BATTING PARADISES, BOWLERS GRAVEYARDS

BATTING PARADISES, BOWLERS GRAVEYARDS

Author: Simon Hughes May 5, 2026 Duration: 40:43
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

For anyone who feels the scorecard only tells half the story, The Analyst Inside Cricket offers the other half. Simon Hughes, known widely as The Analyst, teams up with the BBC's Simon Mann to pull back the curtain on the sport. This isn't just a recap of matches; it's a deep, engaging conversation that blends technical breakdown with the human narratives that define the game. You'll hear their firsthand experiences from around the world, alongside insights from the players, coaches, and personalities they've known for years. Each episode feels like sitting in on a candid chat between two experts who can explain the mechanics of a perfect seam position one moment and share a poignant, funny, or surprising anecdote from the dressing room the next. The podcast thrives on the details that get missed in the headlines-the tactical shifts, the personal journeys, and the off-field moments that truly shape cricket. If you're looking for rich context and stories that go beyond the boundary rope, this is where you'll find them.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Analyst Inside Cricket
Podcast Episodes
Hope Springs Eternal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:34
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…
SIMON JONES: SWING MAESTRO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:03
An in-depth interview with Simon Jones, one of the stars of England's 2005 Ashes triumph but who sadly never played for England again. He talks about his upbringing as the son of an England bowler, idolizing other great…
IAN BOTHAM - 70 NOT OUT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:20
An interview with Lord Botham, great all-rounder, hero of the Ashes and scourge of Australia, to commemorate his 70th birthday. He talks with Simon Hughes about his lifelong association with the Ashes, why he loves Austr…
After Shock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:11
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…
HeadStrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:38
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…
Cricket on Speed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:59
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 bot…
Let the Action Begin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:56
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 wh…
2005 ASHES Episode 6: ECSTASY [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:11
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 th…
2005 ASHES Episode 5: UNSUNG HEROES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:37
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 -…
2005 ASHES Ep4: LOCKED OUT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
The dramatic tale of the third Ashes Test of 2005, told through the players eyes - featuring Michael Vaughan, Freddie Flintoff, Andrew Strauss, Simon Jones, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist. A gripping, te…