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:...

  • 35 minutes 4 seconds
    Same Order Different Batting

    Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the 3rd Test in Adelaide which is of course make or break for England. After England's break in Noosa, Brendon McCullum speaks and declares that England will keep the same top seven, and also explains more about what he meant by England overtraining before the Brisbane Test. He is clear though that if they play much smarter cricket than they did in Brisbane they can wIn in Adelaide and then 'the narrative changes.' Follow our Cricverse blog on Substack for more on the Ashes https://cricverse.substack.com/p/all-in-good-time?r=lo2wd

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    14 December 2025, 11:17 am
  • 42 minutes 15 seconds
    SWANNSONG

    Graeme Swann was one of the stars of England's triumphant Ashes campaign of 2010/11. In this interview he recounts how England prepared for that series - with a graphic account of the infamous boot camp in Germany - the difficult start to the series in the Gabba, how they recovered and then went on to produce almost the perfect performance at the Adelaide Oval where England play next. Graeme Swann will be part of the TNT Sports commentary team for the next Test. This podcast is supported by Nord VPN visit https://nordvpn.com/analyst for your exclusive deal

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    12 December 2025, 5:06 am
  • 44 minutes 8 seconds
    FAN FURY

    Was Stokes right to suggest that some of his players are mentally weak? Should there be major changes if England lose the Ashes? Should they be going to Noosa for a 'mid-series break' or be practising in the nets? Do they need a psychologist or a shrink? Your Ashes questions answered with Simon Hughes and Simon Mann

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    8 December 2025, 9:29 am
  • 46 minutes 39 seconds
    England Gabbatoired

    Determined batting by Ben Stokes and Will Jacks at least took this 2nd Test into the final session of the 4th day at the Gabba. But from the moment England dropped five catches to allow Australia to make over 500 the barbequing of the English torso on the Brisbane coals was underway. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann hear from a sombre Ben Stokes and an ecstatic Adam Gilchrist in reviewing the match. Australia now have one hand firmly on the Ashes urn after only six day's cricket. #ashes #england #australia

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    7 December 2025, 1:24 pm
  • 34 minutes 37 seconds
    Darkness Descends

    England laboured to dismiss Australia's last four wickets in the heat of the Brisbane day and then collapsed to the Australia's willing seamers as darkness fell. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by Matt Hayden to analyse a dispiriting yet predictable third day at the Gabba which leaves England's Ashes hopes hanging by a thread. #ashes #england #australia

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    6 December 2025, 1:57 pm
  • 31 minutes 12 seconds
    Sacrificial Lambs

    England lose the plot with the ball and in the field on the second day at the Gabba, gifting Australia the initiative with poor bowling and dropped catches. But this Australian side are not as ruthless as some of their predecessors and at times handed the initiative back. But, as Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Steven Finn report, Australia still have a sizeable advantage. Can they convert it?

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    5 December 2025, 1:37 pm
  • 34 minutes 8 seconds
    No Ordinary Joe

    Joe Root has finally got the monkey of his back with an irrepressible hundred at the Gabba, his first in Australia and his 40th overall. It was the centrepiece of a compelling first day in Brisbane which England looked like squandering at several points, but was saved by Root's dedication and skill and an unexpected unbroken last wicket stand between him and Jofra Archer. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by Matt Prior to reflect on a day when Mitchell Starc became the world's leading left arm wicket taker. #ashes #england #australia #root

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    4 December 2025, 1:28 pm
  • 17 minutes 21 seconds
    ROBIN SMITH - AN APPRECIATION

    The cricket world has been stunned with the sudden death of the brilliant Hampshire and England batsman Robin Smith at the age of 62. Smith, known as The Judge for his wig-like hairstyle, possessed the most ferocious cut shot in the game and was fearless against fast bowling during a highly successful England career. This belied inner self-doubts and an almost apologetic nature that was at the heart of his problems post retirement. Simon Hughes, who played against Smith regularly, recalls his career with Simon Mann and cricket writer Simon Wilde who produced a definitive interview with Smith in the Sunday Times just last weekend.

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    3 December 2025, 1:03 pm
  • 33 minutes 8 seconds
    Who's in Charge?

    Simon Hughes and Simon Mann preview the second Ashes Test at the Gabba which England must win to have any chance of regaining the Ashes. This is a day-night pink ball test and they discuss the difficulties that presents, the way teams approach it and the changes in personel. There are rumours that Pat Cummins might return as captain. But whatever happens, England will make sure, if they arrive by electric scooter, that they wear helmets. This series is live and exclusive in the Uk on TNT Sports. #ashes #england #australia #pinkball

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    3 December 2025, 10:43 am
  • 54 minutes 34 seconds
    Hope Springs Eternal

    Simon Hughes an Simon Mann consider the state of the England team ahead of the second Ashes Test. And Simon Hughes then joins in a local radio show in Denmark, Western Australia to hear what the real Okkers think of the Poms. (Apologies for the slightly low sound levels on the second half.) #ashes #england #australia

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    1 December 2025, 1:52 pm
  • 1 hour 46 minutes
    SIMON JONES: SWING MAESTRO

    An in-depth interview with Simon Jones, one of the stars of England's 2005 Ashes triumph but who sadly never played for England again. He talks about his upbringing as the son of an England bowler, idolizing other great fast bowlers, the devastation of rupturing knee ligaments on his Ashes debut, the exhilaration of the 2005 Ashes success and the victory parade, the exasperation of constant injury problems and eventual retirement afterwards, and the work he's doing now to prevent injured cricketers falling on hard times. #ashes #swingbowling #england

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    28 November 2025, 7:00 am
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