Podcast appearances and mentions of Phil Walker

A very, very special bonus episode of the Wisden Cricket Weekly Podcast. Phil Walker sits down with the great Ravi Shastri to talk about Indian cricket, how it's changed over the decades, the current landscape of international cricket, how India are shaping up for the England Tests and much more. It comes in a big week for Shastri in London. Last week, ICC Chair Jay Shah officially opened the Ravi Shastri Suite at Lord's, continuing Shastri's four decade-long association with the ground as a player, commentator and head coach.

Mark Butcher, Ben Gardner, Yas Rana and the returning Phil Walker preview the England-India Test series which gets underway on Friday. There's team news from England, predictions about how India might balance their XI and some key battles to look out for over the course of the summer. Also on the show, more reaction to South Africa's World Test Championship final win, a snippet of Yas' interview with Gary Kirsten, rule changes, tri-series nonsense and more. 0:00 Kia UK / 0:48 Intro / 1:40 Mark Butcher / 13:57 Win T20 tickets / 14:28 Remitly / 15:12 Patreon / 16:22 World Test Championship final / 23:54 England vs India preview / 56:52 Charles Tyrwhitt / 57:51 Gary Kirsten interview / 1:10:36 Bat for a Chance / 1:17:37 Perfect Draft / 1:19:19 Rule changes / 1:20:41 Tri-series / 1:21:37 Outro

Yas Rana and Phil Walker bring you Oval and Out - your bitesize look at the Surrey's Men's Vitality Blast game against Kent.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. . . . — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 When I was an intern at Roseland Christian Ministries, Phil Walker was one of the first people who befriended me. Recently home from prison, Phil was working at a church summer camp. I was the only white person working there, but Phil made me feel welcome. “This is my brother,” he'd say, with his big arm around me—and he meant it. Phil would invite me to his grandmother Joellyn Walker's apartment after church on Sundays, where we'd eat and watch football. When I arrived, Ms. Walker would say, “Oh, my other grandson is joining us today.” After 25 years Phil and I remain brothers. He's looked after my sons. I officiated at his grandmother's funeral. We've both had our struggles. Ecclesiastes 4 says, “Two are better than one. . . . If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” That's been true for both of us. There's the family you're born into, and the family you choose. I'm grateful that Phil chose me as his brother. I hope you have had a brother, sister, or friend whom God has placed in your life to help you up when you've needed it. Thank God for them, and be sure to tell them and others you are grateful for them. Father, thank you for the gift of friends who lift us up when we fall. Their love reflects your grace. Bless them for their kindness, and strengthen us to be there for others in their times of need. For Jesus' sake, Amen.

Yas Rana and Phil Walker bring you Oval and Out - your bitesize look at the Surrey's Men's Vitality Blast home opener against Hampshire.

The start of the men's international summer is here! Mark Butcher, Phil Walker, Ben Gardner and Yas Rana preview the historic one-off Test against Zimbabwe, chat about the latest round of County Championship action, Roston Chase's appointment as West Indies Test captain and more. There's also a snippet of Jo Harman's interview with Zimbabwean stalwart Sean Williams, available to listen to exclusively on Patreon. 0:00 Remitly / 0:48 Intro / 1:20 Patreon / 2:40 Sam Cook / 14:46 Matthew Potts / 16:58 Ben Stokes / 22:25 Zimbabwe / 29:26 Mark Butcher on ENGvZIM / 38:20 Sean Williams interview snippet / 44:18 England's white-ball squads / 47:54 County Championship / 1:03:02 Roston Chase / 1:07:02 WIN a cricket bat / 1:07:56 Outro

Lauren Winfield-Hill, Katya Witney, Ben Gardner and Yas Rana look ahead to the start of the English international summer, which gets underway with a T20I series against West Indies. Also on the show, Phil Walker's chat with England's new head coach, Charlotte Edwards, as a new era begins. 0:00 Intro / 1:05 Charlotte Edwards interview / 28:56 England / 33:46 West Indies / 37:53 Lauren Winfield-Hill / 51:43 India / 58:28 Outro The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund in collaboration with the ECB aims to triple the number of girls' cricket teams by breaking down barriers and creating supportive and inclusive spaces. Help transform the game, head to https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/cricket/ to champion the future of girls' cricket.

Phil Walker and Yas Rana bring you Oval and Out - your bitesize look at the second day of Surrey's  Rothesay County Championship match with Yorkshire

Isa Guha joins Phil Walker and Yas Rana to talk about Virat Kohli's glittering Test career after the India great announced his immediate retirement from the format. Later in the show, Mark Butcher talks about Kohli's wider legacy as a Test cricketer. There's also discussion on England's first white-ball squads of the summer, the upcoming World Test Championship final and Isa's work at her charity, Take Her Lead. 0:00 Remitly / 0:48 Intro / 1:37 Patreon / 2:39 Virat Kohli / 21:35 How do India rebuild? / 27:25 BGT / 33:17 Mark Butcher on Virat Kohli / 47:52 England's white-ball squads / 50:03 World Test Championship final / 57:19 County Championship / 1:00:06 IPL & PSL / 1:00:40 Take Her Lead / 1:11:41 Wisden Cricket Monthly / 1:15:38 Scott Oliver / 1:43:49 Outro

Loads to get through this week. There's Yas Rana and Phil Walker on James Rew's England call-up and Rohit Sharma's Test retirement, a special feature celebrating 20 years of Chance to Shine and Ben Gardner on a potential players' revolt. Mark Butcher also joins Yas to chat about talent ID in the wake of Rew's selection. 0:00 Remitly / 0:49 Intro / 2:19 James Rew / 11:30 Patreon / 11:53 Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards / 12:11 Rohit Sharma / 23:39 County Championship / 30:26 Mark Butcher / 41:41 Chance to Shine Pt.1 / 57:36 Chane to Shine Pt.2 / 1:04:27 Howzat Travel / 1:04:51 The players' revolt / 1:20:31 ODI hospitality / 1:21:18 Outro

Following the the ECB's ban on trans women participating in competitive recreational cricket, the panel get into why the decision was made and what the future holds for trans women in cricket. Later in the show there's Lauren Winfield-Hill on all the action from the Metro Bank One Day Cup. 0:00 Intro / 3:25 Suzi James speaks to Phil Walker about the decision / 35:07 Studio chat / 48:13 Lauren Winfield-Hill / 1:00:24 Outro The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund in collaboration with the ECB aims to triple the number of girls' cricket teams by breaking down barriers and creating supportive and inclusive spaces. Help transform the game, head to https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/cricket/ to champion the future of girls' cricket.

Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Ben Gardner reflect on another round of County Championship action, including a statement knock from Durham's Ben McKinney. There's chat around Zak Crawley's England place, gripes with the points system and bad light, Phil's charter for 2026 and more. Mark Butcher also joins the show to chat with Yas about the pros and cons for tall batters and why genuine quicks struggle in the County Championship. 0:00 Remitly / 0:50 Intro / 2:21 Ben McKinney / 11:56 Zak Crawley / 17:45 Points system / 19:25 Cricket's bad light problem / 32:30 Phil's charter for 2026 / 35:15 Other County Championship results / 43:19 Mark Butcher / 59:29 Wisden Cricket Monthly / 1:00:56 IPL / 1:06:53 Other cricket / 1:11:18 Outro

Phil Walker and Katya Witney bring you the third episode of a new, short and sharp Surrey CCC podcast, Oval and Out.Missed anything from Day 3 of the Rothesay County Championship match between Surrey and Hampshire?Catch up here as Phil and Katya whip you through the key moments in six minutes.

Yas Rana and Phil Walker bring you the second episode of a new short and sharp Surrey CCC podcast, Oval and Out. Missed anything from Day 2 of the Rothesay County Championship match between Surrey and Hampshire? Catch up here as Yas and Phil whip you through the key moments in six and a half minutes.

The season is here! Can anyone stop Surrey? Yas Rana, Mark Butcher and Phil Walker preview the 2025 County Championship season, while Jack Leach talks to Katya Witney about his last 12 months and ambitions for 2025. 0:00 Remitly / 0:53 Intro / 2:33 Division One / 27:27 Players of the season and breakout stars / 34:15 Jack Leach interview / 50:22 DKP / 52:32 We've won an award! / 54:08 Division Two / 1:11:49 Other cricket / 1:19:52 Charlotte Edwards / 1:22:54 Wisden Cricket Monthly / 1:28:57 Outro

Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Irish freelance journalist Nathan Johns discuss all the action from the opening round of Champions Trophy action, including England's defeat to Australia and a comfortable victory for India against Pakistan. Also on the agenda, the future of Test cricket for smaller nations, Jo Harman's interview with Brydon Carse, Mark Butcher on England vs Australia and a bumper new issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly. 0:15 Gullivers Sports Travel / 1:05 Intro / 3:59 Australia / 9:08 England / 27:53 Patreon / 29:08 Mark Butcher on ENGvAUS / 44:54 India & Pakistan / 58:56 Manual / 1:00:21 The future of Test cricket for smaller nations / 1:08:11 Ireland / 1:10:01 Other cricket / 1:15:05 Brydon Carse / 1:24:06 Wisden Cricket Monthly / 1:33:02 Outro

After a tricky start to 2025, Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Kate Mason discuss the culture in English cricket before previewing the Champions Trophy, which gets underway this week. Mark Butcher speaks to Yas ahead of the tournament, and Durham's young batting star Ben McKinney joins the show to chat about his winter with the England Lions. There's also a snippet of Jo Harman's excellent interview with Carl Hooper, exclusively available on Patreon. *Apologies for any audio issues as we adjust to life in new surroundings* 0:00 WPA Health Insurance / 0:32 Intro / 1:48 English cricket culture / 18:58 Being a TV host when things go wrong... / 26:36 Ben McKinney interview / 40:43 Sonny Baker / 43:21 total-play / 44:14 Champions Trophy / 1:01:28 Mark Butcher / 1:09:55 Manual / 1:11:49 Carl Hooper interview / 1:18:17 Kane Williamson & The Hundred / 1:20:45 Outro

Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Mark Butcher discuss England's worsening white-ball struggles. In what was Brendon McCullum's first assignment as full-time white-ball head coach, Jos Buttler's side claimed just one win from eight games on a chastening tour of India. There's also chat about India's incredible strength, Australia's Test series victory in Sri Lanka, some huge names missing the Champions Trophy and more. 0:00 Manual / 1:35 Intro / 2:38 What's wrong with England? / 22:09 The balance of England's XI / 33:43 India / 41:11 Gullivers Sports Travel / 42:47 Champions Trophy / 48:15 Sri Lanka vs Australia / 54:12 T20 / 58:13 Zimbabwe vs Ireland / 59:46 West Indies / 1:00:28 Outro Did you know 1/4 men in the UK suffer low Testosterone? That's where our partners Manual want to help! Use code WEEKLY45 for 45% off your blood test kit: https://bit.ly/WisdenManual2025 ✈️ GULLIVERS SPORTS TRAVEL Experience the 2025/26 Ashes: gulliverstravel.co.uk

Yas Rana, Ben Gardner and Phil Walker reflect on India's 4-1 T20I series victory, including a controversial concussion sub, Abhishek Sharma's stunning century and some very ordinary England batting. Later on there's chat about the ongoing sale of The Hundred, the latest developments around two-tier Test cricket, Australia's thumping victory against Sri Lanka and more. Somerset's Tom Banton speaks to Katya Witney about the ILT20 and his England ambitions, while Mark Butcher joins the show to discuss the T20Is and The Hundred. 0:00 Intro / 5:16 Mark Butcher / 22:40 India vs England / 51:20 Tom Banton interview / 1:07:37 The Hundred / 1:15:55 Two-tier Tests / 1:20:39 Sri Lanka vs Australia / 1:24:33 England Lions / 1:27:18 T20s / 1:32:46 Outro Did you know 1/4 men in the UK suffer low Testosterone? That's where our partners Manual want to help! Use code WEEKLY45 for 45% off your blood test kit: https://bit.ly/WisdenManual2025

Yas Rana and Phil Walker discuss India's convincing victory against England in the first T20I, an England Lions century for Rocky Flintoff and Phil responds to Fox Sports, who took exception to WCM's Test XI of 2024. There's also Mel Farrell's brilliant interview with Will Smeed, as well as Mark Butcher on the start of the white-ball Bazball era and Pakistan's win against West Indies. 0:00 Intro / 2:13 India vs England / 20:19 Mark Butcher / 31:17 Phil responds to Fox Sports / 40:51 England Lions / 45:59 Will Smeed interview / 1:07:47 Outro Did you know 1/4 men in the UK suffer low Testosterone? That's where our partners Manual want to help! Use code WISDEN45 for 45% off your blood test kit: https://bit.ly/WisdenManual2025

Three weeks into January 2025, it's awards time! Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Ben Gardner reveal Wisden's best Test innings and spells of 2024, as well as the magazine's Test XI of the year. Mark Butcher joins to chat about James Vince's decision to quit first-class cricket for the PSL, there's an exclusive interview with Dan Worrall, a round-up of all the franchise T20 leagues going on at the moment and much more. 0:00 Intro 1:05 Best innings 29:43 Best spells 44:35 Best Test XI 55:47 Mark Butcher on James Vince 1:15:24 Sam Cook 1:22:29 Dan Worrall interview 1:47:59 Other news 1:50:31 T20 leagues 1:58:18 Wisden Cricket Monthly 2:01:02 Outro

Yas Rana, Ben Gardner and Phil Walker reflect on the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which saw Australia win the SCG Test and take the series 3-1. There's chat about both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's struggles, Jasprit Bumrah's workload and what the triumph means for this generation of Australian players. Elsewhere in the show there's discussion about the ICC's reported plans to introduce a two-tier system for Test cricket and calls for England to boycott their Champions Trophy fixture against Afghanistan. Mark Butcher also joins Yas to chat about the role of the spinner in Australian Tests and the start of the SA20. 0:00 Intro / 2:58 Rohit Sharma / 12:31 Virat Kohli / 17:17 India / 20:46 Scott Boland / 25:23 Mark Butcher / 37:03 Two-tier Test cricket? / 52:33 Graeme Smith / 55:48 Should England boycott Afghanistan? / 1:14:37 Outro

It's our Christmas special!

Yas Rana, Phil Walker, Ben Gardner and Mark Butcher react to England's thumping defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton, and reflect on England's 2024 as a Test side. There's also chat about the drawn Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane and Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement from international cricket. 0:00 Intro / 1:28 New Zealand vs England / 12:32 Why do England collapse so often? / 20:36 England's 2024 / 32:07 New Zealand / 38:53 England Lions / 40:53 Mark Butcher / 57:03 Wisden Cricket Monthly / 59:30 Patreon / 1:02:30 Australia vs India / 1:10:44 Ravichandran Ashwin / 1:25:32 Other cricket / 1:28:01 Fab Fours / 1:32:44 CRICBABY / 1:40:51 Outro

Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Katya reflect on England's thumping of New Zealand and Australia's dominant performance against India in Adelaide. There's also chat about the race for the World Test Championship final and a new issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly, while Mark Butcher joins Yas to discuss Zak Crawley, Harry Brook and England's top seven conundrum. 0:00 Intro / 1:42 Brydon Carse / 12:45 Harry Brook / 16:20 Ollie Pope / 22:49 Jacob Bethell / 30:19 England's top seven / 41:50 Gus Atkinson / 43:12 New Zealand / 49:31 Rob Key / 55:47 Mark Butcher on NZvENG / 1:13:11 Australia vs India / 1:27:41 South Africa vs Sri Lanka / 1:31:47 Wisden Cricket Monthly / 1:38:22 Blood On The Tracks / 1:52:09 Outro ✈️ GULLIVERS SPORTS TRAVEL Experience the 2025/26 Ashes with Gullivers Sports Travel: https://bit.ly/3CIzmrp

Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Matt Roller review England's convincing victory in the first Test against New Zealand. Harry Brook made 171 as the hosts were made to pay for a number of costly drops, while Brydon Carse was outstanding with the ball and Jacob Bethell made an immediate impression on debut. Elsewhere in the show there's chat about the ECB's controversial new NOC policy, South Africa vs Sri Lanka, the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test and more. Mark Butcher also joins Yas to discuss the Ollie Pope conundrum and England's fast bowling stocks. 0:00 Intro / 3:05 NZvENG first Test / 10:01 Gus Atkinson & Chris Woakes / 15:31 Jacob Bethell / 27:28 Brydon Carse / 36:10 Shoaib Bashir & Rehan Ahmed / 42:12 Zak Crawley / 43:38 Ollie Robinson / 46:20 New Zealand / 50:09 Patreon / 51:47 Mark Butcher on NZvENG / 1:07:15 England's new NOC policy / 1:23:05 South Africa vs Sri Lanka / 1:26:39 Ben Stokes' WTC comments / 1:28:45 West Indies vs Bangladesh / 1:30:58 Australia vs India / 1:34:57 Outro

Yas Rana and Phil Walker review India's stunning win in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test and look ahead to the New Zealand-England Test series. Paul Ford joins the show to discuss New Zealand's chances, while Mark Butcher chats to Yas about England's decision to bat Jacob Bethell at No.3 on debut. *Please note, Yas and Phil's chat was recorded before England announced their XI* 0:00 Intro / 1:45 Australia vs India first Test / 9:23 Jasprit Bumrah / 20:59 Jaiswal & Kohli / 30:58 Australia / 39:33 Mark Butcher on NZvENG / 48:15 New Zealand vs England preview / 1:03:42 Paul Ford on New Zealand / 1:33:50 IPL auction / 1:38:42 Essex / 1:40:08 Abu Dhabi T10 / 1:48:23 West Indies vs Bangladesh / 1:50:05 Outro

Yas Rana and Phil Walker discuss England's ongoing tour of the Caribbean, their ideal England ODI and T20I XIs, Australia's new Test opener, begin to preview the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and much more. Elsewhere in the show, Mark Butcher gives his thoughts after England took a 3-0 T20I series lead, and Jo Harman is joined by a very special guest in the form of Australian white-ball superstar Glenn Maxwell to talk about the release of his new book. 0:00 Intro / 1:22 Mark Butcher on WIvENG / 13:18 WIvENG / 23:04 Picking our best England XIs / 36:21 Glenn Maxwell interview / 1:03:01 Liam Norwell / 1:05:16 Nathan McSweeney / 1:09:15 India / 1:16:57 AUSvPAK / 1:17:49 Charlotte Edwards / 1:21:30 Questions / 1:28:02 Outro

Following New Zealand's famous 3-0 whitewash against India and South Africa's victory in Bangladesh, Ben Gardner, Phil Walker and Dan Gallan discuss the state of the World Test Championship and the wider Test game. There's also chat about England's ODI series defeat to the West Indies – Mark Butcher joins us for that from the Caribbean – as well as their Test squad to tour New Zealand and the relentless nature of the international schedule. 0:00 Intro / 1:13 Mark Butcher on WIvENG / 19:24 WIvENG / 24:12 The state of the schedule / 31:42 England Test squad / 44:41 Central contracts / 46:20 India vs New Zealand / 56:38 South Africa / 1:07:54 Is the World Test Championship good? / 1:19:02 Anderson & Warner / 1:20:41 Outro

Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Mark Butcher react to a thrilling week of Test cricket, one which saw England comfortably beaten in Pakistan and New Zealand pull off a rare series win in India. 0:00 Intro / 1:05 Pakistan vs England / 26:51 Sajid Khan & Noman Ali / 39:50 Rehan Ahmed / 45:48 Ollie Pope / 58:03 India vs New Zealand / 1:15:40 Wisden Cricket Monthly / 1:23:40 Outro

Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Ben Gardner review Pakistan's 152-run victory against England in the second Test and react to an action-packed first two days of India vs New Zealand. Mark Butcher also joins the show to reflect on an enthralling Test match in Multan. 0:00 Intro / 1:39 Pakistan's selection calls / 7:33 Did England do much wrong? / 12:09 Ben Duckett / 17:50 England on spinning pitches / 22:12 Pakistan's spinners / 24:36 Kamran Ghulam / 28:10 Brydon Carse & Matthew Potts / 32:59 England's spinners / 36:11 Jamie Smith & Ollie Pope / 43:16 England's sloppiness / 46:05 Mark Butcher on PAKvENG / 59:37 India vs New Zealand / 1:06:07 Zimbabwe / 1:07:41 Outro

Katya Witney, Phil Walker and Yas Rana reflect on the England-Australia ODIs, review the 2024 English season and look ahead to the upcoming Test tour of Pakistan. There's also chat about India's thrilling win against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka hammering New Zealand, Hampshire's takeover and more. Mark Butcher also joins the show to discuss the ODIs and preview the Pakistan Test tour. 0:00 Intro / 0:35 Patreon / 2:20 England vs Australia / 28:25 Mark Butcher / 46:05 Rado / 46:32 Pakistan vs England / 53:59 County Championship / 1:18:06 Hampshire / 1:21:35 India vs Bangladesh / 1:23:06 Sri Lanka vs New Zealand / 1:26:33 Outro

Ben Gardner, Phil Walker and Yas Rana discuss the ongoing England-Australia ODI series, Surrey's third successive County Championship title and much more. Mark Butcher also joins the show to reflect on England's impressive win and Harry Brook's excellent century in the third match of the series. 0:00 Patreon / 4:05 Mark Butcher on ENGvAUS / 17:46 England vs Australia ODIs / 39:35 Rado / 40:02 County Championship / 1:00:19 Player power & One-Day Cup / 1:08:20 SLvNZ & INDvBAN / 1:10:30 Wisden Cricket Monthly / 1:15:03 Outro

Yas Rana, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Katya Witney and Phil Walker reflect on England's white-ball series against Ireland, which saw a couple of thrilling finishes. There's also chat about the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy semi-finals and England's struggles against particularly slow spin, while Roland Lefebvre joins Katya to discuss the battle facing the top Associate sides. 0:00 Intro / 1:03 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy / 6:18 Ireland vs England T20Is / 14:16 Ireland vs England ODIs / 18:56 Spin issues / 24:46 World Cup pitches / 27:16 Netherlands & Associate struggles / 43:45 Outro The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund in collaboration with the ECB aims to triple the number of girls' cricket teams by breaking down barriers and creating supportive and inclusive spaces. Help transform the game, head to metrobankonline.co.uk/cricket to champion the future of girls' cricket.

Katya Witney, Phil Walker and Yas Rana discuss the announcement of England's Test squad to tour Pakistan, a thrilling round of County Championship action, T20 Blast Finals Day and much more on this bonus Wisden Cricket Weekly episode. Australia's Cameron Green also joins the show to chat about his career so far as an all-format all-rounder, managing a hectic schedule and potentially opening the batting in the future. 0:00 Intro / 1:01 England's Test squad / 24:04 Moeen Ali / 27:34 England vs Australia 1st T20I / 38:17 Cameron Green interview / 58:09 Gulliver's Sports Travel / 58:49 County Championship / 1:22:41 T20 Blast Finals Day / 1:27:48 Afghanistan vs New Zealand / 1:29:19 Other news / 1:30:44 Outro ✈️ GULLIVERS SPORTS TRAVEL: Explore the Caribbean this autumn: gulliverstravel.co.uk ⌚️ RADO Explore Rado's Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic X England Cricket Limited Edition watch: https://bit.ly/WisdenRado

Ben Gardner, Phil Walker and Yas Rana react to the breaking news that Brendon McCullum will become England men's all-format head coach from 2025 after agreeing a deal to take on the white-ball sides. There's also reflection on a comfortable win at Lord's – which Mark Butcher dials in for – including stellar performances from Joe Root and Gus Atkinson, as well as some worrying crowds on day four. Elsewhere in the show, England's latest white-ball squads, a thrilling round of County Championship action and another famous win for Bangladesh in Pakistan are all on the agenda. 0:00 Intro / 1:23 Brendon McCullum / 14:01 England vs Sri Lanka / 47:51 Mark Butcher on ENGvSL / 1:04:46 Seat Unique / 1:05:21 England's white-ball squads / 1:15:30 Pakistan vs Bangladesh / 1:28:22 County Championship / 1:37:12 Outro ✈️ GULLIVERS SPORTS TRAVEL: Tour Pakistan or New Zealand this winter: http://gulliverstravel.co.uk/

After recovering from all forms of con-crud and sicknesses, Trista Walker, Ben Jeatran, Paul Watson, & Phil Walker all sit at the round table to discuss their highlights from Gen Con 2024! So many great games like Zynvaded, Betrayal at House on the Hill, and much much more are regaled with laughs! The gang also take a moment to reflect on the loss of Funko Games, and where the team and company will be going forward. Come join the discussion and see what all the hype is about!

Ben Gardner, Phil Walker and Yas Rana react to England's five-wicket victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford. They discuss Jamie Smith's maiden Test century, Ollie Pope's position at No.3, 20-year-old Josh Hull's call-up as Mark Wood's replacement and more. Later in the show there's chat about Bangladesh's historic win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, while Mark Butcher dials in to reflect on the first Test, Hull's call-up and the 2025 English schedule. 0:00 Intro / 0:45 Sri Lanka / 10:19 Substitutes / 14:27 Ollie Pope / 27:17 Jamie Smith / 31:51 Matthew Potts / 34:05 Dan Lawrence / 36:44 Crowds / 39:58 Mark Butcher on ENGvSL / 53:57 Live show / 54:25 Josh Hull / 1:02:40 Chris Woakes / 1:09:22 Pakistan vs Bangladesh / 1:16:27 Outro

Mark Butcher, Phil Walker and Yas Rana preview England's Test series against Sri Lanka which gets underway at Old Trafford this week. There's discussion about Ollie Pope's role as captain in Ben Stokes' absence, Dan Lawrence opening the batting, debate over team balance and whether Sam Curran should have been considered. Also on the agenda is the conclusion of the men's Hundred and a thrilling low-scoring Test between West Indies and South Africa, before Surrey and England legend Alec Stewart joins Yas to chat about some of his favourite moments from his glittering career. We'll have reaction to the final of the women's Hundred on the Wisden Women's Cricket Weekly Podcast later this week. *Shortly after recording, England announced that Matthew Potts would replace Stokes in the XI with Jordan Cox missing out.* 0:00 Intro / 0:48 England / 23:14 Sri Lanka / 30:28 Alec Stewart interview / 44:20 The Hundred / 1:01:15 One-Day Cup / 1:03:34 West Indies vs South Africa / 1:11:47 Matt Parkinson & Nathan Sowter / 1:18:54 X/Twitter / 1:26:14 Outro

Four years into the competition's existence, Katya Witney and Ben Gardner discuss the state of the women's Hundred, as well as trying to pinpoint where it's all gone wrong for Southern Brave in 2024. Elsewhere in the show, Lauren Winfield-Hill joins Katya to chat about Oval Invincibles' campaign, and there's a snippet of Phil Walker's fascinating interview with Danni Wyatt. 0:00 Intro / 1:12 Lauren Winfield-Hill / 20:09 Women's Hundred / 36:04 Danni Wyatt / 44:58 Outro The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund in collaboration with the ECB aims to triple the number of girls' cricket teams by breaking down barriers and creating supportive and inclusive spaces. Help transform the game, head to metrobankonline.co.uk/cricket to champion the future of girls' cricket.

Ben Gardner, Phil Walker and ESPNcricinfo's Matt Roller chat about the potential impact of Ben Stokes' injury on England's Test side, The Hundred, Matthew Mott's replacement and much more. Mark Butcher also joins the show to discuss some of the best young talent in The Hundred this season as well as the England white-ball head coach vacancy. 0:00 Graham Thorpe / 5:19 Gulliver's Sports Travel / 5:49 Ben Stokes & England's Test side / 16:38 The Hundred / 45:11 Mark Butcher / 1:01:15 Matthew Mott / 1:09:49 West Indies vs South Africa / 1:11:08 One Day Cup / 1:13:41 Wisden Cricket Monthly / 1:20:19 Global T20 Canada / 1:23:22 Sun stops play / 1:24:12 Outro ✈️ GULLIVERS SPORTS TRAVEL: Find out more about the 2025/26 Ashes: https://gulliverstravel.co.uk/event/england-cricket-tour-australia-ashes-series?utm_source=Wisden&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=Ashes+2025-26

In this episode from November 2020, Phil Walker, John Stern and Yas Rana were lucky enough to be joined by the late Graham Thorpe to pick Wisden's Test Team of the 1990s. We're doing another live show, this time in Birmingham! Details here: https://bit.ly/WCWPLiveShow0924 You can follow Wisden Cricket on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/WisdenCric https://www.instagram.com/wisden_cricket/ https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket https://www.tiktok.com/@wisdencricket The newest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly is out this week and available to purchase at https://wisden.com/shop/wisden-cricket-monthly-issue-79 The digital version of the magazine is also available for just £2 a month at https://pocketmags.com/wisden-cricket-monthly-magazine#5c1cd17fa0b05 #Cricket #EnglandCricket #TheHundred Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yas Rana, Ben Gardner and Phil Walker pay tribute to Graham Thorpe, who sadly passed away this week at the age of 55. They reflect on the career of one of England's greatest batters – a fan favourite for so many throughout the 90s and 00s – share their favourite memories, consider his impact as a coach on the current generation and much more. Our thoughts are with Graham's family, friends and everyone who knew him. Later in the show there's discussion about England's latest Test squad, Matthew Mott's resignation and The Hundred. 0:00 Intro / 0:49 Remembering Graham Thorpe / 26:39 England's Test squad / 42:57 Live show / 44:49 Wisden survey / 45:14 Matthew Mott resigns / 56:46 The Hundred / 1:02:15 India vs Sri Lanka / 1:04:35 Outro We're doing another live show, this time in Birmingham! Details here: https://bit.ly/WCWPLiveShow0924 Complete the Wisden survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TNL2FTP You can follow Wisden Cricket on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/WisdenCric https://www.instagram.com/wisden_cricket/ https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket https://www.tiktok.com/@wisdencricket The newest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly is out this week and available to purchase at https://wisden.com/shop/wisden-cricket-monthly-issue-79 The digital version of the magazine is also available for just £2 a month at https://pocketmags.com/wisden-cricket-monthly-magazine#5c1cd17fa0b05 #Cricket #EnglandCricket #TheHundred Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yas Rana and Phil Walker reflect on the first Test of the English summer, which saw James Anderson's illustrious career come to an end as England thrashed West Indies by an innings and 114 runs. Off the field, there's discussion about the Test as a spectacle, the huge disparity between the two teams financially, what more can be done to help West Indies and whether Lord's is a good Test venue. Back on the field, there's chat about Gus Atkinson's remarkable debut and a promising start to life in the Test arena for Jamie Smith. We'll have more reaction on next week's regular Wisden Cricket Weekly Podcast. 0:00 Intro / 0:39 James Anderson / 4:23 This Test as a spectacle / 11:06 West Indies / 17:20 Gus Atkinson / 22:09 Wisden Cricket Monthly special offer / 23:40 Is Lord's good? / 27:50 Chris Woakes / 30:44 Ben Stokes / 32:04 West Indies' bowlers / 33:53 Jamie Smith / 39:33 Outro During the English Test summer, Wisden Cricket Monthly have some excellent offers for both print and digital customers. For more information, including the opportunity for a FREE print issue with the code WCMWCWFREE24, simply follow the links below. PRINT OFFER: https://forwardpress.imbmsubscriptions.com/WCMWCWFREE24/ DIGITAL OFFER: http://pocketmags.com/offer/trinorth-ltd/wcmtestsummer You can follow Wisden Cricket on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/WisdenCric https://www.instagram.com/wisden_cricket/ https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket https://www.tiktok.com/@wisdencricket The newest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly is out this week and available to purchase at https://wisden.com/shop/wisden-cricket-monthly-issue-79 The digital version of the magazine is also available for just £2 a month at https://pocketmags.com/wisden-cricket-monthly-magazine#5c1cd17fa0b05 #Cricket #EnglandCricket #ENGvWI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this very special episode of the Wisden Cricket Weekly Podcast, Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Jo Harman are joined by the one and only Brian Charles Lara. A legend of West Indies cricket, Lara joins the show to discuss the release of his new book, Lara: The England Chronicles, written alongside Phil, which is out now. Before diving into some stories from years gone by, Lara gives his thoughts on the recent T20 World Cup, West Indies' upcoming Test tour of England and even answers some listener questions. An episode not to be missed with the great man! 0:00 Intro / 1:26 Brian Lara answers your questions / 9:26 T20 World Cup / 13:59 England vs West Indies / 25:35 Test vs T20 / 31:13 Win T20 Blast tickets / 32:11 Brian Lara: The England Chronicles (story time with the great man!) / 1:04:34 Louis Kimber / 1:08:10 Outro LARA: The England Chronicles is Brian Lara in his own voice, unfiltered and unrestrained. Available in hardback, July 2 2024: https://www.wisden.com/shop/brian-lara-the-england-chronicles We're delighted to be working with Kia UK once again! Win tickets to Surrey vs Hampshire in the T20 Blast: https://www.kia.com/uk/about/sport-sponsorship/kia-oval-t20.html Enter Kia's Young Cricketer competition: http://www.kia.com/uk/about/sport-sponsorship/oval-surrey-cricket/kia-oval-competitions/kia-grassroots-cricket.html Enjoy 20% off at Charles Tyrwhitt by using the code WISDEN20: bit.ly/Wisden20CT You can follow Wisden Cricket on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/WisdenCric https://www.instagram.com/wisden_cricket/ https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket https://www.tiktok.com/@wisdencricket The newest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly is available to purchase at https://wisden.com/shop/wisden-cricket-monthly-issue-78 The digital version of the magazine is also available for just £2 a month at https://pocketmags.com/wisden-cricket-monthly-magazine#5c1cd17fa0b05 #Cricket #EnglandCricket #BrianLara Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Ben Gardner come together for an emergency podcast to discuss England's crushing defeat against India last night. 0:00 Intro / 1:25 Mark Butcher on ENGvIND / 19:11 England / 30:34 India / 36:24 What next for England? / 51:19 Key, Mott & Buttler / 54:59 Outro We're delighted to be working with Kia UK once again! Enter Kia's Young Cricketer competition – http://www.kia.com/uk/about/sport-sponsorship/oval-surrey-cricket/kia-oval-competitions/kia-grassroots-cricket.html You can follow Wisden Cricket on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/WisdenCric https://www.instagram.com/wisden_cricket/ https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket https://www.tiktok.com/@wisdencricket The newest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly is available to purchase at https://wisden.com/shop/wisden-cricket-monthly-issue-78 The digital version of the magazine is also available for just £2 a month at https://pocketmags.com/wisden-cricket-monthly-magazine#5c1cd17fa0b05 #Cricket #EnglandCricket #T20WorldCup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yas Rana and the returning Phil Walker are joined by Kate Mason of TNT Sports to react to all the latest action from the T20 World Cup. The panel reflect on a dramatic week in the Super 8s and look ahead to the semi-finals, with India taking on England and Afghanistan – having sensationally knocked out Australia – facing South Africa. Elsewhere in the show there's chat about the tournament's scheduling, the life of a cricket television broadcaster, Phil's book with the legendary Brian Lara and more. 0:00 Intro / 1:49 India / 16:50 England / 28:26 Scheduling / 31:46 Afghanistan / 47:37 Mark Butcher / 1:05:20 Win tickets to England vs New Zealand / 1:10:57 Kate Mason on the life of a cricket broadcaster / 1:28:06 Phil's book with Brian Lara / 1:32:57 Outro We're delighted to be working with Kia UK once again! Win a pair of tickets to the England vs New Zealand women's T20I at The Kia Oval – http://www.kia.com/uk/about/sport-sponsorship/kia-oval-womens-it20.html Enter Kia's Young Cricketer competition – http://www.kia.com/uk/about/sport-sponsorship/oval-surrey-cricket/kia-oval-competitions/kia-grassroots-cricket.html LARA: The England Chronicles is Brian Lara in his own voice, unfiltered and unrestrained. Available in hardback, July 2 2024: https://www.thenightwatchman.net/buy/lara You can follow Wisden Cricket on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/WisdenCric https://www.instagram.com/wisden_cricket/ https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket https://www.tiktok.com/@wisdencricket The newest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly is available to purchase at https://wisden.com/shop/wisden-cricket-monthly-issue-78 The digital version of the magazine is also available for just £2 a month at https://pocketmags.com/wisden-cricket-monthly-magazine#5c1cd17fa0b05 #Cricket #EnglandCricket #T20WorldCup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 1, Ep 1: We're finally there! Reloading lost episodes from the early Final Word, this is episode No1. London 2015, with our new Ashes podcast project not signed off in time to cover the first Test in Cardiff, we got started after the second Test at Lord's. Australia had been beaten badly in the first match, only to take the next when Mitchell Johnson went on the last of his magical sprees with the ball. Emma John, then of the Observer, and Phil Walker, then of All Out Cricket, were our guests in a conversation that sprawled way past our instructed running time, and was a lot of fun on the way. A style was set... This season was originally recorded for the ABC - this is an extended edition restoring original material. Send us a Nerd Pledge at patreon.com/thefinalword Find more episodes at finalwordcricket.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yas Rana, Phil Walker and Ben Gardner react to the news that James Anderson's glittering Test career will come to an end at Lord's this summer. They reflect on Anderson's legacy, the circumstances surrounding the decision and look at potential candidates to replace him. Elsewhere in the show there's a County Championship round-up, a debate about England's future Test wicket-keepers and Pakistan's T20I series in Ireland. Mark Butcher also dials in to discuss Anderson's impending Test retirement. 0:00 Intro / 0:48 Mark Butcher on James Anderson / 13:08 James Anderson's retirement / 28:59 Potential replacements / 43:03 County Championship & wicket-keepers / 56:51 England women / 58:13 Ireland vs Pakistan / 1:03:15 Trivia / 1:04:26 Outro You can follow Wisden Cricket on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/WisdenCric https://www.instagram.com/wisden_cricket/ https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket https://www.tiktok.com/@wisdencricket The newest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly is available to order at https://wisden.com/shop/wisden-cricket-monthly-issue-77 The digital version of the magazine is also available for just £2 a month at https://pocketmags.com/wisden-cricket-monthly-magazine#5c1cd17fa0b05 #Cricket #EnglandCricket #JamesAnderson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yas Rana, Phil Walker, Katya Witney and Ben Gardner talk all things county cricket, including the Kookaburra vs Dukes debate and the allocation of the eight Tier One women's counties. There's also discussion on the latest round of the County Championship, reflection on the previous week's IPL action and an incredible innings from Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu. Yas speaks to Simon Cook, Kent's Director of Cricket, about player recruitment and Kent missing out on Tier One status, while Mark Butcher also joins the show to discuss the state of the county game. 0:00 Intro / 1:20 Mark Butcher / 8:36 Live show / 9:02 Rob Key & Kookaburra vs Dukes / 25:16 Women's counties / 44:26 Simon Cook, Kent Director of Cricket / 57:26 County Championship / 1:07:03 IPL / 1:15:11 Chamari Athapaththu / 1:20:35 Rocky Flintoff / 1:22:48 Testmatch / 1:32:35 Outro Find out more about Match Bingo! https://matchbingo.sng.link/Amdnf/fv6s/xd7v Come to our second London live show on May 9, just a stone's throw away from The Oval: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-wisden-cricket-weekly-start-of-summer-live-show-tickets-871064917617?aff=oddtdtcreator Buy tickets to see Testmatch: https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/testmatch/ You can follow Wisden Cricket on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/WisdenCric https://www.instagram.com/wisden_cricket/ https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket https://www.tiktok.com/@wisdencricket The newest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly is available to order at https://wisden.com/shop/wisden-cricket-monthly-issue-76 The digital version of the magazine is also available for just £2 a month at https://pocketmags.com/wisden-cricket-monthly-magazine#5c1cd17fa0b05 #Cricket #EnglandCricket #IndianCricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices