich heritage of cricket in Argentina, which stretches back even further than football. The dispute over the Falkland Islands (or "Malvinas", depending on your perspective) is ever present and Johnny gives a little background. However, the ex-pat roots with Britain are still strong!

2025 is the 75th anniversary of the Lord's Taverners and Johnny will be heavily involved in a busy year. He will also...

A conversation with the legendary David Lloyd that starts off on the pressures of being away at Christmas - whether playing cricket, coaching or commentating - then veers off into a very funny discussion about 80s gameshow "Bullseye" being rebooted under Freddie Flintoff. Classic Bumble!

For those of you who are too young to remember "Bullseye", take a look at this:

https://youtu.be/YlTsyaHh37M?si=YLODF8cO1aCE5-8X

Here are a few festive messages from some of our many friends that have appeared on the show.Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2025. Come on England!!!.

RICHARD CLARKE aka "The Grumbler" joins me to discuss whether England has been vindicated with the left-field selections of players such as Jacob Bethel and Josh Hull, who have very little first class experience, but "have something about them". What message does this send to players putting in the hard yards in the County Championship?

A great chat with Essex Chairman Anu Mohindru, who reflects on a turbulent last few years at the club, with off-field issues such as the Newton Report and "Batgate" - where the club was punished for Feroze Khushi's bat not meeting requirements in the game against Notts early last season. Add to that the departures of CEO John Stephenson and Director of Cricket Anthony McGrath, Anu has had a lot to deal with.

For all that, he has navigated the stormy waters well and with the support of his board and club staff, 2025 is looking a lot...

DON TOPLEY has been in the Caribbean covering England's white ball tour of the West Indies. As the tour ends, Don joins us from Barbados to give his thoughts on a new-look England side, which has fallen a long way since they were T20 and ODI world champions only twelve months ago. We also get an update on his son Reece and also a few thoughts on the IPL Mega Auction which is taking place in Jeddah.

Here's the link for "Perfect Pub Walks With Bill Bailey":

https://www...

Editor of Wisden's Almanac Lawrence Booth joins me to talk about the weight of responsibility in ensuring the evolution and future of one of the game's great institutions. We talk about the impact of Bazball - Lawrence has written a great book on the subject, "Cricket, Lovely Cricket? Bazball".

Also, is The Hundred a bitter pill for the counties to swallow to ensure survival and we preview England's upcoming trip to New Zealand.

.

Sussex Chair Jon Filby and Anne Chave from "County Cricket Matters" join me to discuss whether we should be optimistic or concerned about the future of county cricket.

The voice of the BBC's Test Match Special Jonathan Agnew joins us to reflect on his time in the commentary box after hanging up his bowling boots thirty three years ago. He talks of his love for Test cricket and why franchise cricket is not really his thing, but acknowledging it has been great for the game. We also remember some of the great names he has sat with in the TMS box and of course we mention the "Leg Over" moment. Aggers also talks about the famous names he has interviewed in "View From The Boundary" and reveals...

Huw Turbervill, editor of "The Cricketer" magazine, has some interesting views following England's defeat in the Third Test at Rawalpindi - is it time to find a "drop anchor" batter in the mould of Alastair Cook, Mike Atherton or Geoff Boycott, who can bat time? The current top seven may be entertaining, but results are everything and the team needs to demonstrate more responsibility for poor performances. Winning quickly or losing quickly, just so they can squeeze in a quick nine on the nearest golf course needs to change!

New Zealand's Men have beaten India in their own back yard in a Test match for the first time in 36 years. Despite Day 1 being washed out, New Zealand skittles India for just 46 when play got underway on Day 2 and went on to claim a very famous victory.

Meanwhile, over in the UAE, The White Ferns beat South Africa in the Final to be crowned T20 World Champions for the first time in their history!

Sports Freak's Rahul Patil joins me to discuss an amazing weekend for New Zealand.

www.sportsfreak.co.nz

Recent weeks have seen a succession of departures at Essex Cricket both on and off the field. In this episode, Richard Clarke joins to discuss a "revolving door" at the County Ground and ask how worried should Essex fans be?

Remember to subscribe to Richard's free county cricket newsletter here:

https://countycricket.substack.com

Surrey and England legend MARK BUTCHER takes a break from the commentary box to talk about his new album "Always Somewhere". This is his third album and it follows "Songs From The Sun House" and "Now Playing", which both met with critical acclaim. This one features more personal writing and Mark talks us through a few of the standout tracks and talks about recording and playing live, all while juggling the day job!

"Always Somewhere" is out now on Cherry Red Records.

Essex-based photographer JON WAGSTAFF chats about taking the perfect photograph and how each sport presents its own particular challenges.

www.jonwagstaffphotogrpahy.co.uk

After a lengthy absence, Sussex CCC - the oldest of the English county sides - has been promoted back to the County Championship's top flight. To celebrate a great year for the club, I am joined by Chairman JON FILBY to reflect on events on and off the pitch and he offers some upbeat thoughts on the future of county cricket.

For the first time in ten years, Essex has awarded a Testimonial Year and the recipient is long-serving opening bat NICK BROWNE. He joins a long list of Essex legends to have been...

Brentwood pulled off the greatest day in their history by beating Northern CC by 9 wickets to lift the National Club Cup on Sunday at New Road, Worcester. Ian Livingston from the Premier League Cricket Club podcast who was commentating on the match and tells us all about a famous victory.

Also a report on Essex, who have been hit with a £100,000 fine (£50,000 suspended) over historical racism which took place at the club. Richard Clarke joins me to discuss the punishment and hope that this marks the end of a very dark chapter in the club's history.

The ECB has fired the starting gun on the sale of franchises in The Hundred and trouble is brewing. Essex has voiced opposition to the process but can it be stopped or amended?

Essex has also been deducted 12 Championship points for "Batgate". where Feroze Khushi was deemed using an "illegal" bat during the County Championship game against Nottinghamshire early in the season Is the punishment too harsh and why has it taken so long/

Richard Clarke joins me to discuss...

Chelmsford Cricket Club has secured the title of 2024 Champions of the Essex Premier League with a game to spare. 1st Team captain JACK STERLAND talks about their stunning season and how the celebrations are going.

PAUL NEWMAN, newly retired from his role as Chief Cricket Writer at The Daily Mail assesses the achievements of Joe Root, who has gone past Sir Alastair Cook's record of 33 Test centuries for England. At just 33, there is plenty of time to achieve even further greatness for the Yorkshire and England batter!

With the Test series between England and Sri Lanka underway, I'm joined by Mark Machado from "The Mural End" podcast to talk all things Sri Lankan cricket. We remember some of the great moments of the last forty years but are also worried about the current trajectory of Test cricket and the threat it poses to Sri Lanka. A really enjoyable chat!

Touring side Central Country Cricket Club has arrived in the UK from Barbados to embark on a tour that includes games against club sides in Essex. I am joined by club President Andrew Willoughby and his wife Cheryl, along with club captain Dwayne Alleyne, tour manager Jason Wilson and from Essex Cricket Graham Pryke, who has helped with sorting out the fixtures.

Follow the team's progress on Instagram at "centralcountryclub".

ITV's Mark Pougatch joins me to discuss the importance of all major sport - especially cricket - being made available on free-to-air television and not hiding behind a paywall.

In this episode, we remember Graham Thorpe, whose death was announced this week - gone far too early at 55. There's also news of the squad announced by England for the Test series against Sri Lanka and a look at goings-on in the county circuit, especially the exploits of a certain Rocky Flintoff. Plus a look at Round 13 of the Essex Premier League.

More detail has been announced on the departure of CEO John Stephenson from Essex CCC. After the 2024 season has finished, he will leave his role at the club and head Down Under to become CEO at the Western Australia Cricket Association in Perth. A fantastic opportunity and after all the good things he has done during his tenure at Chelmsford, Richard Clarke and I discuss how much he will be missed and what happens now?

Make sure you subscribe to Richard's excellent newsletter here:

https://countycricket.substack.com

The highlight of Cricket Week at Brentwood CC was the visit of the PCA England Masters to play the club in a fund-raising T20. Chris Cowdrey and Graham Napier were on hand to say a few words. As was Brentwood CC Chair Paul Webb!

It was also a big weekend at Woolpit CC, where Suffolk took on Essex to contest the Robin Hobbs Trophy. Suffolk Chairman Andrew Squire joins us for a chat.

It's "Cricket Week" at Brentwood CC, with lots going on, culminating in the visit of the PCA England Masters on Friday (19th July).

During a match between Brentwood and a Smile Travel Group XI, I caught up with Essex and England legend John Lever as we watched the game along with Don Topley. In a chat dripping with nostalgia, we recall John's England debut in Delhi in 1976, taking 10-70 and Don tells us the story of how in 1984, he was plucked from selling scorecards at Lord's to being put on the pitch and very nearly taking a...

Sunday, 30th. June was designated "County Cricket Day", a chance to celebrate and promote the domestic red ball game. Counties up and down the land offered various enticements to draw fans along to witness County Championship cricket first hand and maybe even have a chance to get on the outfield at lunch and tea breaks. Here, I am joined by Richard Clarke to discuss why this was such an important initiative, how successful was it and what could be done better in the future. #countychampionship #englishcricket #countycricket #cricket #countycricketday

As England exit the T20 World Cup at the hands of India in the semi final, Debbie knight joins me in the studio to discuss the tournament's scheduling and the dangers of catering to a tv audience. We also send our wishes to David "Sid" Lawrence as he battles MND and recall that awful time when he shattered his kneecap back in 1992 when playing for England in New Zealand and how much stress fast bowling puts on bowlers' bodies. There's a round up of the action from the latest round of matches on the County Championship and also reports...

Cricket writer for "The Guardian" Ali Martin speaks to us live from St Lucia where England has just taken on West Indies in the Super 8s stage of the T20 World Cup.

One of the biggest-watched shows on BBC1 this spring has been "Race Across the World", where teams compete to cross exotic parts of the globe without the use of aeroplanes. One of the biggest stars of this year's series was James Mukherjee, who took part alongside his sister Betty.

Here he joins us to talk about the show and also about his earlier days as a promising young cricketer, getting as far as playing for Yorkshire's 2nd XI.

You can catch "Race Across the World" on BBC iPlayer and I can highly recommend it!