The Analyst Inside Cricket

Ian Botham, a legendary former England all-rounder and renowned Ashes hero, celebrates 70 years of life and cricket wisdom. He shares his cherished memories of the Ashes, his inspirations like Bob Massie, and his tactical evolution on the field. Botham delves into pivotal moments like his debut and the unforgettable Headingley test, highlighting his fierce rivalry with Australia and admiration for players like Dennis Lillee. He also discusses his charity work and the challenges facing modern Test cricket, underscoring the need for its preservation.

Hosts dive into England's dramatic collapse on day two of the Ashes and its fallout. They analyze the swift momentum shift, key player performances, and fan reactions. The discussion touches on Ian Botham's milestone birthday, England's selection strategy, and critiques of the Baz Ball approach. They weigh the need for warm-up games with a pink ball and the psychological dynamics of Australia’s chase. Finally, reflections on McCullum's long-term vision for the team add to the intrigue as they anticipate the upcoming matches.

Travis Head delivers a stunning century, turning the Ashes Test on its head and leaving England in disbelief. The hosts dissect England's shocking afternoon collapse, losing nine wickets in a flash. They analyze the technical failures that contributed to England's demise and highlight Mitchell Starc's impressive bowling. Matthew Hayden shares insights on Head's fearless approach, likening his performance to notable cricket legends. The discussion also touches on the series implications for England and the need for strategic revamps ahead of the next challenge.

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

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

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

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, tense encounter which built to such a climax that the Old Trafford ground was full by 9am on the fifth day with 20,000 people locked out. And despite England's brilliant efforts with bat (Vaughan and Strauss) and ball (Flintoff and especially Jones with some sensational deliveries ) they could not quite break Australia's resolve. In perhaps his finest innings, Ricky Ponting resisted England for six hours on the final day until dismissed, ninth out with four overs to go. But Australia's last pair of Brett Lee and McGrath held out to keep the series score poised at 1-1 with two to play. Watch the video on YOUTUBE at https://youtu.be/30CQN6-xSN8 #ashes #england #australia #classic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley Giles is the guest on this podcast. One of the heroes of the 2005 Ashes looks back on his exploits in that series during which a partnership with Kevin Pietersen at the Oval earned him the nickname 'George' - simpler than King of Spain which he was also ironically known as. Giles also reflects on darker times when he was England's director of cricket, looks ahead to this Ashes series and picks his all-time Ashes XI. The 2025/6 Ashes will be live exclusively on TNT Sports. To watch our special films of the 2005 Ashes go to https://youtu.be/GaPMtsF_Dcs?si=sqvv-ue_cEVhjacr #ashes #england #australia #2005 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The story of the most gripping Ashes Test ever played, the Edgbaston white-knuckle ride of 2005, which went literally to the wire, England eventually winning it by two runs. It featured so much drama - Glenn McGrath slipping on a ball before play, Ricky Ponting putting England in, England walloping 407 in a day, Freddie Flintoff hitting 10 sixes in the match and producing one of the greatest overs in Test history, Shane Warne's miracle ball to Andrew Strauss and then Australia all but seizing a one-wicket victory until Steve Harmison's final intervention. Features brillaint Channel 4 match footage and commentary and contributions from Flintoff, McGrath, Warne, Strauss, Michael Vaughan, Simon Jones, Brett Lee, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist. Available to watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GaPMtsF_Dcs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices