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Australia win the 5th Test at the SCG by 5 wickets to complete their Ashes victory. We hear from England coach Brendon McCullum plus captain Ben Stokes as well as player of the match Travis Head, Player of the series Mitchell Starc and the retiring Usman Khawaja. Plus there's analysis from Simon Mann, Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath, Phil Tufnell and Andy Zaltzman
We hear from record breaking Steve Smith who became the second highest scorer in Ashes history and England's Jacob Bethell who took his first Ashes wicket. Jonathan Agnew and Phil Tufnell join Simon Mann to review a tricky day for England and Eleanor Oldroyd speaks to Glenn McGrath and Emma Agnew about Jane McGrath day.
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
We hear from Joe Root who scored his 41st Test century and Australia fast bowler Scott Boland. Plus, there's analysis from Simon Mann, Jonathan Agnew, Phil Tufnell, Glenn McGrath and Andy Zaltzman.
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
England had the best of the opening day of the 5th and final Ashes Test with Harry Brook unbeaten on 78 and Joe Root on 72. But rain truncated the day with bad light and rain allowing only 45 overs. We hear from Brook plus Simon Mann is joined by Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Jonathan Agnew plus Eleanor Oldroyd talks to Glenn McGrath at the start of the Pink Test.
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
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
Ashes Question Time: simon Hughes and Simon Mann field your comments and questions post the two-day MCG fiasco. Including - who should bat 3 for England, which should bowlers should play in Sydney now Gus Atkinson is also ruled out, what repercussions should there be post the tour and should the teams have played an exhibition match following the two-day Test? For our special deal on the Nord VPN subscription visit nordvpn.com/aic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
England beat Australia by 4 wickets at the MCG to end a run of 18 winless Tests. We hear from Ben Stokes, Josh Tongue, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell and Steve Smith plus Simon Mann is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Phil Tufnell, Glenn McGrath and Andy Zaltzman.
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 Mann is joined by Michael Vaughan, Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath and Andy Zaltzman to review an incredible opening day of the 4th Test. Plus reaction from England's Josh Tongue who took 5/45 and Australia fast bowler Scott Boland who had figures of 3/30 and opened the batting!
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
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
England showed plenty of fight but Australia won the 3rd Test by 82 runs to retain the Ashes with two games to spare, We hear from England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes as well as Australia skipper Pat Cummins, Player of the match Alex Carey plus Mitchell Starc. Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. There's also analysis by Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann, Glenn McGrath, Phil Tufnell and Andy Zaltzman.
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
Simon Mann is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Phil Tufnell, Andy Zaltzman and Glenn McGrath to look back on an improved day for England. However, they are still on the brink of defeat as Australia lie 4 wickets away from retaining the Ashes. There's also reaction from Zak Crawley, Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc plus a fascinating chat with former Australia fast bowler turned coach Jason Gillespie.
Chasing a virtually impossible 435 for victory to keep the series alive, England inevitably lost more than half their side to a combination of the superb Pat Cummins and wizardly Nathan Lyon as the dusty fourth day pitch played a few tricks. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review a day of intense competition as Australia draw within four wickets of retaining Test cricket's ultimate prize. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor also gives his view on England's shaky top three. Fnal day viewable on TNT Sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Simon Mann is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath and Phil Tufnell to review the 3rd day of the Adelaide Test as a Travis Head hundred nailed down Australia's position.We also get reaction from England's assistant coach Jeetan Patel and Australia spinner Nathan Lyon plus Andy Zaltzman has all the stats that matter.
After courageous resistance from Ben Stokes gets England close to a barely adequate 300, England's bowlers suffer at the hands of the brilliant South Australian Travis Head. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse the third day of the third Test when England's Ashes hopes are slowly and almost sadistically extinguished by Australia's batsmen. Their former star bowler Jason Gillespie also explains what makes the England bowling attack for these batting friendly conditions inadequate. Also read our Cricverse blog on the series - visit https://cricverse.substack.com/p/headmaster?r=lo2wd #ashes #england #australia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the 3rd Test in Adelaide which is of course make or break for England. After England's break in Noosa, Brendon McCullum speaks and declares that England will keep the same top seven, and also explains more about what he meant by England overtraining before the Brisbane Test. He is clear though that if they play much smarter cricket than they did in Brisbane they can wIn in Adelaide and then 'the narrative changes.' Follow our Cricverse blog on Substack for more on the Ashes https://cricverse.substack.com/p/all-in-good-time?r=lo2wd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
England finally show some fight, but Australia take two nil Ashes lead.There's an astonishing interview with England captain Ben Stokes, we hear from coach Brendon McCullum and there's reaction from Australia captain Steve Smith and player of the match Mitchell Starc. And there's analysis by Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath, Michael Vaughan, Phi Tufnell, Simon Mann and Andy Zaltzman,
Determined batting by Ben Stokes and Will Jacks at least took this 2nd Test into the final session of the 4th day at the Gabba. But from the moment England dropped five catches to allow Australia to make over 500 the barbequing of the English torso on the Brisbane coals was underway. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann hear from a sombre Ben Stokes and an ecstatic Adam Gilchrist in reviewing the match. Australia now have one hand firmly on the Ashes urn after only six day's cricket. #ashes #england #australia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
England laboured to dismiss Australia's last four wickets in the heat of the Brisbane day and then collapsed to the Australia's willing seamers as darkness fell. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by Matt Hayden to analyse a dispiriting yet predictable third day at the Gabba which leaves England's Ashes hopes hanging by a thread. #ashes #england #australia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Reaction to a second day in Brisbane that saw England miss out on putting heat on the hostsMichael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath and Jonathan Agnew join Simon Mann to discuss a frustrating day for England in Brisbane. Plus, we hear from Joe Root after this first Ashes century in Australia.
