The Sports Agents Ashes aftermath: McCullum's Bazballs-up & Bethell breakthrough
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Jan 8, 2026 
Join former England fast bowler Steve Harmison as he critiques the underwhelming Ashes series. He discusses the struggles of England's bowlers due to poor preparation and the need for a drastic rethink in coaching. Harmison highlights 22-year-old Jacob Bethell's impressive century as a bright spot for England's future. There's also debate on accountability for the team's performance, and whether drastic changes are needed, echoing frustrations over Test cricket's standing against franchises.
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Online Noise Drained The Tour
- The tour felt relentlessly 'online' with constant chatter and non-events draining players before matches.
- Barney Ronay argues that this nonstop noise reduced player energy and focus in Australia.
Bowling Fitness Requires Volume
- Steve Harmison says bowlers need volume and repetition to build Test endurance and confidence.
- He warns sports science overload and overprotecting pacemen undermines preparing for five-day cricket.
Don't Copy-Paste Elite Bowling Models
- Barney Ronay criticises simplistic scouting briefs that copy pace models like Rabada or Bumrah without context.
- He says failing to analyse conditions and local resources makes such directives laughably basic.