
Hosted by Simon Hughes · EN

As the international summer gets properly underway, we analyse cricket commentary, how to get into it, what's the best approach , a few basic rules of engagement, some do's and don'ts.. We are joined by Gavin Scovell, senior ICC TV director who has directed a number of major events including World Cup finals and trained some of the most familiar voices on the airwaves. This is the first episode of a 2-part series and we are supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our latest IPL catch up, Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta focus on the three teams who have made it into the play-offs with one Gujurat Tiltans focussing as much on pace bowling as power hitting, with Kagiso Rabada bowling 92 mph rockets. The final qualifying place is still in the balance, to be decided this weekend. Can the precocious teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pull off another astonishing innings for the Rajasthan Royals. Probably given his last remarkable innings... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The recent announcement of an imminent change in the Laws of Cricket regarding bats will have a big effect on English willow producers. Simon Hughes went to Suffolk to experience the crafting of the willow clefts from which many of the world's great runmakers bats have come, including Sachin Tendulkar's. From October cricket bats in adult cricket do not have to be made from only one complete piece of willow as they have been since pretty much the beginning of time. When the new law has been introduced you’ll be able to use laminated bats – that basically can be made of several pieces of wood. This interview with Guy and Will Foskett reveals why the change is being made, what effect it will have and what you should look out for when choosing a new bat. And if you want to see how it all happens for yourself go to the Analyst YouTube channel and watch the video Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A review of some strange occurrances in the latest round of county championship matches, and some of your questions answered. Including - has Surrey's bubble burst, why is Jofra Archer not coming back for the first Test, how did Harry Brook take 3-11 and why is there no electrician at Taunton to fix the floodlights. This podcast is in association with SumUp - visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ for more information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emilio Gay, Sonny Baker, James Rew, and Rehan Ahmed are the (relatively) new faces in the England squad for the first Test against New Zealand in June. There is also a recall for Ollie Robinson. Zak Crawley is the main fall guy from the Ashes, plus Will Jacks, while Jofra Archer was not considered as he is still at the IPL (mind you so are Jacob Bethell and Rehan Ahmed.) Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse the selections and predict England's likely starting XI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the day Sonny Baker is selected for the England Test squad, Simon Hughes interviews the new fast bowling hope at his home ground. He talks about the people who’ve influenced him including Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie and overcoming the disappointment of his two one day international appearances last year. Also how Bone Broth and a meat-based diet has got him faster and fitter and which star player he would love to be for a day. For more information on Asthi Bone Broth visit www.weareasthi.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the latest round of County Championship matches we are sure of one England opener after Ben Duckett's excellent undefeated double hundred for Notts today. But after a shocking dismissal for 17 continuing a poor run of scores, Zak Crawley's fate is sealed. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann lament the fading of his star, and consider the likely replacements. They also discuss the astonishing hattrick on debut by Glamorgan's Tom Norton, Josh Tongue's continued hostility with the ball which caused England teammate Gus Atkinson to summon a concussion substitute, and which spinner, if any, will get the England call-up. This podcast is in association with SumUp and Making Tax Digital. Visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ for more details Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest round of Rothesay County Championship matches reviewed with Simon Hughes and Simon Mann. The dominance of the batters (with 78 centuries so far made in the two divisions) is reflected, notably Dom Sibley and Emilio Gay who each have two, the plight of bowlers sympathised with and Kent's decision to block comments on their social media accounts assessed. This podcast is also viewable on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some classic duels took place in the IPL this week. Virat Kohli v KG Rabada, Shubman Gill v Josh Hazlewood, Jos Buttler v Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against everyone. Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta convey the exhilaration of watching such talent on show, and marvel at the conflicting emotions and unbridled passion of Kohli himself. For more on Sooryavanshi's unique gifts visit The Cricverse on Substack . This podcast will also be available on The Analyst YouTube channel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zak Crawley suffered another disappointing return in the latest round of Rothesay county championship matches. Three top order challengers - Dom Sibley, Emilio Gay and Haseeb Hameed - stepped up with centuries in the last couple of days. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann run the rule over the contenders and assess their pros and cons as they try to assemble England's likely batting order for the first Test in just over a month's time. Plus - do we need DRS in county cricket? After last weekend's experiences several batsmen - including Crawley - would say definitely yes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices