98 Not Out

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 most dramatic and iconic moments in sports history. It's available now wherever you get your podcasts.

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 most dramatic and iconic moments in sports history. It's available now wherever you get your podcasts.

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.orgTake a look at their website:sthelenacricket.organd give them a follow on Facebook.

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 path of money and big business and what can be expected and what needs to be studiously avoided!Follow Ed on X @edwarner_sportSubscribe to his excellent blog "Sport Inc" on Substack:https://sportinc.substack.com

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/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KCSGG6UXF67C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fSREhCdjavAUII_jFvIBUw.DXS0uIEFOFeZG0S8USpujwoTiNOwxQIh_MBnyuGTi-M&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+club+rod+lyall&qid=1743578140&sprefix=the+club+rod+lyall%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-1

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 Zealand's regular outperforming at all the big tournaments. Follow Rahul on X: @rahulpatilnz

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. Make sure you keep up with events at:www.tymal25.co.uk

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 when he sustained a brain injury after falling down some stairs and Ricky was within a whisker of death, suffering seizures and being put into an induced coma. Thankfully the "Miracle Boy" has survived and he is here to tell us about his life and the autobiography he was written called "Balls to Fly". It is an inspiring read and to get your copy, please click the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=balls+to+fly+ricky+ellcock+-+an+autobiography&crid=3Q1JGXPXXGYFV&sprefix=balls+to+fly%2Caps%2C72&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_12

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 please!

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 head to Lord's to get Australia in the WTC Final. Reports coming through of Australia, England and India plotting to create a two-tier Test structure that would see the top teams play each other more often. But what would this means for the lesser sides? We discuss… Plus news from around the counties, with Essex Women busy with new signings. Make sure you follow “98 Not Out” across social media, YouTube and also wherever you get your podcasts!

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 be involved as "The Voice of God" at Surrey, so he has plenty on his plate!

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 brighter. We talk about the return to the club of Chris Silverwood and also the great prospect of Essex having a Tier 1 Women's team. There's an update on the ground and also we chat about the issues affecting the domestic game.

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.channel4.com/programmes/perfect-pub-walks-with-bill-bailey

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 the players he has loved watching.

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 bestowed the honour and he tells us about his plans for a very big year.

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 catch on the boundary to dismiss Malcom Marshall off the bowling of Bob Willis! We talk about how much has changed in the game since the 1970s and 80s and later on, we are joined by Graeme Walker from Smile Group Travel, who do so much for the game of cricket and organise excellent sporting tours. Find out more about Smile Group's upcoming tours at: www.smilegrouptravel.com

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/98-not-out/message

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 from the action in the Essex Premier League. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/98-not-out/message