MICHAEL HOLDING ON THE SUMMER OF '76

MICHAEL HOLDING ON THE SUMMER OF '76

Author: Simon Hughes August 18, 2026 Duration: 57:09
This is a fascinating interview celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the great fast bowling feats: Michael Holding's 14 wickets (12 bowled or lbw) on an Oval featherbed in mid August 1976. Holding recalls how the 1976 West Indians were motivated by Tony Greig’s famous “grovel” comments (initially picked up by 22 year old Holding himself) which not only motivated West Indies to hammer England 3-0 but it also set in motion a decade and a half global dominance. Holding reveals how he originally didn’t want to be a professional cricketer, who he was inspired by, how he discovered reverse swing at the Oval during that match, the only batsman he ever ‘had words with’, how he got his Whispering Death nickname and who he would choose as the King of West Indies fast bowlers. For paid subscribers to The Analyst on Substack - CLICK HERE tomorrow a special bonus episode looking back at the extraordinary 1926 Oval Ashes Test - 100 years ago this week. It featured an incredible 172 run opening partnership between the great Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe. There is remarkable Pathe footage of the game that celebrates and investigates a seminal moment in cricket history. #cricket #england #westindies #blackpower #grovel 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: 50

The Analyst Inside Cricket
Podcast Episodes
BACK TO THE FUTURE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:21
Three days after the final of the Hundred, England take on Pakistan for the first of three Tests. It means several England players have to rapidly turn their techniques and mindsets from lashing the white ball over the r…
THE ONLY WAY IS UP [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:53
With England about to announce the squad for the first Test against Pakistan, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss England's future under Joe Root, hired for a second term as captain. He himself sees enthused by the chanc…
HOW CLUBS SURVIVE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:43
With declining numbers and rising costs, club cricket is at the crossroads. This is a live debate at the 150 year old Ealing Cricket Club with Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Chris Goldie, former Middlesex player and chairm…
THE HUNT FOR A NEW HEAD COACH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:57
In Part 2 of our look at the leadership crisis in the England Test team we look at the runners and riders for the head coach's job. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by former England batsman and batting coach Mark…
WHAT IT TAKES IT TO BE A TEST CAPTAIN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:38
England are expected to announce Joe Root as the new Test captain. Although he is likely to do a better job than second time around, it also underlines the lack of alternatives. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann explore the li…
LOVE, HATE, LUNCHES & SERVICE STATIONS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:37
Being a county cricketer is a privilege enjoyed by the very few but it's a life that comes with a lot of pain as well as pleasure. The recently retired Surrey player Cameron Steel discusses with Simon Hughes the highs an…
ENGLAND WIN RUN-FEST [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:08
An opening stand of 192 between Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett was the foundation of England's 387-3 - the highest score ever made in Odin at Lords. It proved to much for India despite the efforts of Rohit Sharma who answ…
SIR GARFIELD SOBERS: A TRIBUTE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:57
The death of arguably the greatest all-rounder who ever lived - Sir Garfield Sobers - was announced today. Simon Hughes pays tribute to an incredible player and a remarkable man with two men from Barbados who knew him we…
AXAR GIVES ENGLAND THE BLUES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:02
With runs and wickets, India's Axar Patel seizes victory for India at Edgbaston in the first of three odis to continue England's poor run in this format. But as important as the cricket was the fundraising for the Prosta…
BYE BYE BAZ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:45
Brendan Mccullum has been sacked as England Test coach. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss the decision and how he will cope having been removed from one job and retained in another (the white ball role.) One shambles i…