The Analyst Inside Cricket

Sport Social Podcast Network

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:...

  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    2005 ASHES: 5th TEST - URN REGAINED

    The final episode of our specially produced series on the 2005 Ashes - when England finally regained the urn at the Oval after almost two decades without it. The epic series is still in the balance until the last day of this fifth and final Test, climaxing with the extraordinary maiden Test century by Kevin Pietersen. Features interviews with Michael Vaughan, Justin Langer, Freddie Flintoff, Adam Gilchrist, Simon Jones, Glenn McGrath and Andrew Strauss. The entire series can be watched on YouTube at
    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy

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    18 January 2026, 12:48 pm
  • 45 minutes 37 seconds
    2005 ASHES - 4th TEST (Trent Bridge)

    Continuing our recap of the epic 2005 Ashes, featuring the nerve-tingling Trent Bridge Test when England forced Australia to follow on for the first time for 20 years and then almost sacrificed themselves to the wizardly Warne. Features contributions from Michael Vaughan, Andrew Strauss, Simon Jones, Ashley Giles, Justin Langer and Glenn McGrath. Also viewable on YouTube - here's the full video playlist
    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy

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    17 January 2026, 9:46 am
  • 46 minutes 29 seconds
    2005 ASHES - 3rd TEST (Old Trafford)

    The gripping third Test of the 2005 Ashes, the one when Simon Jones delivered one of the greatest inswingers of all time, the ground was full on the last day with 20,000 turned away, Ricky Ponting had to be dragged off after six hours of defiance and Australia celebrated a draw. Watch the whole series on YouTube at
    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy

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    16 January 2026, 5:14 pm
  • 54 minutes 20 seconds
    2005 ASHES - THE GREATEST TEST (Edgbaston)

    Re-running our greatest Ashes audio and video series - this is the epic 2005 Edgbaston Test which eventually after a pulsating arm wrestle England won by two runs. Features interviews with many of the participants (including the late Shane Warne) and match action. Can also be watched on YouTube - full playlist here -
    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy

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    16 January 2026, 4:56 pm
  • 45 minutes 30 seconds
    2005 ASHES - 1ST TEST LORD'S

    To fill the void of no Test matchs til June and perhaps rekindle your love of Test cricket we're replaying our audio and video series on the epic 2005 Ashes, hearing from many of the participants. . This episode features the (first) Lord's Test and a proper feisty duel between the teams although of course Australia had the final say. You can watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GsfY3YLqONo

    Full playlist here -
    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcx2boKeCuyO7Ghenjl06tUwOyeaT5vy

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    16 January 2026, 4:43 pm
  • 46 minutes 20 seconds
    England Out Thought and Outplayed

    With their five wicket defeat in Sydney, England's Ashes tour ended in abject failure. A failure of planning, of selection, of execution and often of basic cricketing skills, in contrast to the man of the series - Mitchell Starc - who was immense throughout. The series was a huge disappointment to all the committed England fans and infact to Australians too, eager for a serious and sustained contest. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Ricky Ponting analyse where it all went wrong and what is to be done about it. They also consider players off-field behaviour after more embarrassing stories in the press about late-night disorderliness. It has been a wretched tour from a playing point of view. It is to be hoped that the players learn from the original school of hard knocks and come back stronger and better. This podcast is sponsored by Nord VPN. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/aic Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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    8 January 2026, 9:03 pm
  • 36 minutes 12 seconds
    The Special One Arrives

    Jacob Bethell has been earmarked for great things on sparse evidence. At the SCG he demonstrated what all the fuss has been about with an innings of great composure, skill and class to record a memorable first century in both first class and Test cricket. He maturely held England's fragile innings together to give them a very faint chance of victory on the last day of the tour. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Justin Langer offer their appreciation of an exceptional performance that promises a stunning future.

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    7 January 2026, 9:27 am
  • 30 minutes 34 seconds
    Smith Grinds Down England

    A debilitating and demoralising day for England in Sydney. Travis Head flays the bowling to record his 600th run in the series and then Steve Smith exploits tired bodies and minds to make his 37th Test hundred. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report and Glenn McGrath joins in to analyse why England can't maintain control with the ball.

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    6 January 2026, 8:44 am
  • 28 minutes 8 seconds
    England Aren't Learning

    Apart from a superb 41st Test century by Joe Root, another dispiriting day for England at the SCG as the batters didn't make the most of winning the toss and the bowlers couldn't sustain control. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on a day when at least the Barmy Army kept the home fires burning.

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    5 January 2026, 8:58 am
  • 34 minutes 53 seconds
    Clouded Thinking

    The first truly contested day in the Ashes is cruelly terminated by absurd weather rules in Sydney. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann report on an enterprising day by England dashed by ridiculous protocol and inflexible laws depriving 50,000 spectators of half a day's play. They also hear from Harry Borrk who is 78 not out overnight. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal - https://nordvpn.com/aic Try it risk free now with a 30-day money-back guarentee

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    4 January 2026, 8:58 am
  • 35 minutes 1 second
    England's Ben Expects

    Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground and hear from Ben Stokes who is on a mission to finish a difficult tour on a high despite admitting being unable to read how the pitch will play.

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    3 January 2026, 5:04 am
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