

The Analyst Inside Cricket
Simon Hughes
Daily analysis, opinion and great stories from the Ashes in Australia. 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

Nov 11, 2025 • 45min
2005 ASHES Episode 2: WAKE UP CALL
Classic retelling of the epic drama of the 2005 Ashes - the greatest Test cricket series ever. This is the wildly fluctuating first Test at Lord's. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann marvel at the explosive first hour when England's fast bowlers struck down the Aussies intimidatory batting. The relentless Glenn McGrath struck back to reduce England to 21-5 from which they never properly recovered. This episode features great Channel 4 match footage of that first hour, McGrath's revenge, Freddie Flintoff's disappointing Ashes debut, Kevin Pietersen's dramatic entry into Test cricket and Shane Warne's ultimate mastery. There are interviews with Flintoff, Warne, McGrath, Michael Vaughan, Simon Jones, Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist and Jason Gillespie. And commentary from the legends like Richie Benaud and Tony Greig. Available to watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/GsfY3YLqONo?si=wYZ0LnPlHIeKF0AJ
#ashes #englandcricket #england #testcricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 10, 2025 • 59min
2005 ASHES Episode 1: TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan shares insights on his aggressive strategies that redefined England's approach to cricket in 2005. He reveals how his past experiences shaped his leadership. Meanwhile, Adam Gilchrist, the legendary Australian wicketkeeper, reminisces about the iconic McGrath-Warne duo and the psychological impact of batting at number seven. The podcast delves into the significance of the Ashes, both culturally and competitively, while exploring the intense rivalry between England and Australia that defined this unforgettable series.

Nov 10, 2025 • 41min
Ashes Countdown 4 - Slanging Match
As the countdown to the Ashes intensifies, tension brews in the media, with cheeky sledges flying from both sides. England's recent struggles are scrutinized, alongside their bowling concerns and player fitness. The hosts dissect Pat Cummins' leadership style and its impact, while debating whether Ben Stokes can mirror past legends. With insights into Australia's selection dilemmas and Joe Root's past challenges Down Under, the conversation remains lively, reflecting the growing noise as the big match approaches.

Nov 7, 2025 • 13min
GREAT ASHES TESTS Ep5: The Miracle of Headingley 81
An extract of the final episode of the five-part series dramatising Great Ashes Tests of the past. This episode revisits the epic series of 1981 - Botham's Ashes - featuring interviews with Botham, Bob Willis, Mike Brearley and David Lloyd and is narrated by Stephen Fry. To listen to the full episode and for more exclusive content join the Cricverse https://cricverse.substack.com/p/great-ashes-tests-ep5-the-miracle?r=lo2wd #ashes #botham #miracle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 6, 2025 • 45min
GREAT ASHES TESTS Ep4: Bradman the Invincible
Dive into the legacy of Donald Bradman and his 1948 Australian team, the 'Invincibles.' Discover how Bradman's extraordinary average of 99.94 and remarkable run-chases changed cricket history. Explore gripping rivalries, match tactics, and the psychological strategies that led to their dominance over England. Hear about the impact of World War II on their rivalry, Bradman's tactical brilliance, and emotional moments during his final innings. This captivating journey reveals why Bradman remains a towering figure in the sport.

Nov 5, 2025 • 55min
GREAT ASHES TESTS Ep3: Bodyline 1932/3
Third of five part series featuring Great Ashes Test matches. Here Simon Hughes retells the dramatic story of the emergence of Australia's ritual destroyer of bowling attacks Donald Bradman, and England's dastardly plan to stop him. This of course was 'leg theory' - soon christened Bodyline' - perpetrated chiefly by Harold Larwood. It erupted into the incendiary Test match at Adelaide in 1933 that changed the game and intensified the rivalry of the Ashes like no other contest before or since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 4, 2025 • 38min
GREAT ASHES TESTS - Ep1: The Demon
First of a five part series highlighting great Ashes Test matches through history. Narrated by Simon Hughes, this first episode tells the story of the epic 1882 Oval Test which signifies the birth of the Ashes. In it 'the Demon' Frederick Spofforth is irked by the antics of WG Grace and torpedoes the England batting for just 77 to give Australia their historic first victory in England by 7 runs. It prompted the mock obituary in the Sporting Times mourning the death of English cricket, and set in motion 146 years of intense rivalry, and counting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 4, 2025 • 44min
GREAT ASHES TESTS - Ep2: The Master 1926
This is the story of the epic Oval Test match of 1926, and the finest hour of Jack Hobbs, England’s greatest batsman - by number of hundreds (199) anyway. Hobbs and his great opening ally Herbert Sutcliffe secure England a huge lead on a treacherous pitch and an opportunity to avenge a series of Australian defeats. Their exploits offer much-needed hope and optimism to a post-war ravaged society. #ashes #england #testcricket
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Nov 3, 2025 • 46min
Ashes Countdown - Episode 3 + Women's World Cup
Deep Dasgupta, former Indian keeper-batsman, joins the Simons on the podcast to reflect on the Indian women's euphoric day, winning the ICC World Cup for the first time. Deep reveals the investment and personel invested in the women's game and the future growth of the Women's Premier League. Also in this episode - an Ashes update with Deep exploring what it takes to win in Australia too, having watched at close hand Indian (men's) successful tours there. #cricket #india #iccwomensworldcup #ashes #england #australia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 29, 2025 • 60min
Ashes Countdown - Episode 2
Ian Smith, celebrated commentator and former New Zealand keeper, joins the podcast to talk New Zealand versus England and offer a detached but informed view on the Ashes. Few know or can interpret international cricket better than the sharp-eyed, quick-witted Kiwi who is the definition of a wordSmith. He gives great insights into what makes New Zealand consistently excellent, why the Aussies are favourites for the Ashes and how they'll sledge Joe Root. England's final odi and the entire Ashes series are exclusively live on TNT Sports
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