The Analyst Inside Cricket

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.