England lose the plot with the ball and in the field on the second day at the Gabba, gifting Australia the initiative with poor bowling and dropped catches. But this Australian side are not as ruthless as some of their predecessors and at times handed the initiative back. But, as Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Steven Finn report, Australia still have a sizeable advantage. Can they convert it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Simon Mann is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath, Phil Tufnell and Andy Zaltzman to review an absorbing opening day at the Gabba where Joe Root was the star.We also hear from Zak Crawley who made 76 plus Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Joe Root has finally got the monkey of his back with an irrepressible hundred at the Gabba, his first in Australia and his 40th overall. It was the centrepiece of a compelling first day in Brisbane which England looked like squandering at several points, but was saved by Root's dedication and skill and an unexpected unbroken last wicket stand between him and Jofra Archer. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by Matt Prior to reflect on a day when Mitchell Starc became the world's leading left arm wicket taker. #ashes #england #australia #root Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the second Ashes Test at the Gabba which England must win to have any chance of regaining the Ashes. This is a day-night pink ball test and they discuss the difficulties that presents, the way teams approach it and the changes in personel. There are rumours that Pat Cummins might return as captain. But whatever happens, England will make sure, if they arrive by electric scooter, that they wear helmets. This series is live and exclusive in the Uk on TNT Sports. #ashes #england #australia #pinkball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The cricket world has been stunned with the sudden death of the brilliant Hampshire and England batsman Robin Smith at the age of 62. Smith, known as The Judge for his wig-like hairstyle, possessed the most ferocious cut shot in the game and was fearless against fast bowling during a highly successful England career. This belied inner self-doubts and an almost apologetic nature that was at the heart of his problems post retirement. Simon Hughes, who played against Smith regularly, recalls his career with Simon Mann and cricket writer Simon Wilde who produced a definitive interview with Smith in the Sunday Times just last weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
Simon Hughes an Simon Mann consider the state of the England team ahead of the second Ashes Test. And Simon Hughes then joins in a local radio show in Denmark, Western Australia to hear what the real Okkers think of the Poms. (Apologies for the slightly low sound levels on the second half.) #ashes #england #australia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Still trying to comprehend not only what happened on the 2nd day of the first Ashes Test in Perth, but also how quickly it all unfolded, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann try to rationalise how the balance of power shifted so dramatically. Plus - fans reactions, what England should do next and a special birthday. STOP PRESS - BETHELL, POTTS AND TONGUE TO PLAY IN PINK BALL WARM-UP MATCH #ashes #cricket #england #australia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Reaction as England are beaten inside TWO days in first Ashes Test at Perth.Simon Mann is alongside former England captain Michael Vaughan, former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath, and the BBC's Chief Cricket Commentator Jonathan Agnew for reaction to England's embarrassing defeat to Australia in the first Ashes Test at Perth. We also hear from England captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum and Australia centurion Travis Head.
A remarkable hundred by Travis Head - one of the greatest innings ever played in an Ashes Test - savaged England's hopes and seized Australia an unlikely win in the first Test in Perth. Head's century, the second fastest in Ashes history - shot Australia to victory inside two days leaving England, leading by 100 just after lunch with nine wickets in hand, totally shellshocked. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse where it went wrong for England and right for Australia and also hear Matthew Hayden's view of Head's performance. #ashes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Reaction from a breathless first day of the first Ashes Test in Perth.Simon Mann is alongside former England captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath, and the BBC's Chief Cricket Commentator Jonathan Agnew for reaction to an incredible first day of the 2025/26 Ashes. We also hear from Brydon Carse and the recovering Australia Test captain Pat Cummns – plus a stat attack from Andy Zaltzman.
Nineteen wickets fall on the first da of the Ashes in Perth, and England, have been tamely bowled out for 172 seem likely now to take a decent lead. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann praise the skill of the fast bowlers on both sides while bemoaning the lack of application of the batsmen on a bouncy pitch with some lateral movement. England's bowlers certainly relished the lift and help in the pitch and exposed Australia's vulnerability to deliveries of over 90mph. The series is covered on TNT Sports. Thsi podcast is brought to you Betfair. For latest markets go to https://betting.betfair.com/cricket/the-ashes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Eleanor Oldroyd is out and about in Perth for reaction to England naming their twelve-man squad for the first Ashes Test. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has his say on where the first Test could be won, England fast bowler Gus Atkinson looks ahead to the first match of the series, and Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt and TMS commentator Simon Mann dissect the twelve in England's squad. Plus, how could Australia line up after a hint from Australia bowler Mitchell Starc said he would bat at eight.
The huge build up to the 2025/6 Ashes is almost over. The talk is nearly done. Time to walk the walk. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann survey the stage at the Perth stadium and assess where the balance of power is now, and where it might be in six weeks time. Ben Stokes explains the philosophies behind his and the team's preparation and how he has emphasised to them that this is England's chance to make history. The podcast's sponsors Betfair also offer some interesting odds. Please be gamble aware and bet responsibly. The Ashes is exclusively live on TNT Sports. #ashes #england #australia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
The climax to the greatest Test series of all time - the Oval Test of 2005. England, who hadn't held the Ashes for 18 years, went into this final Test 2-1 up, knowing that if the Australians managed to sneak a victory they would retain the Ashes urn again. The last Test to be broadcast live on terrestrial TV in the UK (on Channel 4) it was regarded as the biggest sporting event in Britain since the 1966 football World Cup final. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann take you through the gripping action from England's strong start, to Australia's inevitable fightback, Freddie Flintoff's titanic spell and Kevin Pietersen's extraordinary last day hundred. With contributions from Michael Vaughan, Freddie Flintoff, Andrew Strauss, Simon Jones, Ashley Giles, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee. #ashes #englandcricket #australia #greatestseries #theanalyst Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Trent Bridge Test of 2005 was the first time England had taken a significant lead in the Ashes for 18 years. It was only achieved in a tense finale in fading light by two players - Ashley Giles and Matthew Hoggard - not renowned for their batting. They managed to collect the final 13 runs for victory with Shane Warne wreaking havoc, only two nervous batters left in the pavilion and the nation holding their collective breath. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann tell the tale of a dramatic match which featured a buccanneering century by Freddie Flintoff, England making Australia follow on for the first time in a generation and Ricky Ponting run out by the substitute Gary Pratt. With contributions from Flintoff, Michael Vaughan, Simon Jones, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Strauss and Ashley Giles. #ashes #cricket #englandcricket #australia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Classic retelling of the epic drama of the 2005 Ashes - the greatest Test cricket series ever. This is the wildly fluctuating first Test at Lord's. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann marvel at the explosive first hour when England's fast bowlers struck down the Aussies intimidatory batting. The relentless Glenn McGrath struck back to reduce England to 21-5 from which they never properly recovered. This episode features great Channel 4 match footage of that first hour, McGrath's revenge, Freddie Flintoff's disappointing Ashes debut, Kevin Pietersen's dramatic entry into Test cricket and Shane Warne's ultimate mastery. There are interviews with Flintoff, Warne, McGrath, Michael Vaughan, Simon Jones, Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist and Jason Gillespie. And commentary from the legends like Richie Benaud and Tony Greig. Available to watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/GsfY3YLqONo?si=wYZ0LnPlHIeKF0AJ #ashes #englandcricket #england #testcricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ten days to go to the 2025/6 Ashes and Simon Hughes and Simon Mann monitor the war of words in the Australian press and on podcasts as the pressure builds from the Fourth Estate. The whingeing Poms and 'undercooked' sledges are out in force and the video cuts of Joe Root's dismissals Down Under posted in full. The players themselves are sensibly rising above the noise off stage. The Ashes series is exclusively live on TNT Sports . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The first episode of our six -part series on the 2005 Ashes - often regarded as the greatest Test series of all time. Twenty years on Simon Hughes and Simon Mann relive the drama of those Tests with its participants including Michael Vaughan, Freddie Flintoff, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Strauss and Simon Jones, interspersed with the memories of Shane Warne. This first episode recalls the build up to the series, why it was so momentous and how England were going to handle the all-conquering Aussies who had held the Ashes urn for 16 years #cricket #england #australia #ashes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A preview of England's T20 series in New Zealand starting in the Kiwi spring even before their domestic season has begun. It will be decidedly chilly at night, a severe contrast to the temperature in Perth in a month's time when the Ashes begin. But a great chance for some of England's players to get in tune before the main show. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider the series amid all the noise going on from former players about the teams' Ashes prospects. You can watch all the white ball matches in New Zealand and the whole of the Ashes exclusively live on TNT Sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices