The Shackles Are Off - Cricket Podcast produced by England's Barmy Army

With England (two-time, ODI and T20) the defending WORLD CHAMPIONS.... it's a unique situation that we're facing.... trying to defend it and assert our dominance over the likes of New Zealand, India, Pakistan and Australia.... who will be dying to get their mits on the biggest prize of all over the next 52 days. Joining us on the podcast - and chatting to our very own Chuck Adolphy - is the skipper from England's heroics last time around in Eoin Morgan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE ABSOLUTE LEGEND that is Mark Wood joins Chris and Greggy to reflect on the Ashes summer that's just gone by.... and get ready... because you are guaranteed to have a proper chuckle. Woody talks about: Broady's spooky bail-swapping magic His thoughts on English sledging vs Aussie sledging Being there at the end at Headingley alongside Woakesy The fastest spells he's ever bowled How neither side is content with the way it ended He's mad as a box of frogs and we love him. Be sure to follow 'englandsbarmyarmy' on Instagram, @thebarmyarmy on Twitter (or X, lol)... and get in touch with the lads @jamesgregg7 and @chrismillard18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Millard and James Gregg treat this podcast like a therapy session. If you too are absolutely feeling shafted by the Manchester rain... THIS is the place to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Never in bloody doubt was it, that? 2-1.... Headingley delivers once again.... and the comeback is on. All hail Mark Wood, Chris Woakes and Harry Brook....! Joining Chris & Greggy is injured star batsman Ollie Pope.... who's recovering from a shoulder injury but seems in good spirts as he talks through how much cricket he watches, when he's expecting to be back... and what it was like when Crawley pasted the first ball of the series through the covers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lord's was.... well.... full of talking points. Chris and Greggy jump on (without the help of a pundit to add credibility to their discussion!!!) to discuss Lord's, Bairstow's stumping, Starc's dropped catch.... and the rest of the Ashes series. It absolutely stinks of 3-2 doesn't it?! Remember you can get in touch with both @jamesgregg7 @chrismillard18 or by emailing info@barmyarmy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greggy, Chris and the absolute legend that is Ryan Sidebottom chew the fat after an eventful (to say the least!!!) opening Test of the 2023 men's Ashes. The Aussies are 1-nil up but is that such a good thing for them? Are the England players going to be EVEN MORE fired up to dust them up at Lord's next week?? Plus the lads recap a ridiculous Ultimate Ashes Party from Day 1 on (Stuart) Broad Street. Remember to tweet the lads @TheBarmyArmy or @jamesgregg7 @chrismillard18 with any input, chat, stories or sledges! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE ASHES ARE HERE... and what a summer we have that lies ahead. We want your predictions, highest run scorer, highest wicket-taker and overall series scoreline. Barmy Army MD Chris Millard and sports presenter James Gregg are here, back and ready to bring you some cracking tales from the terraces, speak to some of the game's best.... and tell you all about how is best to follow the summer's action with the Barmy Army. ---------- Make catching the cricket part of an unforgettable break in Durham. From city, countryside to coast, get bowled over by this amazing county, with its award-winning attractions, fantastic food and drink and perfect places to stay. Start planning your getaway today: https://www.thisisdurham.com/get-bowled-over  Our social media handles across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram is @thisisdurham and our hashtag to use is #lovedurham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the best, if not THE BEST England cricket captain that there's ever been, Eoin Morgan, joins the podcast to chat through his new festival of cricket, his own career, the transition from red ball to white ball, and a few other meaty topics. A voice like velvet, who gives every question is upmost and undivided attention.... this is a belter of a pod. There's chat with Chris and Greggy as Chris prepares to head to Pindi, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keaton Jennings has had a blinder of a year.... a triple, double and loads of 'normal' centuries for Lancs in the County Championship... earning him the highest-run scorer gong and with it... a spot back in the England Test team! One of the nicest, most humble people we've spoken to on the podcast.... he gives Greggy & Chris the lowdown on how he's feeling, what he's missed by not being in the squad, and who he's looking forward to meeting up with in Rawalpindi for that first Test. Oh, and who he's looking to avoid!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS OF BOTH WORLD CUPS. Doesn't get much better, does it? James Gregg and Chris Millard react to Sunday's heroics in excitable fashion... and are also joined by yet another walking, talking meme! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

England thumped India by 10 whole wickets to reach the final of the T20 WC Down Under.... and will play Pakistan on Sunday with a chance to get the job done! Remember folks to check out barmyarmy.com if you want to come to our World Cup Final watchalong at Greenwood Sports Bar in Victoria, London! Hear also from the brilliant Ebony Rainford-Brent about the ACE programme, and all the opportunities that's providing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As England get past New Zealand... it's Sri Lanka standing in the way of Jos Buttler's men and the knockout stages of the T20 WC. Reece Topley's dad joins Chris and Greggy for a chat... and Ravi Bop pops along too, to give his final whistle verdict in Brisbane the other night! info@barmyarmy.com for any emails or correspondence @BarmyArmy on Twitter @englandsbarmyarmy on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have a nice episode for you here, England legend Lydia Greenway joins us to chat about Fairbreak, punditry, and growing the game for girls... Barmy Army co-founder Paul Burnham is alongside (if you've not heard his stand-alone episode, scroll back and have a listen.... tales galore!)... and prior to that Chris and Greggy chat the World Cup, Pakistan, South Africa, Sixes.... and the darts. ------ We recorded this prior to the Ireland defeat in the T20 WC....! Promise!!! Well played lads....! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IT'S BEEN A WHILE. Sorry folks.... but to be fair, you've probably not missed us much for a variety of reasons, but we're telling ourselves that the main reason is that there has been so so so much cricket on. And how good did that Pakistan T20 series turn out to be? The small matter of the Word Cup starts next week, plus we have a Test series back in Pakistan to focus on too. We hear from a man that on the day of recording had just been named in that Test squad for the first time since 2016 in Ben Duckett... and we chew the fat about everything else with the Telegraph's Nick Hoult. --------- Remember to head to BarmyArmy.com for all the latest travel, tickets, news, podcasts and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

101 appearances for England across the two white-ball formats and a World Cup winners medal to show for his travails.... a pioneer in becoming a truly global franchise cricketer.... and somebody who has played cricket with and against some of the biggest names in the game.... Luke Wright joins the lads to chew the fat, talk IPL, PSL, BBL and the ill-fated Allen Stanford match. Into his 22nd season as a professional, Luke loves the game - settle in for a good quality chat with Chris and Greggy who are excited by the prospect of seeing cricket at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in the coming weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The day after Super Jos Buttler is named as Eoin Morgan's successor as the England white-ball captain... we sit down with him and hear from him!! From the IPL to his chances of playing red-ball cricket again.... this episode is a belter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matty Fisher took a wicket with his second delivery in Test cricket in the West Indies on his debut.... what a way to do it... though let's be honest, long before that he was already a Barmy Army favourite after his interactions in the field with the fans... and the fact that he just looks like he LOVES every single minute of it. He's a great lad too... Chris and Greggy have a great long chat with him whilst unfortunately he's on the sidelines with yet another injury. But he's chipper, funny, engaging.... and could've chatted all day. He discusses debuting so young, playing for England and also of course gives us his ideal cricket tea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Pietersen the cricketer was one of the greatest players ever to play the game. He was brash, swashbuckling, creative, innovative, destructive, gritty and brilliant. Kevin Pietersen the pundit, commentator.... is still many of those traits listed above, but he polarises opinion far more than many would realise! Even so, just like he did in an England shirt, he wears his heart on his sleeve and never ducks a delivery. He's a great listen... and he's our guest on this week's episode.

As we ramp up the brilliant catalogue of star names in the game of cricket... one of the best blokes we've ever had on the podcast, former West Indies skipper Jason Holder joins us on The Shackles Are Off... discussing everything from the IPL to Amsterdam, Northants to sledging.  He gives us his favourite cricket tea, too.  Remember to get in touch with us info@barmyarmy.com

As we ramp up the brilliant catalogue of star names in the game of cricket... one of the best blokes we've ever had on the podcast, former West Indies skipper Jason Holder joins us on The Shackles Are Off... discussing everything from the IPL to Amsterdam, Northants to sledging.  He gives us his favourite cricket tea, too.  Remember to get in touch with us info@barmyarmy.com

Back on the trail... We're here on a new run of episodes talking to (now friend of the pod?!) and exciting young Lancashire quick Saqib Mahmood... who's loved his first experience of playing abroad with England in the whites in front of the Barmy Army. Saq talks IPL, playing for England, sledging.... and having the best batting average of any England player at the moment. FACT.  Get in touch with us as ever info@barmyarmy.com AND AS MENTIONED IN THE INTRO.... WIN A TRIP FOR 2 WORTH £2,000 to AMSTERDAM NEXT MONTH COURTESY OF Towergate Insurance! This amazing Barmy Travel package includes; * Guaranteed official tickets to sit with the Barmy Army for the first two ODIs   * 4 nights in a choice of 3★, 4★ and 5★ accommodation * Return international flights, plus airport & stadium transfers * An invitation to join our exclusive Barmy Travel Cricket Forum * The Barmy Travel Netherlands tour shirt * Welcome drinks on arrival Get a quote for a policy through Towergate Insurance for your home cover or travel insurance before 5pm on the 13th of May and you'll be entered into the prize draw. Go to https://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/towergate-insurance-and-barmy-army/ for your quote and your entry will be automatic from that link!

We pay tribute to the legendary Shane Keith Warne.  Rest in Peace. We only wished you were English. 

Don't know how we've not had Harmy on before.... he basically does the podcast for us... we could talk to him all day every day about everything...!! '05 Ashes winner, legend... football manager.... we cover a lot of ground here! Get stuck in, and enjoy!  

249 Test wickets... 20+  years in the commentary box for Sky Sports. Michael Holding though, the all-conquering, fearsome and dominant fast-bowler and brilliant silky broadcaster, is a lot more than that. He, alongside Ebony Rainford-Brent, drew praise from around the globe... not just in cricket... but all sports... for their powerful words on their experiences of racism and strong endorsement of the BLM movement.   Mikey's gone on to write a book, which is the topic of much of this episode, before hanging up his mic last year.  When Michael Holding speaks... you listen. 

A legend of the game... multiple Ashes, World Cups, IPL star... and one of the most destructive wicket-keeper batsmen ever to grace a field... Adam Gilchrist giving up an hour of his time to talk on the podcast was very bloody welcome indeed.  He chats about everything from playing in the posh suburbs of South London, to that famous 05 Ashes series... to how his media career has given him a bit of an awakening when it comes to folk asking for selfies. Remember to share, subscribe and rate the podcast. Enjoy!

So... December... right through to now... Izzy Wetbury's got a good job hasn't she? She's been in Australia since the start of the cricketing winter got under way, and she's still there!  And that job she's got.... she's not half bad at it either... whether it be writing columns, podcasting, appearing on BT Sport or mugging the Aussies off on Triple M - she nails it. We tear her away from the St Kilda sunshine for a chat about all things Ashes, women's and mens, The Hundred and plenty more.

Whilst the West Indies T20 five match series is on going... it marks the first time we've had England fans flying anywhere to watch England play cricket for over 2 years.... how bloody exciting!! We're chuffed to be out there... well... one member of the podcast team is..... Chris is one lucky get....  Plus, NordVPN allows you to access UK content abroad - One of our BT travel clients signed up to make sure he didn't miss the big local derby for his football team back home!    Use the coupon code BarmyArmy at the checkout to get 73% off and 1 extra month FREE!    That's www.nordvpn.com/barmyarmy and use discount code BarmyArmy

Matt Smith has been all over our TV's for years and years across BBC, ITV and more recently he's become our friend in the middle of the night... anchoring BT Sports' coverage of the Ashes.  He talks teething problems for the coverage, sleep patterns.... and THAT little bit of beef between Sir Alistair Cook and Moeen Ali last week.  Plus hear what he does when he's not on air! Chris and Greggy reflect on the drawn Test match... and also another staggering amount of money raised for Jane McGrath Foundation at the Pink Test. 

