Podcast appearances and mentions of Simon Hughes

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Sanju Samson, a quiet and often forgotten star of Indian cricket, reminds everyone of his exceptional talents with a stunning 97 not out to seal India's place in the T20 World Cup semi final. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the way India over came West Indies and national expectation to win the match on the back of Samson's stunning innings. They discuss the prospects for the two semi finals, how England could surprise India in Mumbai, whether bowlers should just keep it simple and bowl at the stumps rather than use so many variations, and who will be champions on Sunday. For more on the T20 World Cup and our podcasts AD-FREE subscribe to us at the Cricverse on Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A brilliant runchase spearheaded by Will Jacks and supercharged by Rehan Ahmed pulled off an unlikely victory for England over New Zealand in Colombo. It gives England an impressive unbeaten record in the Super Eights and pits them as semi finalists against either India or West Indies. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess how England pulled off such an impressive victory on a tricky pitch and despite another failure for the opening pair of Jos Buttler and Phil Salt. The ingenuity of Harry Brook, the power of South Africa and India's huge threat are also discussed plus the sound of the New Zealand national anthem played at the wrong speed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bowler dominated Sunday as the meaningful part of the T20 World Cup - the Super 8s - gets underway. Simon Hughes and former Indian batsman Deep Dasgupta assess how India allowed South Africa to make 187 after being 20-3 and then collapsed to 111 all out themselves. And in Pallekele, England stumbled to 146-9 with Jos Buttler again looking woefully indecisive, but then bowled Sri Lanka out for a paltry 95. This podcast is also available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheSimonhughes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the eve of the T20 World Cup Super Eights it has been revealed that Hundred franchises part-owned by Indian Premier League teams are being prevented from signing Pakistani players in the forthcoming Hundred auction. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider the ramifications of this for the ECB's campaign to improve diversity and inclusivity in the game. They are also joined by writer and commentator Peter della Penna to discuss the associate teams emergence in the T20 World Cup, an encouraging future for USA cricket, the likely semi finalists and when the world's leading T20 batsman, Abishek Sharma, will score his first run in the tournament. For more on the art of T20 batting, subscribe to The Cricverse on Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A pivotal moment in the T20 World Cup as India beat Pakistan for the umpteenth time at the halfway point in the tournament. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann ask if anyone can beat India in this format (in their own conditions) and evaluate who else will join them in the Super 8s. They also discuss what makes Ishan Kishan so dynamic, the unusual bowling (and effective) action of Pakistan's Usman Tariq and evaluate England's chances after their scrappy win over Scotland. And, later in the show, the emerging force of USA cricket. Will they make it to the next stage, and why have they been so slow to develop their cricket after a great start in the 19th century? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An incredible T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Afghanistan which goes to a second super-over is followed by England slumping to defeat at the hands of West indies excellent spinners. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse where England lost it, how Afghanistan almost won it and how the commentators Dale Steyn and Kas Nadoo almost lost their voices. For more analysis on the T20 World Cup subscribe to our blog The Cricverse on Substack. (click the link) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the T20 World Cup England almost suffer the ignominy of losing to brave, plucky Nepal. Sam Curran holds his nerve to put out Nepal's fire and defend 10 off the last over. Also in this episode we analyse India's near miss with USA, discuss the dominance of left handers and reveal that the India v Pakistan match, which is now back on, means $250m to the world game. Also the brilliant teenager Viabhav Sooryavanshi is assessed (age and ability). Also read Simon Hughes's assessment on Substack at https://cricverse.substack.com/p/teenage-destroyer?r=lo2wd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a messy build up, the ICC T20 World cup begins this weekend in India and Sri Lanka. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by former Indian player Deep Dasgupta to assess the competition and ponder who can stop India from retaining their title. England certainly could on their day, so could South Africa who are still ruing how they lost the final to india in the Caribbean 18 months ago. They pick their best XIs from the assembled talent and whet the appetite for 28 days of intense white ball assaults. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England can finally toast a series victory this winter with a barnstorming batting performance in the final ODI in Sri Lanka. On the back of a 20th ODI century by Joe Root and a stylish 67 from Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook assaulted the wilting Sri Lankan attack as only he can with a quite remarkable 136 not out off 66 balls with nine sixes. It was a reminder of his exceptional talent which mostly went missing in the Ashes. It sets England up well for the T20 World Cup to follow, although, as Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss, the bowling is a worry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England's woeful winter continues with a defeat in the first odi in Sri Lanka, making it 8 losses and one solitary victory in all formats since they departed for New Zealand in October. Joe Root and Ben Duckett compiled an excellent partnership of 117, but the rest of the batting and much of the bowling left something to be desired. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the match and also consider the impasse between Bangladesh and the Indian-dominated ICC over their participation in next month's T20 World Cup. This podcast is sponsored by Nord VPN. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/aic. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With their five wicket defeat in Sydney, England's Ashes tour ended in abject failure. A failure of planning, of selection, of execution and often of basic cricketing skills, in contrast to the man of the series - Mitchell Starc - who was immense throughout. The series was a huge disappointment to all the committed England fans and infact to Australians too, eager for a serious and sustained contest. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Ricky Ponting analyse where it all went wrong and what is to be done about it. They also consider players off-field behaviour after more embarrassing stories in the press about late-night disorderliness. It has been a wretched tour from a playing point of view. It is to be hoped that the players learn from the original school of hard knocks and come back stronger and better. This podcast is sponsored by Nord VPN. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/aic Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jacob Bethell has been earmarked for great things on sparse evidence. At the SCG he demonstrated what all the fuss has been about with an innings of great composure, skill and class to record a memorable first century in both first class and Test cricket. He maturely held England's fragile innings together to give them a very faint chance of victory on the last day of the tour. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Justin Langer offer their appreciation of an exceptional performance that promises a stunning future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A debilitating and demoralising day for England in Sydney. Travis Head flays the bowling to record his 600th run in the series and then Steve Smith exploits tired bodies and minds to make his 37th Test hundred. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report and Glenn McGrath joins in to analyse why England can't maintain control with the ball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apart from a superb 41st Test century by Joe Root, another dispiriting day for England at the SCG as the batters didn't make the most of winning the toss and the bowlers couldn't sustain control. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on a day when at least the Barmy Army kept the home fires burning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first truly contested day in the Ashes is cruelly terminated by absurd weather rules in Sydney. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on an enterprising day by England dashed by ridiculous protocol and inflexible laws depriving 50,000 spectators of half a day's play. They also hear from Harry Borrk who is 78 not out overnight. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal - https://nordvpn.com/aic Try it risk free now with a 30-day money-back guarentee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground and hear from Ben Stokes who is on a mission to finish a difficult tour on a high despite admitting being unable to read how the pitch will play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on England's first Test victory in Australia since January 7th 2011. This was a remarkable and rather unsatisfactory Test which lasted barely a day and a half on an MCG pitch which had a bit too much help for the seam bowlers but on which no batter was prepared to be patient. An impressive opening stand between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett showed up some rather hapless Australian batting, and the youngster Jacob Bethell made a crucial 40 in a tricky runchase. At last 10,000 English fans have an England victory to celebrate though Cricket Australia will bemoan major revenue losses. This podcast is sponsored by Nord VPN - go to NORDVPN.COM/AIC for your special deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review an extraordinary day's play at the MCG where the groundsman and the batsmen gifted the bowlers 20 wickets. A helpful Melbourne pitch was well exploited by both team's seam bowlers - especially England's Josh Tongue - confronted with batsmen who didn't seem to want to hang about too long. This is a game on fast forward. They also discuss the state of England's team and the apparent drinking culture may have begun to reinfluence English cricket. This episode is sponsored by Nord VPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan go to nordvpn.com/aic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite a plucky seventh wicket stand between Will Jacks and Jamie Smith, the Aussies clinched their coveted prize in mid afternoon and celebrated in appropriate style. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse waht went right for Australia and wrong for England and hear Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum offer their explanations too. And we hear what our listeners think too. Don't forget to follow our Substack blog at the Cricverse - https://cricverse.substack.com/p/headmaster?r=lo2wd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices