

The Analyst Inside Cricket
Simon Hughes
Analysis, opinion and great stories from the world of cricket. Presented by Simon Hughes, aka The Analyst and the BBC's Simon Mann. This is the place where you really find out what happened on the field, and off it, with the two Simons worldwide experiences and their famous guests.
Find us on the Sport Social website: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/the-analyst-inside-cricket/
Find us on the Sport Social website: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/the-analyst-inside-cricket/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2026 • 42min
TRIUMPH AT LAST
A blow-by-blow of England’s comeback in Sri Lanka, capped by Harry Brook’s astonishing 136 not out and Joe Root’s composed century. Discussion covers pitch-by-pitch quirks, Bethell’s promising progress, and celebrations that sparked debate. They also weigh England’s bowling worries, opening instability, and what the results mean for T20 World Cup plans and tournament uncertainties.

10 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 41min
Root Can't Stop the Rot
England's cricket struggles continue as they face a challenging defeat in Sri Lanka, despite Joe Root and Ben Duckett's impressive partnership. The hosts dive into the debate about the effectiveness of spinners on turning pitches and the impact of new ODI rule changes. Concerns about England's ODI form and qualification risks loom large, with a focus on player selections like Crawley and Duckett. They also analyze Bangladesh's contentious standoff with the ICC over the T20 World Cup, highlighting the politics affecting the game.

Jan 18, 2026 • 1h 6min
2005 ASHES: 5th TEST - URN REGAINED
The final episode of our specially produced series on the 2005 Ashes - when England finally regained the urn at the Oval after almost two decades without it. The epic series is still in the balance until the last day of this fifth and final Test, climaxing with the extraordinary maiden Test century by Kevin Pietersen. Features interviews with Michael Vaughan, Justin Langer, Freddie Flintoff, Adam Gilchrist, Simon Jones, Glenn McGrath and Andrew Strauss. The entire series can be watched on YouTube at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 17, 2026 • 46min
2005 ASHES - 4th TEST (Trent Bridge)
Continuing our recap of the epic 2005 Ashes, featuring the nerve-tingling Trent Bridge Test when England forced Australia to follow on for the first time for 20 years and then almost sacrificed themselves to the wizardly Warne. Features contributions from Michael Vaughan, Andrew Strauss, Simon Jones, Ashley Giles, Justin Langer and Glenn McGrath. Also viewable on YouTube - here's the full video playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 16, 2026 • 46min
2005 ASHES - 3rd TEST (Old Trafford)
The gripping third Test of the 2005 Ashes, the one when Simon Jones delivered one of the greatest inswingers of all time, the ground was full on the last day with 20,000 turned away, Ricky Ponting had to be dragged off after six hours of defiance and Australia celebrated a draw. Watch the whole series on YouTube at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 16, 2026 • 54min
2005 ASHES - THE GREATEST TEST (Edgbaston)
Re-running our greatest Ashes audio and video series - this is the epic 2005 Edgbaston Test which eventually after a pulsating arm wrestle England won by two runs. Features interviews with many of the participants (including the late Shane Warne) and match action. Can also be watched on YouTube - full playlist here - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 16, 2026 • 46min
2005 ASHES - 1ST TEST LORD'S
To fill the void of no Test matchs til June and perhaps rekindle your love of Test cricket we're replaying our audio and video series on the epic 2005 Ashes, hearing from many of the participants. . This episode features the (first) Lord's Test and a proper feisty duel between the teams although of course Australia had the final say. You can watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GsfY3YLqONo
Full playlist here - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 46min
England Out Thought and Outplayed
England's Ashes tour ended in disappointment after a five-wicket defeat in Sydney. The hosts analyze the team's poor planning and execution, highlighting crucial fielding errors and missed opportunities. Ricky Ponting shares insights on player selections and the need for smarter tactics. They discuss the implications of off-field behavior and stress the importance of learning from this tough experience. Future selections for bowlers and the cultivation of spin talent in county cricket are also key topics, leaving listeners hopeful for improvement.

Jan 7, 2026 • 36min
The Special One Arrives
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

Jan 6, 2026 • 31min
Smith Grinds Down England
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