When the legendary Glenn McGrath rolled his ankle at Edgbaston in 2005... it changed the whole series, and perhaps English cricket forever... and that in itself speaks volumes about the impact that the great man had on his sport spearheading that exceptional Australian attack in the late 90's and early 00's. In his career he's experienced incredible highs, tragic lows, and has been a great role model for young cricketers all around the globe for the best part of 3 decades.  He joins the podcast to talk about the Pink Test, at the SCG.. and the reasons around why it's Pink, and how it came about... plus a nod to county cricket... and of course a nod back to Edgbaston. Reminder to buy your virtual seat for the Pink Test, it's $20 aus dollars (just over £10) and all proceeds go to the McGrath Foundation Buy now at (CM did this last year) https://www.pinktest.com.au/ 

What. A. Session. And no I'm not talking about the all-night party at Greenwood Sports Bar last night... we're talking purely in terms of what brilliant work that was from Rooty and Malan at the Gabba! In with a fighting chance of a result thanks to those two... up the lads. Chris and Greggy chew the fat, whilst Producer Chuck gets stuck into Gladstone Small and some of the other punters from yet again another awesome night supporting the lads! ----more----

Welcome along to day 2 of the ashes here on the shackles are off.... daily.... we promised you daily, trying to bring you that ashes experience as best as we can through out this series.... now.... England still in with a fighting chance...? We hear from fans at the second of our overnight party's, this time from Sixes in Manchester.  Join (lazy get) Greggy and star man Chris Millard.... who's pulling another all nighter.... speaking to fans... from Leeds Beckett men's cricket.... Finchy our legendary trumpeter.... another legend in Abbie who was doing her dissertation whilst it was the lunchbreak at the overnight party..... and Ashley.... who is a top top top man..... the only Englishman to have flown over from the UK for the Ashes!

IT IS FINALLY HERE!!! The Ashes got off to a start..... (a tricky one).... AND here you can experience the full thing... behind the scenes with Ashes legend Monty Panesar, as well as a whole host of other guests who stayed up all night with the Barmy Army to watch Day 1 from the Gabba! Unconditional support, and here Chris does a sterling job chatting to punters from across the country for their take! To see how we're celebrating the start of the Ashes, head to our usual social channels.... and UP THE ENGLAND!

Matt Root. He was once quoted as being a farmer on Billy Root's Wikipedia page. He isn't a farmer by trade... we asked Billy about it... 'He farms cricketers.' And boy does he! Not only that, he's a great man, who's done more touring away from home and mixing it with the Barmy Army than most... he joins the lads for a chat ahead of watching his son Joe captain for the second time Down Under. Not long to go now! Remember to subscribe and tell your pals all about the pod...!

26 years ago a load of backpackers went on tour, armed with passion for watching cricket.... and not a lot else... and The Barmy Army was born! A man right at the very forefront of that was Paul Burnham. He's on the pod with the lads (finally) to chat to the lads about touring, how it all started, and obviously... some belting tales!! ------ The countdown to the Ashes is on!!!

The Shackles Are Off's Ashes coverage starts right here. With the aim of doing a podcast Daily throughout the Ashes... the lads start their journey in the best possible way... taking the p*ss out of the Aussies.... Join James Gregg, Chris Millard.... and the Crying Aussie and Tim Payne

As England march to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup to set up a dangerous last-four date with New Zealand on Wednesday (2pm UK time!), the lads look back on another week at the World Cup.... and use it as an excellent excuse to chat to all-round cricket badger, lovely lovely bloke, and global superstar.... Oliver Phelps!  Ollie's been on tours with the Barmy Army, shared one the most special moments of his life at Edgbaston with his grandma... and loves a charity game with the stars too! A great listen.... plus the usual Chorus Corner, Legend Of The Week... and also a very familiar voice as our Shocker Of The Week!

The lads out in the UAE are 4 from 4.... with Sri Lanka posing the biggest threat to Morgan and the boys' rampant start. Oh and since the last podcast, Saq was right.... a comfortable victory over the Aussies on Saturday too. Absolutely love it.  Commentating on TMS for the Sri Lanka game was World Cup winner with England Alex Hartley who joins the lads to answer your questions from social media, talking about her own ambitions in the cricketing world and the media... and just generally putting a smile on everyone's face! Remember to get in touch with us on socials, @englandsbarmyarmy on Insta, @TheBarmyArmy on Twitter... and info@barmyarmy.com for any other bant... and we'll read it out! COME ON ENGLAND.

2 out of 2 baby! England have blown away the opposition going into the game with them lot from Down Under up next. The lads reflect on that, and chat to ODI superstar and Lancs paceman Saqib Mahmood.... who talks everything from Ashes hopes... predictions for the Australia match and Liam Livingstone's hairline... It's all coming up on the latest episode of the Barmy Army The Shackles Are Off T20 World Cup Daily Podcast.  "What a mouthful" Remember to get in touch with us on socials, @englandsbarmyarmy on Insta, @TheBarmyArmy on Twitter... and info@barmyarmy.com for any other bant... and we'll read it out!

After a rampant win for England in their opener against the Windies.... maybe it shouldn't be "remember the name" any more??? And "remember the Rash!!" Ahead of England's second game in the UAE, the lads catch up with someone who was in the stadium in Dubai for the opener, as well as hearing from England and now Lancashire batsman, Phil Salt!  Remember to get in touch with us on socials, @englandsbarmyarmy on Insta, @TheBarmyArmy on Twitter... and info@barmyarmy.com for any other bant... and we'll read it out! COME ON ENGLAND. ----------------------------- Go to NordVPN.com/barmy or use code barmy to get up to 73% off your NordVPN plan plus 4 bonus months for free. Be quick because this offer is for a limited time only. There's a 30 day money back guarantee so it's risk free!

*kind of. With the T20 World Cup in the UAE already underway... and England about to start their campaign on Saturday... have a listen to the T20 World Cup Shackles Are Off Daily podcast... where the lads will be putting a podcast out for each England game with different guests, Legend & Shocker of the week, and also Chorus Corner.  Our first guest during this Arabian adventure for Morgs and the boys is Radio X presenter and absolute cricket badger, Toby Tarrant. He talks about his PlayCricket stats, his love for the game, selling the weather conditions to Capital FM listeners and telling them to keep it in 'the V' and his desire to come and sit with the Barmy Army in the near future.  Remember to get in touch with us on socials, @englandsbarmyarmy on Insta, @TheBarmyArmy on Twitter... and info@barmyarmy.com for any other bant... and we'll read it out! COME ON ENGLAND. ----------------------------- Go to NordVPN.com/barmy or use code barmy to get up to 73% off your NordVPN plan plus 4 bonus months for free. Be quick because this offer is for a limited time only. There's a 30 day money back guarantee so it's risk free!

One of the most explosive top order batters in the women's game, Danni Wyatt has won World Cups, Ashes... become one of the most recognisable faces in the game and absolutely smashes it in T20 and short-form cricket. She's had a decade of playing at the top level.... And during the summer, just as she was about to embark on a scintillating campaign for Southern Brave in The Hundred... she joined the lads for a chat about all things Stoke, diet, nicknames... and why the banter in the women's game is 'too nice'. ------ Remember to follow the Barmy Army on Twitter @TheBarmyArmy and on Instagram @englandsbarmyarmy

This guy is one of the coolest, steeliest, and most resilient characters we've had on The Shackles Are Off to date. A World Cup winning captain of the England disability XI - hear how trampolining led to the worst news of his life but some of the best experiences off the back of his hard work, determination and love for cricket. Top man, Callum.  

This man has had two of the best cricketing careers of any Englishman ever. One as a swashbuckling, freeflowing, freescoring legend of a batsman... and then a second one as a top quality Rolls Royce of a broadcaster who was the pioneer of commentary and hosting for Sky Sports alongside his good old mate Sir Ian Botham.  Enjoy an hour's chat with he, Chris Millard, James Gregg and Jack Brooks... whilst the lads also ask for your TOP RUN SCORER and TOP WICKET TAKER picks from the ongoing India series.

The second cricketing knight comes to the podcast to start our new series here on The Shackles Are Off, and what a legend he is too... Sir Andrew Strauss is a giant of the game, and was at the helm for arguably one of the best moments for England in cricketing history.  Here he talks 10/11 Ashes (obviously!!), as well as his own cricketing journey, tells a few great tales... and more importantly talks about the upcoming #RedForRuth day, which celebrates and raises money for the Foundation that was set up in memory of his late wife Ruth Strauss.  The death of a parent can be one of the most traumatic events experienced by a child in their lifetime. Especially when children are unprepared and unaware of the impending death, this can negatively impact their psychosocial wellbeing. Get involved and help us by spreading the word on social media. We are here to help families facing grief and you can help us, help them. Ready to turn #RedforRuth and for the families that need our support?

Our first Aussie (well, kind of) joins the podcast.... Nick Hockley is the head honcho for this winter's opposition in the Ashes.... but hails from the Birmingham area of the UK and the biggest question is 'who does he support this winter?!'..... listen to find out.... But seriously, a great man who's overseen some of the biggest and best sporting events the world has seen so far, and we get his thoughts on fans coming back....... as well as various other challenges he's faced since taking over as the CEO on a permanent basis last month. 

It was one of the most comprehensive victories and magical few weeks that any cricket fan has ever seen. England's fine men smashed Australia in the final to win the ICC World T20 in the Caribbean eleven years ago TODAY.... and to mark the occasion Chris Millard and James Gregg are lucky enough to be joined by three of the heroes... Skipper Paul Collingwood, joint-high wicket taker Ryan Sidebottom and swashbuckling seamer Tim Bresnan. For the next 42 minutes, strap in as they tell you the tale of how they did it... how Andy Flower had to just let the lads do what they wanted... and what the celebrations were like. If you want to watch rather than listen, the full chat is available on our YouTube channel, England's Barmy Army.  We hope you enjoy!!

'an international standard player, playing county cricket'... that's how our Brooksy describes Dane Vilas. Adopted Lancastrian, former Protea and all round great bloke is loving his years playing at Old Trafford and skippering the side. A great guest to end on with the county season just starting... we'll be back in 6 weeks or so!   Enjoy!

One of the most exciting and sought-after white-ball players in the world, Liam Livingstone joins the boys on the podcast to chat about everything from the IPL, to his T20I debut, to his world-record knock playing for Nantwich which thrust him into the public consciousness a few years ago. Call of Duty gets a mention, as does his and Brooksy's days together as housemates during a winter in Perth. Episode also includes a BELTING story in the intro. Not to be missed! 

One of the best/worst nicknames in sport... wow. Warts and all, David Nash bares every single part of his brilliant self on this podcast where he joins The Shackles Are Off to discuss being the U19 Bradman, addiction, parading naked at Lord's, his foray into business and much more.  A great podcast well worth sharing with your friends, subscribing and leaving a review too! Remember to get in touch info@barmyarmy.com

Rapid. That's what Tymal Mills bowls.  He's got a great story, and lots more to give not only in franchise cricket and for his beloved Sussex.... but also for England too.  He joins the lads for a chat about his journey, his million-pound contract in the IPL a few years back, injuries and England white-ball aspirations. Remember to follow and subscribe - or head to our social channels.... or get involved in the correspondence with info@barmyarmy.com

Everyone dreams of being a sportsman, or working in the music industry... and this lad has done both. And not by halves either!!!  280 first-class wickets and now working in the music industry, Chris Millard, Jack Brooks and James Gregg sit down for a chat with Kyle Hogg and they absolutely love it!! We hope you do too. Remember to keep getting in touch with the podcast, info@barmyarmy.com, @TheBarmyArmy, or @englandsbarmyarmy