

The Analyst Inside Cricket
Simon Hughes
Sharp analysis and opinion from the cricket world with Simon Hughes, The Analyst and the BBC's Simon Mann, featuring comment, analysis, interviews with international players and celebrity guests.Find us on the Sport Social website: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/the-analyst-inside-cricket/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 25, 2025 • 42min
The Heist of Headingley
Led by the exceptional Ben Duckett, England pull off one of their greatest-ever run-chases in the first Test against India,at a venue famous for excitement. England, emboldened by a first wicket stand of 188, overhauled their target of 371 with time and wickets to spare. It was a victory all the more remarkable because India dominated the game for most of the first four days, but came unstuck by resourceful, fearless England on the fifth. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann marvel at Duckett's bravado and the dynamic brand of cricket that England play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 23, 2025 • 38min
Perfectly Poised
The first Test of the Anderson/Tendulkar series is delicately balanced after four days - and that is the best description of the dominant innings of the day by KL Rahul. Perfectly executed, deliciously poised. The Simons assess a lively fourth day and examine the likely outcomes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 22, 2025 • 38min
Brook Floods Indian Defences
England draw level with India thanks mainly to a scintillating innings from Harry Brook, setting Headingley alight until squandering a deserved century on 99. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on a pulsating third day at Headingley which began with a poignant tribute to the life of David 'Syd' Lawrence, and continued with bat mostly dominating ball except when the brilliant Jasprit Bumrah has it in his hands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 21, 2025 • 37min
Seesaw Cricket
A second day of wildly fluctuating fortunes at Headingley. with Rishabh Pant the star turn. India, set for 600, capitulate for 471. England survive early alarms, build a strong second wicket partnership with Duckett and Pope the lose late wickets. The match is in the balance. The Simon's report on a riveting second day and forecast a compelling third one. This podcast is supported by Betfair. The odds on various outcomes can be found here - https://www.betfair.com/betting/cricket/test-matches/england-v-india/e-34417715 Remember you must be 18 or over to bet and please gamble responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 20, 2025 • 31min
Indian Batters Delight
Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the first day's play from Headingley, dominated by India's batters after Ben Stokes put the tourists in. Yashasvi Jaiswal's expertise is admired, Shubman Gill's poise applauded, Rishabh Pant's audacity marvelled at. The England attack looked mostly impotent. It doesn't bode well, but the pitch promises lots of runs. This podcast is supported by Betfair. The odds on various outcomes can be found here - https://www.betfair.com/betting/cricket/test-matches/england-v-india/e-34417715 Remember you must be 18 or over to bet and please gamble responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 19, 2025 • 57min
The Analyst Live: Scary Moments
The first part of the Analyst podcast recorded infront of a live audience at the Square Club, Bristol in aid of Syd Lawrence and his MND fund. Featuring Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Vic Marks reliving some of their scariest experiences on the field (some involving Syd!) and in the commentary box. Includes a preview of the England v India Tests, our predictions, and stories from Vic's new book on England captains past and present. The Cricket Captains of England 1979-2025 by Vic Marks is published by Fairfield Books. In Syd's Voice: The Extraordinary Life of Dave Lawrence is also published by Fairfield Books. Both titles available to buy at fairfieldbooks.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 14, 2025 • 33min
South Africa Finally Find Gold
Live from Lord's, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann celebrate South Africa's historic victory in the World Test Championship final, analyse how they achieved it in a compelling match and against the odds, and assess what it means both for the Rainbow Nation itself and for the vanquished Australians. To be part of our live podcast on June 18 in Bristol visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 11, 2025 • 33min
The Home of Wickets
Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the first day of the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord's - the Home of Cricket - when fourteen wickets fell for little more than 250 runs. Australia predictably have the upper hand against South Africa's makeshift batting line-up after being bundled out themselves for 212. . England's T20 series whitewash of the West Indies is also assessed. Final reminder if you want to attend our live 'Scary Moments' podcast on June 18th in Bristol in aid of Syd Lawrences's MND cause - visit - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 5, 2025 • 49min
Its All in the Mind
A deep dive into the mental side of cricket (and sport) with former Lancashire player Nathan Wood, son of Barry Wood, who has set up Cricket Mind to help players deal with the mental side of the game. We explore what stresses and strains modern players of all ages and abilities experience and how to establish coping mechanisms with Mindset Coaching. If you are someone who plays superbly in the nets but can't convert it into runs in the middle, or are desperate to take that first five-fer or suffer from concentration lapses, this pdocast is for you. For more information or to set up a consultation visit cricketmind.online Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 3, 2025 • 47min
Windies Whitewashed; Virat Victorious
England batter the West Indies bowlers at The Oval to complete an emphatic 3-0 series win, as England successfully reboot their one day approach. Meanwhile Virat Kohli helps Royal Challengers Bangalore to a first ever IPL triumph in Ahmedabad. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss. Also a reminder of our live podcast evening on 18 June in aid of Syd Lawrence's MND fund. Tickets here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-analyst-inside-cricket-podcast-live-tickets-1353264403259?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices