The Analyst Inside Cricket

An opening stand of 192 between Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett was the foundation of England's 387-3 - the highest score ever made in Odin at Lords. It proved to much for India despite the efforts of Rohit Sharma who answered critics of his continued presence in the team (and possible retirement) with 138 and the evergreen Virat Kohli. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Deep Dasgupta review the match and the series and are impressed by the re-emergence of this England odi side. #england #cricket #india Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The death of arguably the greatest all-rounder who ever lived - Sir Garfield Sobers - was announced today. Simon Hughes pays tribute to an incredible player and a remarkable man with two men from Barbados who knew him well - former Middlesex and England batsman Roland Butcher and former Worcestershire and Middlesex fast bowler Ricky Ellcock. They all grew up inspited by Sobers and have vivid memories of first seeing him on a cricket field and then getting to know him in later life. Sobers was the King of West Indies cricket. He may have passed away but he will live on people's memories for ever. He is immortal. Both Butcher and Ellcock have recently written fascinating books about their lives in cricket and growing up in Barbados when Sobers was still playing. Butcher's Breaking Barriers is here and Ellcock's Balls to Fly is here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With runs and wickets, India's Axar Patel seizes victory for India at Edgbaston in the first of three odis to continue England's poor run in this format. But as important as the cricket was the fundraising for the Prostate charity. It was Blue for Bob day in memory of the great Bob Willis who tragically died of prostate cancer in 2019. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the match and remember the impact Bob had on and off the field with his brother Dave, one of the founders of the charity which has raised more than £2.5m in aid of prostate cancer research. To donate text ten, twenty or forty to 70843. #england #india #prostate #blueforbobday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brendan Mccullum has been sacked as England Test coach. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss the decision and how he will cope having been removed from one job and retained in another (the white ball role.) One shambles is replaced by another. Plus the first ever women's Test at Lords reviewed and an unusual new job for The Analyst #cricket #england #mccullum #womenstest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

142 years after the men played a Test match at Lord's, the women have finally got their chance. Glorious weather greeted this seminal moment in the game as England hosted women for a one-off women's Test. Simon Hughes was there to commemorate the occasion, conduct a brief tour of Lord's and reflect on the absurdity of the women having to wait over a century for their turn at the self-appointed Home of Cricket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The BBC's Simon Mann and former Indian player Deep Dasgupta describe with some astonishment England's 125 run thrashing of India in the 3rd T20. Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue blasted through India's top order - despite the teenager Sooryavashi whacking two of his first four balls for six - and reduced them to 51-5. After this they subsided meekly to be all out in 11.4 overs in reply to England's commanding 201, which was in-spite of a first over maiden from Arsdeep Singh. Archer was player of the match inflicting on India their biggest-ever T20 defeat. They can now only draw the series 2-2. #cricket #england #india #T20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An instant review of the women's T20 World Cup final. Simon Hughes attends the match with his daughter Nancy - a former young England player herself who played alongside many of the current T20 team. They evaluate how far the women's game has come and how much England have improved since last year but how far they still have to go to match the superb Aussies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's chaotic defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge, resulting in England's first series loss at home since 2012. The old school New Zealand approach is celebrated. The retiring Ben Stokes declares support for his vice captain Harry Brook to take over and Matt Prior acclaims Stokes brilliant career but also suggests that he now leaves England in some disarray. #cricket #england #stokes #engvnz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Stokes, one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, announed his international retirement today. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann pay tribute to a remarkable cricketer, remember his highights, ask 'why now' and consider how England replace the irreplaceable. Oh, also, there's still a Test match going on whch New Zealand will probably go on to win and clinch the series. What will that mean for Bazball and the England heirarchy? To read Simon Hughes' piece on Substack predicting this eventuality 2 weeks ago click this link #cricket #england #stokes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A fluctuating day on a capricious pitch which in the end the New Zealanders are in control of. Nagging seam bowling and some prodigious movement earned them an 84 run lead which they boosted to 204 by the close. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the passages of play dominated by New Zealander's bowlers and their keeper stood up to the stumps. tough match for England to win from here #cricket #england Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Stokes ignites a remarkable turnaround in the Trent Bridge test, hustling New Zealand to 438 all out (after being 317-0) with a spell of irrepressible bowling which brought him is 250th Test wicket. Simon Hughes and Matt Prior marvel at his unbridled passion and stamina and applaud England's batsmen for - so far - capitalizing on the opportunity he has secured. #cricket #england #englandcricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mother cricket decreed that England, after the shenanigans of the last fortnight, would have to field first in baking hot conditions on a flat pitch for the final Test. And for the first two sessions they failed to take a single wicket. But they kept at it, and in the final session got at least a hint of a reward with a couple of late wickets. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior review a day when the one thing you could not accuse England of was lack of commitment. #cricket #englandcricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the shambles of the last 10 days Ben Stokes is back to lead England in the 3rd and decisive Test at Trent Bridge. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior analyse the fallout and consider the rumours and ask how England will pick up the pieces, which they must or heads will roll. Also your questions answered including do England players need a curfew, do they take the World Test Championship seriously, and should Simon Hughes be their travel agent? Definitely not says everyone. #cricket. #englandcricket #engvnz #stokes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Englands humbling 253 run defeat, simon Mann and Simon Wilde discuss the imminent return of Ben Stokes, his relationship with Brendan McCullum and was England's defeat an accident waiting to happen after the events of the previous fortnight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon and Nikki discuss play on Day 3. Very much New Zealands day with Henry Nicholls' unbeaten century helping them reach 252/3 in their second innings after England were bowled out for 291. New Zealand ended the day with a commanding lead of 352 runs, leaving England facing an uphill battle and in theory two days to bat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nikki and Simon Mann catch up on day 2 and discuss what was very much a good day for New Zealand. A fabulous knock from Glenn Phillips alongside questionable tactics from England in the morning session. England end the day 7 wickets down and a long way to go, can debutant Cox show what he's worth? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nikki and Simon Mann reflect on Day 1 of the Test at The Oval, where England enjoyed the upper hand despite being without Ben Stokes. On a surface offering good pace and carry but fewer demons than Lord's, England's bowlers maintained pressure throughout the day, taking regular wickets and preventing New Zealand from establishing control. The pair discuss the key spells, standout performances, and what the balance of the match looks like heading into Day 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The events of late Sunday night in London have again set the cat amongst the pigeons and placed Ben Stokes' position in jeopardy. Simon Hughes and Matt Prior debate the hiatus that the captain's off-field antics have caused and who is likely to take over the captaincy in the short term. They also consider Stokes' mental state after four arduous and stressful years in charge. They are joined by a live audience - members of the Worlds Best Cricket Club - to discuss this and other burning cricketing issues. #stokes #cricket #englandcricket #captaincy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England seized an important, confidence boosting win over New Zealand on the fourth day at Lord's but it was achieved on an unsatisfactory pitch that made batting a lottery. The highest score in the match was 57 and 24 batsmen were out bowled or lbw, a Test match record. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the game, analyse what benefits have been gleaned and assess what the MCC can do about a pitch issue which has been a talking point for a couple of years, though Lord's is not the only major ground having problems. This podcast is supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit - https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small amount of play on the third day at Lord's there were two significant moments. Another excellent dismissal achieved by Ollie Robinson and Jamie Smith moving up to the stumps to enhance Robinson's effectiveness which immdiately brought a wicket. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior reflect on the importance of that move and also reveal what cricketers do when it rains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The second day of the Lords Test was again a bowler-friendly day, and England ended it on top with New Zealand needing another 225 to win - to make the highest score of the match with only 7 wickets in hand. Star of the day debutant Emilio Gay who made the highest individual score of the match - 57 - to give England foundation and a handy lead. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior analyse the day, and forecast the outcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An extraordinary bowler-dominated day at Lord's when 16 wickets fell for only 200 runs. England's reboot was scotched by excellent New Zealand seam bowling and an awkward first day pitch, not what the MCC would have wanted to celebrate the 150th Test match at the famous ground. But after England had been routed for 140, the recalled Ollie Robinson retorted with three wickets in his opening over - including Kane Williamson for a second ball duck and now England are on top with New Zealand reeling at 61-6. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann but former England star Matt Prior to try to make sense of a crazy day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first Test of the summer is here - the 150th ever staged at Lord's - an opportune moment for England to banish their Ashes ills. Can Stokes and McCullum be realigned on their philosophies and make England more than the sum of their parts, rather than less? The public demand it after the woes of last winter. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by double Ashes winner Matt Prior to debate how England rediscover their mojo and get back on the winning road. Prior also recalls the joy of making your Test debut at the Home of Cricket (which he celebrated by making a hundred) and assesses how Jamie Smith will go as England's first choice keeper. This podcast is supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part 2 of our discussion on the art of commentary and how the radio version differs from TV. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Gavin Scovell, ICC senior TV director, share invaluable insights into the best (and worst) approaches to commentary, including techniques for effective communication, handling live broadcast challenges, and building a career in sports media. Much of what is discussed here is applicable to any kind of public speaking or indeed communication in general. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A eulogy to another incredible performance by the extraodinary 15 year old Vaibhav Sooryavanchi in the IPL. In yesterday's innings of 97 in 29 balls he surpassed Chris Gayle's record tally of 59 sixes in one edition of the IPL. Sooryavanchi has now hit 65, many off some of the world's greatest bowlers - Pat Cummins was struck for 4 yesterday. Sooryavanchi has also resumed his place at the top of the IPL runmakers leaderboard with 680 at a strike rate of 240. And this on the day (May 27th 1938) when Sir Donald Bradman became the only man to twice score 1000 first class runs before the end of May (the previous time was in 1930.) Sooryavanchi is exhibiting the same incredible dominance and almost comic-book supremacy as Bradman did then. #india #ipl #power #unstoppable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the international summer gets properly underway, we analyse cricket commentary, how to get into it, what's the best approach , a few basic rules of engagement, some do's and don'ts.. We are joined by Gavin Scovell, senior ICC TV director who has directed a number of major events including World Cup finals and trained some of the most familiar voices on the airwaves. This is the first episode of a 2-part series and we are supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our latest IPL catch up, Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta focus on the three teams who have made it into the play-offs with one Gujurat Tiltans focussing as much on pace bowling as power hitting, with Kagiso Rabada bowling 92 mph rockets. The final qualifying place is still in the balance, to be decided this weekend. Can the precocious teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pull off another astonishing innings for the Rajasthan Royals. Probably given his last remarkable innings... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The recent announcement of an imminent change in the Laws of Cricket regarding bats will have a big effect on English willow producers. Simon Hughes went to Suffolk to experience the crafting of the willow clefts from which many of the world's great runmakers bats have come, including Sachin Tendulkar's. From October cricket bats in adult cricket do not have to be made from only one complete piece of willow as they have been since pretty much the beginning of time. When the new law has been introduced you'll be able to use laminated bats – that basically can be made of several pieces of wood. This interview with Guy and Will Foskett reveals why the change is being made, what effect it will have and what you should look out for when choosing a new bat. And if you want to see how it all happens for yourself go to the Analyst YouTube channel and watch the video Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A review of some strange occurrances in the latest round of county championship matches, and some of your questions answered. Including - has Surrey's bubble burst, why is Jofra Archer not coming back for the first Test, how did Harry Brook take 3-11 and why is there no electrician at Taunton to fix the floodlights. This podcast is in association with SumUp - visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ for more information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emilio Gay, Sonny Baker, James Rew, and Rehan Ahmed are the (relatively) new faces in the England squad for the first Test against New Zealand in June. There is also a recall for Ollie Robinson. Zak Crawley is the main fall guy from the Ashes, plus Will Jacks, while Jofra Archer was not considered as he is still at the IPL (mind you so are Jacob Bethell and Rehan Ahmed.) Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse the selections and predict England's likely starting XI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the day Sonny Baker is selected for the England Test squad, Simon Hughes interviews the new fast bowling hope at his home ground. He talks about the people who've influenced him including Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie and overcoming the disappointment of his two one day international appearances last year. Also how Bone Broth and a meat-based diet has got him faster and fitter and which star player he would love to be for a day. For more information on Asthi Bone Broth visit www.weareasthi.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the latest round of County Championship matches we are sure of one England opener after Ben Duckett's excellent undefeated double hundred for Notts today. But after a shocking dismissal for 17 continuing a poor run of scores, Zak Crawley's fate is sealed. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann lament the fading of his star, and consider the likely replacements. They also discuss the astonishing hattrick on debut by Glamorgan's Tom Norton, Josh Tongue's continued hostility with the ball which caused England teammate Gus Atkinson to summon a concussion substitute, and which spinner, if any, will get the England call-up. This podcast is in association with SumUp and Making Tax Digital. Visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ for more details Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest round of Rothesay County Championship matches reviewed with Simon Hughes and Simon Mann. The dominance of the batters (with 78 centuries so far made in the two divisions) is reflected, notably Dom Sibley and Emilio Gay who each have two, the plight of bowlers sympathised with and Kent's decision to block comments on their social media accounts assessed. This podcast is also viewable on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some classic duels took place in the IPL this week. Virat Kohli v KG Rabada, Shubman Gill v Josh Hazlewood, Jos Buttler v Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against everyone. Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta convey the exhilaration of watching such talent on show, and marvel at the conflicting emotions and unbridled passion of Kohli himself. For more on Sooryavanshi's unique gifts visit The Cricverse on Substack . This podcast will also be available on The Analyst YouTube channel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zak Crawley suffered another disappointing return in the latest round of Rothesay county championship matches. Three top order challengers - Dom Sibley, Emilio Gay and Haseeb Hameed - stepped up with centuries in the last couple of days. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann run the rule over the contenders and assess their pros and cons as they try to assemble England's likely batting order for the first Test in just over a month's time. Plus - do we need DRS in county cricket? After last weekend's experiences several batsmen - including Crawley - would say definitely yes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Indian Premier League is almost halfway through as Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta assess the successes and failures of the tournament so far. With 24 totals over 200, batsmen capable of hitting the ball more than 100 metres, and Jofra Archer whizzing them down at 93mph it is certainly no place for the faint-hearted. But the 15 year old sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanchi is still strutting his stuff even as the 44 year old MS Dhoni is about to make his belated re-entry. This podcast is also viewable on The Analyst YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thanks to Tom Abell's nerveless 100, Somerset get home against Hampshire to extend their lead at the top of the County Championship. The match featured impressive performances by England hopefuls James Rew and Sonny Baker. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the weekend;'s action and answer listeners questions including could Rew open for England, will England consider Sam Cook again and can you pick England players from division 2? This podcast is available to view (with match action) on YouTube. Click the link here - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hampshire's Nick Gubbins, 70 not out overnight, joins the podcast to explain how Hampshire took control of the championship match against leaders Somerset. It was a day when Hampshire's impressive seam attack pressurized Somerset into mistakes. Also in this episode, Sonny Baker's promise assessed, James Rew's prodigious talent admired, the lunacy of the new substitute rule and the most eccentric quick bowler in county cricket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Middlesex, one of England's strongest and oldest counties, has been brought virtually to its knees financially and performance-wise over the last five years. It is the only county that doesn't own its ground. Simon Hughes listens at the club AGM to rescue plans and the proposal to develop a new venue that it can call 'home.' Also in the episode Ben Stokes recent comments on the Ashes reactions back home, and we discuss the fiasco of the new substitutes rule in county cricket. #cricket #middlesex #england #lords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Hughes spends the day at Hove watching Sussex overcome Warwickshire in a battle of Little and Large to become the only club in the country to have won both their opening championship games. A 140 run partnership between Sussex new boys Jack Leaning and Tom Price see them home. Head coach and former England assistant coach Paul Farbrace explains how passion and focus allied to smart acquisition enable Sussex to perform beyond their financial means. Also discussed: who should open the batting for England, how captaincy has helped Ollie Robinson, and are coaches too soft? A video version of this interview is on The Analyst YouTube channel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunday's big IPL clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, featiring some of the biggest names in Indian cricket - notably Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah was instead dominated by an Englishman, Phil Salt, who walloped 78 off 36 balls in an opening stand of 120 with Kohli. RCB captain Rajat Patidar continued his outstanding tournament with a blistering fifty, and 240 was too much for Mumbai Indians. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review another run spree at the batting friendly Wankhede Stadum. #cricket #ipl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jamie Smith adds a second authoritative hundred to his season's output in partnership with a rehabilitated Ollie Pope against a modest Leicester attack at the Oval. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on another Surrey run spree and assess the failures of some of the other batting contenders for Zak Crawley's England opening spot, with one outstanding exception - Ben McKinney's unbeaten 214 for Durham v hapless Gloucester. #countychampionship For more on Zak Crawley and other cricket comment follow the Cricverse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first round of County Championship matches featured two totals over 500, five draws and a number of batsmen filling their early-season boots. Jamie Smith was one, promoted to number three by Surrey. What do we read into that and what else did we learn from those first matches? Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider the entrails ad celebrate the continued excellence of the 43 year old Jimmy Anderson as he passes the 1150 first class wicket mark. Later on we chat to Sam Morshead, the founder of CounterPress, a platform offering daily, dedicated online coverage of individual counties with news, opinion and reports. The individual sites can be found by clicking on these links below - Cider Press (Somerset) http://ciderpress.news Hove & Away (Sussex) http://hoveandaway.news Lanky Lanky (Lancashire) http://lankylanky.news King Pears (Worcestershire) http://kingpears.news Taff & Daff (Glamorgan) http://taffanddaff.news The Bear (Warwickshire) http://the-bear.news The Chester (Durham) http://thechester.news The Fox (Leicestershire) http://the-fox.news The Hawk (Hampshire) http://thehawk.news The Peakite (Derbyshire) http://thepeakite.news The Rey (Surrey) http://therey.news The Spitfire (Kent) http://thespitfire.news The Steeler (Northants) http://thesteeler.news The Trent (Notts) http://thetrent.news Up The Middle (Middlesex) http://upthemiddle.news White Rose Files (Yorkshire) http://whiterosefiles.news The Glorious Gazette (Glos) https://www.thegloriousgazette.news #cricket #countychampionship #englandcricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A preview of the (Rothesay) County Championship title race, for 136 years the hardest-earned trophy in cricket. The season lasts 178 days at the end of which we will know if anyne can topple Nottinghamshire from their pedestal. Simon Hughes, who won 4 championship titles with Middlesex, is joined by Simon Mann and Surrey all-rounder and columnist CAMERON STEEL, to discuss: - the runners and riders, stinging April catches, the new substitute rule, whether Dom Sibley can oust Zak Crawley's from the England opening spot and some yound (and older) thrusters to follow. #cricket #england #countychampionship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some brilliant slower balls from Lungi Ngidi helps lure Lucknow Super Giants to 141 all out in the IPL. Delhi Capitals revive from 26-4 to take an excellent win in our first live watchalong of the tournament. Simon Mann and Simon Hughes commentate on the last five overs and recap the first five matches of the competition, highlighting the early dominance of the batsmen, the remarkable 15 ball 50 of the 15 year old Vaibhav Suryavanchi and the bowlers finding some much needed help more recently. #ipl #cricket # Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 19th season of the Indian Premier League begins on March 28th with the new holders Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore beginning the defence of their title. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Deep Dasgupta air their thoughts on the likely winners and losers, the changes in personel, how the English players like Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell and Jofra Archer will fare and reveal why everything else in India stops while the IPL is on. It is truly the only show in town. #india #ipl #cricket #circus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the announcement that England head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key will keep their jobs and promise to evolve, we ask will it make any difference? The heirarchy always talk about the 'learnings' but are the players able to put them into practice? Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by former England opener Nick Compton to ask if England can ever properly compete with the best teams abroad, or is county cricket too self-absorbed and the coaches too self-preserving to raise standards to elite levels? The ad-free version of this podcast is here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Haseeb Hameed led Nottinghamshire to the county championship title last season with astute captaincy and a bucket load of runs. And at 29 he is in perfect shape to step back into the England side he last played for during Covid. While on a pre season tour in South Africa, Hameed talks to Simon Hughes and Simon Mann about how he has improved his game, the key to Notts success, his ambitions going forward and how he dreams of batting like a certain Master Blaster. To listen to this podcast ad-free and to get other cricket content straight to your device subscribe to The Cricverse on Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the week when some cricketers, notably spinners such as Adil Rashid, were bought for astronomical sums in The Hundred auction, Monty Panesar reflects on his first Test appearance exactly 20 years ago. It was in Nagpur in March 2006 where the man who became known as The Sikh of Tweak took his first test wicket - and it was of course none other than the great Sachin Tendulkar. Monty recounts that day, his emotional celebration which became his signature, how Tendulkar presented him with a signed match ball and the impact of that moment. He, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider how far the game - which was paying him barely £20,000 at the time - and its rewards have come since. This podcast is available ad-free on The Cricverse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

India dominated the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand from the fifth ball of the match which Sanju Samson pummelled for six. Seventeen more maximums resulted as the Indian batters sustained a full-scale assault. Sunil Gavaskar called it a massacre. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Deep Dasgupta analyse the match, especially Samson's unique style that eraned him the player of the tournament award. They also assess how any teams could have competed with India's batting expertise and ambition. We hear from Samson what it all means to him and from his coach who explains the special talent he always had. For an ad-free version of this podcast and more analysis on the T20 World Cup visit the Cricverse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an extrarordinary sustained display of hitting England finally succumbed to india's superiority with bat and ball in the T20 World Cup semi final. In a match featuring 499 runs and a record 34 sixes india were just too strong for England, despite a brilliant hundred by Jacob Bethell. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Deep Dasgupta review the match and also celebrate New Zealand's exceptional performance against South Africa in the other semi. Sunday's final in Ahmedabad could be epic. For more on the T20 World cup visit The Cricverse on substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices