A weekly look at the local, national and international cricket scene with Daren Mootoo and Brett Sanders.
The T20 World Cup has reached the Super 8s stage and on this week's show I ponder England's progress and ask how far can they go.?The politics between India and Pakistan has already influenced the tournament and now threatens to spill into The Hundred, with reports of Pakistan players being deemed ineligible for the IPL franchise-owned teams - is the ECB powerless to do anything about it?Plus a deep dive into all the ins and outs at the English counties so far this winter.And a reminder that the "98 Not Out" radio show broadcast every week on Phoenix FMhas moved to a new time slot on Thursdays, now going out from 7-8pm. Listen in on 98FM in Essex, online at phoenixfm.com, via your smart speaker and also on DAB.
David Lloyd, known better to all of us as "Bumble" takes a look at the chances for his native Lancashire and also Yorkshire - where he now lives - ahead of the 2026 domestic season. As entertaining as always, Bumble reveals a love for steam trains and gives us some exclusive news from the wildly successful "Stick to Cricket" show that he does along with Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Sir Alastair Cook on YouTube.
I asked county cricket fans to give me their thoughts on how their teams would fare in 2026 and I got a great response! Here we have Evan Gallagher on Kent, Dan Haggar on Essex, Barrie Funnell & David Wright on Surrey, Oliver Hawke on Leicestershire, David Griffin on Derbyshire, Harry Everett on Somerset and a certain "David from York" on Lancashire and Yorkshire.
With the ICC T20 World Cup already being overshadowed by boycotts and political interference, Ed Warner joins me to talk about the damaging influence that politics - and money - have on sport. Have boycotts ever been successful and does the arrival of big money in the English game warp the attitudes of players and management and will non-host counties pay the ultimate price?Subscribe to Ed's excellent weekly blog "Sport Inc" here:https://sportinc.substack.com
With the ICC T20 World Cup already being overshadowed by boycotts and political interference, Ed Warner joins me to talk about the damaging influence that politics - and money - have on sport. Have boycotts ever been successful and does the arrival of big money in the English game warp the attitudes of players and management and will non-host counties pay the ultimate price?Subscribe to Ed's excellent weekly blog "Sport Inc" here:https://sportinc.substack.com
Writer and broadcaster Simon Hughes is probably best known for being part of the excellent team that covered The Ashes in 2005 for Channel 4. In this chat, we contrast that series with the one just finished, both on and off the pitch and query that attitude and preparation of the current England team and what what needs to happen now?Subscribe to Simon's excellent analysis and insight on Substack:https://cricverse.substack.com
Writer and broadcaster Simon Hughes is probably best known for being part of the excellent team that covered The Ashes in 2005 for Channel 4. In this chat, we contrast that series with the one just finished, both on and off the pitch and query that attitude and preparation of the current England team and what what needs to happen now?Subscribe to Simon's excellent analysis and insight on Substack:https://cricverse.substack.com
A catch up with Don Topley as he prepares to jet off to Sri Lanka to take in England's white ball series ahead of next month's T20 World Cup. We get his thoughts on England's chances as well as taking a look at the fall out from The Ashes, where Don was there with the Barmy Army and met up with Robin Smith, just days before he passed away.
A catch up with Don Topley as he prepares to jet off to Sri Lanka to take in England's white ball series ahead of next month's T20 World Cup. We get his thoughts on England's chances as well as taking a look at the fall out from The Ashes, where Don was there with the Barmy Army and met up with Robin Smith, just days before he passed away.
Essex County Cricket Club is 150 years old! To mark the occasion, ceremonies were held at Chelmsford Cathedral and at Shire Hall in the city centre, the very spot where the club was born following a public meeting back in 1876.Richard Clarke aka "The Grumbler" was there to observe proceedings and in this chat, he gives us his thoughts.
Essex County Cricket Cub is 150 years old. To mark the occasion, ceremonies were held at Chelmsford Cathedral and at Shire Hall in the city centre, the very spot where the club was born following a public meeting back in 1876.Richard Clarke aka "The Grumbler" was there to observe proceedings and in this chat, he gives us his thoughts.
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.
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
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 media @Paul_newman66 to get all the latest coverage of The Ashes and subscribe to The Athletic too!#TheAshes
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 media @Paul.newman66 to get all the latest coverage of The Ashes and subscribe to The Athletic too!#TheAshes
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 of the year. 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
Not long to go until The Ashes are upon us. Here, Huw Turbervill, editor of "The Cricketer" magazine looks forward to one of cricket's big occasions - how are England's preparations going and what does he think the outcome will be? #Cricket #TheAshes #AUSvENG
Not long to go until The Ashes are upon us. Here, Huw Turbervill, editor of "The Cricketer" magazine looks forward to one of cricket's big occasions - how are England's preparations going and what does he think the outcome will be?
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 support Nick's charities The Professional Cricketers Trust and The Ruth Strauss Foundation:nickbrowne25.com
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 support Nick's charities The Professional Cricketers Trust and The Ruth Strauss Foundation:nickbrowne25.com
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 PCA Awards Dinner.
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 for the Ashes squad.
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 for the Ashes squad.
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 do it folks!".
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 after he was disbarred from his day job in the legal profession - nothing to do with cricket - but this has made his position at the club untenable. Very unfortunate, but the club has announced his successor and members should support the new-look board.Richard Clarke AKA "The Grumbler" helps me pick through the detail.Make sure you subscribe to Richard's excellent "County Cricket Newsletter" for free on Substack:https://countycricket.substack.com
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 after he was disbarred from his day job in the legal profession - nothing to do with cricket - but this has made his position at the club untenable. Very unfortunate, but the club has announced his successor and members should support the new-look board.Richard Clarke AKA "The Grumbler" helps me pick through the detail.Make sure you subscribe to Richard's excellent "County Cricket Newsletter" for free on Substack:https://countycricket.substack.com
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 fish 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.
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/
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