

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

Oct 27, 2025 • 44min
CRICKET'S EXTRAORDINARY POWERS
The amazing story of how cricket has revolutionized the lives of many of the inhabitants of a poverty-stricken, overcrowded and violent Syrian refugee camp in Beirut. We hear from Richard Verity, the founder of the transformative Alsama Project, and two of his star female pupils who, through cricket, are giving hope and aspiration to a generation of underprivileged children and helping oppressed girls find their voice. For more information go to alsamaproject.com
Takeaways
Cricket is inclusive for all body types and abilities.
The sport allows for mixed-gender participation.
Inclusivity in sports can challenge traditional societal norms.
Cricket can serve as a platform for social change.
The role of cricket in promoting gender equality is significant.
Inclusivity in sports fosters community and connection.
Cricket can be adapted to suit different skill levels.
The sport's flexibility makes it accessible to everyone.
Engagement in cricket can lead to personal growth.
Cricket's evolution reflects broader societal changes.
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9 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
Ashes Countdown - Episode 1
Former Middlesex and England fast bowler Steven Finn shares insights on touring Australia, reflecting on his 2010/11 Ashes-winning experience. He discusses the emotional journey of writing his memoir, The Ashes Files, revealing the raw memories it uncovers. Finn compares the challenges faced in Australia to those in India and explains why he feels optimistic about the current England side. He also shares memories from the MCG, the impact of sledging, and the importance of preparation as they gear up for the Ashes.

Oct 17, 2025 • 43min
Cool Warm-Up
A preview of England's T20 series in New Zealand starting in the Kiwi spring even before their domestic season has begun. It will be decidedly chilly at night, a severe contrast to the temperature in Perth in a month's time when the Ashes begin. But a great chance for some of England's players to get in tune before the main show. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann consider the series amid all the noise going on from former players about the teams' Ashes prospects. You can watch all the white ball matches in New Zealand and the whole of the Ashes exclusively live on TNT Sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 14, 2025 • 58min
England's Greatest Test Cricketer
The combined cells of Hughes and Mann take on the might of Chat GPT to evaluate England's greatest-ever Test cricketer. Prompted by a question from Simon Mann's daughter, they use various criteria to compare and rank England's finest cricketers past and present. So who do they say is England's greatest from the likes of Grace, Botham, Hobbs, Hutton, Hammond, Root, Anderson and Stokes, and does the super-computer agree?? All is revealed.... #cricket #testcricket #england Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 7, 2025 • 44min
A Dream Partnership
Kyle Hogg is our special guest on the show, discussing his role in the brilliant BBC series Field of Dreams, helping Freddie Flintoff introduce cricket to the uninitiated in some neglected communities of the north-west. Kyle, the former Lancashire bowler, explains how he got involved in the series, the passion he and Freddie share in spreading the game, the fun of their tour to Kolkata and how he can use his latest experiences in his other role, coaching the England U/19s as they prepare for the U/19 World Cup in January. #cricket #fieldofdreams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 3, 2025 • 45min
QUESTION TIME - who invented modern batting? (and others)
Lots of your questions answered by Simon Hughes and Simon Mann including - was Peter Moores harshly treated as England coach, who would take over the England job if they lose the Ashes, is this Indian team one of the best white ball team ever to walk the earth, who is the worst Test batter in the world and who invented the reverse sweep, and is therefore the godfather of modern batting? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 30, 2025 • 49min
A Memorable Reign
An interview with Mervyn King, Baron King of Lothbury, who has just completed a booming year as president of MCC. The former Governor of the Bank of England discusses the remarkable sale of the MCC-administered London Spirit franchise for £145m to the so-called Tech-Titans, why he loves both Test cricket and the Hundred and how the English game can prosper on the world stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 28, 2025 • 1h 7min
How to Win Championships
Peter Moores, a seasoned cricket coach and three-time County Championship champion, shares his insights on building winning teams. He discusses the emotional highs after Nottinghamshire's recent title win and the pivotal moments that shaped their success. Moores emphasizes a modern coaching approach that focuses on liberating rather than controlling players. He also delves into managing overseas talent, the evolution of coaching styles, and the importance of developing homegrown players in franchise cricket. His experience combines tradition with innovative player management.

Sep 23, 2025 • 41min
92 and Out
Dickie Bird was one of the most famous characters in world sport, loved by millions across the globe. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann pay tribute to his wonderful persona on and off the cricket field. They discuss why he was so cherished and admired, even when presented with the most bizarre things in the middle, where he officiated with humility and humour for almost three decades. In part 2 they also analyse England's Ashes squad which was announced earlier today. #cricket #umpire #ashes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 19, 2025 • 56min
Tongue Lashes Surrey
Spearheaded by Josh Tongue, Notts secure a brilliant championship win over Surrey to go top of the table with one match to play. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse where Notts seized control and assess the prospects for the last round of matches. They also hear from former Australian paceman Brett Lee on his thoughts about the Ashes, why he loves Mark Wood and what Freddie Flintoff did to him in the dressing room after that epic two run defeat at Edgbaston in 2005. #cricket #test #ashes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


