98 Not Out

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/

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

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 years back to ensure a bright future, but suggest all is not lost! Get your copy of the book here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Batting-Crickets-Greatest-Scorers/dp/1399416545/ref=sr_1_1?crid=S14FZUFKIO99&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dZUkAsvYI0Ac1tGSFzybPyNTkGBY7UD2aZO-row4xwvC3IOhtNhFq4dEPmdgAmZv._OBdFqVkutiMuPpv4KXpRiZwaOd7rBQLA8eOetLKZgM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+art+of+batting+jarrod+kimber&qid=1749226082&sprefix=%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-1

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 also got a new book out, "The Art of Batting" and he tells us how he managed to compile such a fascinating list.https://amzn.eu/d/5xmokbP

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!