BBC commentator & Gloucestershire player Melissa Story is joined by fellow BBC commentator & Surrey cricketer Nikki Chaudhuri to discuss all things women's cricket with interviews and in-depth analysis.
Nikki and Melissa catch up the morning after and reflect on England's dream start to the Women's T20 World Cup after their dominant 87-run victory over Sri Lanka. The conversation centres on Danni Wyatt-Hodge and her ruthless century & just how ruthless England looked from the first ball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It's now England's turn! With the success of the Red Roses and the Lionesses fresh in the memory, England head into the Women's World Cup carrying the weight of expectation from a home crowd desperate for another major sporting triumph. Melissa and Nikki discuss whether England can handle the pressure and turn their status as one of the favourites into silverware. The pair also reflect on the warm-up victory over India and the timely boost of captain Nat Sciver-Brunt being fit and ready for the tournament. With a talented squad, home advantage, and momentum on their side, England will be hoping this is their year. Plus, Melissa and Nikki chat about The White Stuff's "Taking Over" campaign, which is helping bring women's cricket into the spotlight ahead of the tournament. Featuring England stars Lauren Bell and Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE, the campaign celebrates the growth of the women's game and the excitement building around a home World Cup, highlighting how both players' paths were shaped by chance moments that led them into cricket. The film captures their journeys and the growth of the women's game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa and Nikki turn their attention to the Netherlands as they assess the team's chances on the world stage. They discuss the growth of Dutch women's cricket, the challenges of competing against more established nations, and the opportunities that come with playing in a major tournament Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa turn their attention to Sri Lanka, who arrive at the tournament full of confidence after a 3–0 T20I series win. With a refreshed squad featuring several new faces since the previous World Cup the pair discuss Sri Lanka's key players, emerging talent, and what will be crucial if they're to carry their recent form into the marquee tournament and make a strong impression against higher-ranked oppositions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Focus on New Zealand, the reigning Women's World Cup champions, as they look to defend their title. Having just lost the T20I series against England 2-1, New Zealand would be keen to keep the trophy in their cabinet. They discuss the team's winning core, the pressure of repeating past success, and how New Zealand will be viewed by the rest of the field as the team to beat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa take a closer look at Scotland, a side packed with experience from the English domestic circuit. They discuss the return of Kirstie Gordon and the value of her sharp cricket brain, alongside the influence of the talented Bryce sisters. With a well-rounded squad and plenty of experience to draw upon, can Scotland spring a surprise at this year's Women's World Cup? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa and Nikki take a closer look at Ireland as they prepare for the Women's World Cup. They discuss the squad's blend of youth and experience, the key players who could make a difference, and what chances Ireland have of causing a few surprises on cricket's biggest stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It's time to turn attention to India, one of the tournament favourites. Riding the momentum of their 2025 Cricket World Cup triumph. They discuss whether India can build on that success, the key players who could drive another title challenge, and their chances of going back-to-back on the biggest stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It's time for the West Indies, discussing the squad's exciting mix of experience and flair, key players to watch, and their chances of making a deep run at the Women's World Cup. They've won the tournament once back in 2016. Skipper, Hayley Matthews will be backed by the experience of Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor, who have plenty of all-round experience to boost the side in all departments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa and Nikki turn their attention to Pakistan, discussing the team's key players, tournament prospects, and what they'll need to do to compete with the world's best. They also take a closer look at captain Fatima Sana and share their predictions for Pakistan's World Cup campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa and Nikki continue their Women's World Cup team-by-team preview series with a deep dive into South Africa and their chances at this year's tournament. They discuss the headline-making retirement reversals of Dane van Niekerk and Shabnim Ismail, what their returns could mean for the squad, and the experience and quality they bring back to the international stage. The pair also take a closer look at captain Laura Wolvaardt, her leadership, form, and importance to South Africa's hopes of success. From key players and squad balance to expectations and predictions, Melissa and Nikki break down everything you need to know about South Africa ahead of the Women's World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa and Nikki continue their Women's World Cup team-by-team preview series by turning their attention to Bangladesh. With a deep dive into the squad, key players, strengths, challenges, and what fans can expect from the team during the tournament. Can Bangladesh make an impact on the world stage? Melissa and Nikki break it all down with their insights, predictions, and plenty of laughs along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa break down Australia's Women's T20 World Cup squad, the six-time champions, and assess whether they can get a trophy back in their cabinet? They highlight Australia's key strengths - elite all-round depth, world-class bowling, and unmatched knockout experience. Players like Litchfield, Perry, Gardner, McGrath, and Schutt are central to their dominance, while emerging talents add fresh energy to the squad. However, they also point out a few concerns that could trouble the Aussies and who they can't wait to see perform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode Blurb Melissa and Nikki are back for a bumper Women's World Cup umbrella episode! Before diving into the tournament, they catch up on all the latest happenings - including Melissa's unfortunate run-in with a bee (yes, she got stung) and Nikki somehow sounding more like a man than herself. Once the chaos is out of the way, they turn their attention to this year's Women's World Cup, breaking down every team taking part in the tournament. From favourites and dark horses to players to watch and potential surprises, Melissa and Nikki take a deep dive into the field and share their thoughts ahead of the biggest event in women's cricket. Tune in for plenty of laughs, analysis, and all things World Cup Fever! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Nikki and Melissa catch up on recent Metro Bank One Day Cup performances, England Women being released from their training camp to play some competitive cricket, whether England's World Cup squad could feature some surprises, and whether you've spotted a monk recently?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Happy cricket season!!! Nikki and Melissa catch up on the first round of Metro Bank ODC action, ICC announce price money pot for the Women's World Cup, how to tactically date in 2026 whilst not missing any cricketing action and did anyone ever watch Willow and Stumpy?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa and Nikki break down the first-ever Hundred auction, where the women's game saw some huge signings and record paydays. They both discuss India's historic bilateral series win in Australia, ending the hosts' nine-year unbeaten run at home, and discuss the announcement of the first-ever SACA women's squad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this Valentine's Day - themed episode, Nikki and Melissa share their V-day plans before diving into women's cricket news. They discuss the departure of Clare Connor, preview the upcoming Australia vs India series, and explore Ash Gardner's captaincy ambitions. They also discuss Meg Lanning's move to Lancashire, reflect on equality and accountability in cricket, and wrap up with some lighthearted Valentine's Day cricket stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
RCB are 2026 WPL Champions! Smriti Mandhana leads from the front as RCB secure their 2nd WPL title and 3rd franchise championship. In this super short episode, Nikki and Melissa break down highlights from the exciting final, key moments ad players as well as discuss what this win means for women's cricket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa get together to break down all the big talking points this week - Australia's new captaincy era as Alyssa Healy prepares to step down and retire from international cricket after the India series, the thrill of the WPL playoffs (will Delhi Capitals finally cross the line?), and whether we're seriously overdoing it with AI on social media. Plus, an important off-field dilemma: if your Hinge date asks you to sidearm them… what's the correct response? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa & Nikki are back in 2026 (yes, they're still alive!) Happy New Year! The girls are back and this time, Nikki's got some thoughts, Melissa's in her 'new year, new me' era and England are chasing the sun having training camps during their unusually quiet winter. Plus, lots more to catch up on - including the elephants recently spotted in Manchester, so tune in!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa catch up after a big day at the WPL auction, some major signings, surprising snubs, and all the buzz that's carried over from the Women's Cricket World Cup into New Delhi. The energy is high, the stakes were real, and Melissa's little “hump dilemma” is sure to give you a good laugh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this conversation, Nikki and Melissa reflect on the remarkable evolution of women's cricket, particularly highlighting the recent World Cup as a significant milestone. She discusses the contrasts between past and present, emphasizing the increased visibility and investment in the women's game. Nikki expresses excitement for the future, especially with India's victory and the strong performances from teams like Australia and South Africa. takeaways This is probably the most enjoyable World Cup I've watched. The display of cricket has evolved significantly since 2013. Photos from past finals show how far we've come. India's victory is a landmark moment for women's cricket. Australia and South Africa reaching the semi-finals is exciting. Investment in women's cricket is expected to increase. The surprises in the tournament have been thrilling. The atmosphere at the matches has improved dramatically. The growth of the women's game is evident in fan engagement. Looking forward to the next few years in women's cricket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa break down India's stunning win over South Africa in Navi Mumbai - a victory that crowned them World Champions and marked a pivotal moment not just in women's cricket, but in sport itself. A team that had stumbled early in the tournament roared back to lift the trophy on home soil in front of a sold-out stadium. They reflect on how India's blend of belief, composure and home-crowd fire carried them through the final, and how Laura Wolvaardt's brilliance kept South Africa's hopes alive until the very end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Nikki and Melissa break down a dramatic pair of semi-final clashes at the ICC Women's World Cup that saw both Australia and England knocked out of contention. With South Africa and India now set to battle for their first-ever World Cup title, we dive into how each side got here, key turning points in the matches and what this means for women's cricket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of Storylines, hosts Nikki and Melissa dive into the second round of matches in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup - from Australia's impressive showing against India and the challenges the hosts are facing in their bowling lineup to HOW have England ended up on top of the table?! Plus, Melissa shares a train romance story, and Nikki reveals the secret to her snatched jawline.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Nikki and Melissa dive into the first week of the Women's World Cup breaking down Australia's shaky start, England's strong bounce-back win over South Africa, and all the key storylines you need to know. Plus, what NOT to post on your Hinge profile! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Melissa & Nikki catch up after a LONG break, discussing their personal lives and the busy summer's they've had. They delve into the upcoming Women's World Cup, reflecting on recent cricketing highlights, including The Hundred and the India v Australia series. The conversation shifts to team preparations, player performances, and the pressures surrounding the tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A much needed catch up for Nikki and Melissa round up India's hugely successful tour of England and consider England's fielding ‘yips'! The girls also review both Surrey and Middlesex's victories at the Tier 1 and Tier 2 T20 Finals Days. Plus it's Finty Trussler's Barmy Army, disappointing your family 101, and we get the lowdown on Shrek's adventure at Old Trafford! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this jampacked episode, Nikki and Melissa dive into all the action from the 4th and 5th T20s and the opening two ODIs, analysing the key moments, standout performances, and all the drama in between. Plus, Melissa is turning green, Nikki is vertically challenged, and let's hear all about 'that catch' against Glamorgan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa record from The Oval as England bounce back to win a nail-biting 3rd T20I against India. A blistering 137-run opening stand from Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt set the tone before a late collapse, but England's bowlers fought back. Lauren Bell defended 12 off the final over as England held their nerve for a thrilling 5-run win to keep the series alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa review India's impressive win in the 2nd T20I at Bristol, giving them a 2-0 lead in the series. With minimal impact from their star players, it was Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur who stepped up to deliver a commanding performance. For England, it's back-to-back defeats and plenty to ponder after another tough outing with both bat and ball. They'll be looking for answers ahead of the third T20I at The Oval on Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa recap India's 97 run win and Smriti Mandhana's magnificent century. Meanwhile, England will want to bounce back from their disappointing show with the bat and ball. It's all to play for in the 2nd T20 at Bristol. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki has an exclusive interview with legendary Indian fast bowler, Jhulan Goswami to preview the Eng v India series starting on Saturday. Jhulan offers great insight into adapting to conditions, the players India will rely on and her experiences playing in England. Meanwhile, Melissa joins Nikki to discuss how important this series will be for England's new captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and explains how she broke her pads whilst batting for Gloucestershire. Plus, Nikki's got a new voice, a demon possesses us, and we're becoming nuns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa and Nikki unite across time zones (at 6am UK time) to discuss the T20 Blast at the halfway stage and the ICC T20 World Cup schedule next year. Plus, Nikki has a towel on her head, Melissa is employed by the Bristol tourism board, and would you skive off school to go to a T20 at 10.30am? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa and Nikki review England's 143 run win over the West Indies, discuss whether you should get an award for visiting all 18 first class county grounds, and the ‘floating' World Cup Final. And the big question: did Melissa's rice get burnt? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa solo tackles the first ODI which saw England win by 108 runs in Derby. Amy Jones scored her first international century and Tammy Beaumont did what Tammy Beaumont does at the other end. Meanwhile, Linsey Smith got a 5fer on her ODI debut and the West Indies finally showed a bit of fight! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa break down the final T20I between Eng and WI whilst Melissa tries not to get distracted by Tom Cruise. Nikki discusses her day at Taunton covering the women's inaugural county cup finals day where Lancashire women get their name on some silverware. And did you know, Melissa and Nikki were practically neighbours as kids?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mel and Nikki take the opportunity of an early finish in the second T20 between England and West Indies to get down the pub... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
England begin their summer at home with a bang. An 8 wicket victory over the West Indies and you can see the Charlotte Edwards effect already! Melissa and Nikki touch on some key moments from a comprehensive win from Nat Sciver-Brunt and her new side. P.S. Melissa has ANOTHER new cardigan!
Nikki and Melissa run through the recently announced England squads to face West Indies by new coach Charlotte Edwards, Sophie Ecclestone missing out and should Melissa return her brand new green cardigan? Join Melissa along with Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Vic Marks at a live recording of the Analyst Inside Cricket podcast in Bristol on June 18 in aid of the Syd Lawrence MND cause. Tickets here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Englands new captain, miserable love lives and commentating parrots!! Nikki and Melissa dive into Nat Sciver-Brunt's appointment as England captain and what it means. The domestic tier system is up and running so it's time to keep an eye out on performances and the girls end up planning a new side hustle….brace yourselves for a lot of laughs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa spoke to Jeanette Tate, Disability Development Officer at Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation, and disability athletes Shravani Philpot and Liara Hampton. The conversation covered the structure of disability cricket in England and Wales, the girls' personal journeys and challenges and how clubs can support disability cricket further. Plus, from a Gloucestershire point of view, we'll never say no to stories about beating Somerset! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this week's episode, Nikki and Melissa slice and dice the opening scores from the brand‑new women's domestic pyramid. They dig into Tier 1's first‑round fireworks, share hot takes on the Tier 2 rookies, and linger on Yorkshire's 114‑run face‑plant against Worcestershire at Headingley. Oh, and Nikki has a MAJOR OOPS moment—after two years of co‑hosting she finally realises this podcast is shamelessly named after Melissa. Awkward! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa, Luke and Nikki discuss the immense signing of Ellyse Perry at Hampshire, the appointment of Charlotte Edwards as England Women's Coach and the new ICC dedicated task force to support the Afghanistan Women's Team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa and Nikki are at the Utilita Bowl to introduce the new Hampshire women's team to a live audience and interview the players. They speak to Captain, Georgia Adams, talented youngsters Abi Norgrove and Daisy Gibb, international duo Linsey Smith and Freya Davies and round off the evening speaking to New Hampshire Coach Paul Prichard! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa, Nikki and Luke dive back into the big question of the England captaincy and preview the women's domestic season by picking their Tier 1 teams to watch. Plus, is the weather gaslighting us, and robot wars. Win pairs of tickets to the Lord's Test by subscribing (free) to THE CRICVERSE blog with Simon Hughes and Derek Pringle - https://cricverse.substack.com/p/the-year-of-the-cat?r=lo2wd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa and birthday girl Nikki react to the news of the double departure of Jon Lewis and Heather Knight. Who will be their successors? How do England address their image problem? What can we expect next? Separately, Nikki has an unexpected encounter with a tuck tuck, Melissa has an injury update and we ask: Who could be the Ilona Maher of women's cricket? #cricket #rugby #women'scricket #england Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki and Melissa have a much needed catch-up, discussing; Nikki's adventures in India and life as a Tier 2 cricketer for Melissa. The girls also talk through the Women's Premier League, Hundred retentions and whether Charlotte Edwards could be the next England women's coach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In a very special episode Nikki Chaudhuri and Melissa Story speak to Afghan women's cricketers Firooza Amiri, Nahida Sapan, and Benafsha Hashimi. They share their cricketing stories from Afghanistan to Australia, how they discovered their love of cricket and what it's been like adjusting to their new lives down under. We also hear about what action they would like to see from the ICC and how the global cricket community can help them live their dreams. From Firooza cover driving like Virat Kohli, Benafsha loving to face bouncers, and Nahida's heartfelt message of hope to women and girls in Afghanistan - these three women's positivity and enthusiasm is not one to miss. Thank you to Firooza, Nahida and Benafsha again for their time and if you'd like to support the Afghanistan women's cricket team, please see the link to donate here: https://www.lords.org/refugeefund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki Chaudhuri is joined by Simon Hughes for a post mortem on England's disastrous Ashes campaign which ended with a humbling innings defeat and a 16-0 overall score. The Australians once again exposed the chasm in ability between the two teams, with some brilliant bowling on the third day, led by the superb leg spinner Alana King. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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