Wisden Cricket Weekly

Phil & Yas discuss England's win at Melbourne, covering whether Jacob Bethell is now a lock at three for England, how Josh Tongue has emerged as one of England's brightest bowlers, and the dips in form for some of the Australian batters.  PATREONFor bonus podcasts and daily episodes after every England game, sign up to our Patreon!   patreon.com/wisdencricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England's thrilling win at the MCG is a focal point, marking their first victory in Australia in nearly 15 years. The hosts discuss the aggressive tactics that fueled their success and debate the implications of recent mistakes in team selection. Zach Crawley's impressive performance as an opener is highlighted, alongside concerns about Josh Tongue's fitness after his spectacular seven-wicket haul. The impact of pitch conditions and strategic management decisions also sparks lively discussion as they look ahead to future matches.

After 14 long years, England finally clinched an away Ashes Test victory, sparking immense relief and celebration among players like Ben Stokes and Joe Root. The hosts dissect critical moments, questioning if Australia could have sealed the match under pressure. They highlight key performances by Duckett, Crawley, and Bethell, while debating how batting last on a tricky wicket affected strategies. England's aggressive 'Bazball' tactics and the impact of poor pitch conditions add layers to the discussion, making this victory even more sweet.

In this discussion, cricket correspondent Matt Roller shares expert insights from the chaotic opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. With 20 wickets falling, Matt reflects on England's surprising collapse and praises their bowlers, especially Tong and Atkinson. He analyzes the tricky pitch conditions, comparing it to Perth's surface, and debates England's cautious batting strategy versus a more aggressive approach. Matt also touches upon the gamble of using Brydon Carse as a new-ball option and highlights Tommy Tongue’s impactful performance.

Phoebe Litchfield, a rising Australian international cricketer, shares her journey from backyard cricket to the national team. She reveals how playing multiple sports shaped her skills and discusses her experiences playing men's grade cricket at just 14. Phoebe highlights the importance of coach relationships and the tactical insights gained from various matches. She also reflects on her leadership ambitions and creative outlets outside cricket, while reminiscing about her impactful World Cup experience.

Matt and Yas dive into the latest England team news as the fourth Ashes Test approaches. Jofra Archer's injury raises concerns about England's bowling strength. They unpack the impact of Ollie Pope's omission and the recall of Bethell. The duo discusses the challenging MCG pitch conditions and England's spin dilemmas, particularly with Jack Leach's form. Additionally, they reflect on Ben Duckett's retention despite scrutiny. The stakes are high, and a comeback victory could reshape the team's future.

In this podcast, Andy, Head of Product at NV Play, dives into the company's innovative cricket technology aimed at democratizing match-day data and video. He discusses how NV Play empowers clubs and organizations with advanced scoring and analytics tools. The conversation also touches on the structural challenges in English cricket, the cultural and financial gaps compared to Australia, and Brendon McCullum's coaching future amidst the recent Ashes drama. It's an insightful blend of technology and cricket culture!

Mark Butcher, a former England cricketer turned commentator, joins to analyze England's disappointing performance during the Ashes series in Australia. He expresses frustrations about England's preparation and their top-order batting failures, pointing out crucial tactical mistakes. Butcher highlights Nathan Lyon's clever bowling as a key factor in Australia’s dominance and critiques England's spin selection. They also discuss the cultural issues within English cricket and how Australia’s structured domestic system benefits their team performance.

Australia retains the Ashes after a thrilling showdown in Adelaide, despite fierce resistance from England's Will Jacks and Jamie Smith. The hosts debate England's potential for a comeback and question their approach to ‘normal’ defeats. Key moments, like dropped catches and missed opportunities, are analyzed as pivotal to the match outcome. They also discuss the inexperience of England's players and the importance of preparation, as the team struggles to find form late in the series.

Ben and Yas dive into the drama of the third day in Adelaide, dissecting Travis Head's stellar century. They highlight England's struggles, pointing to inconsistent bowling and missed opportunities in the field. Concerns arise over fitness, particularly with Archer and Stokes, leaving the team's depth exposed. The discussion also reveals the contrasting spin impacts of Root and Jack, while emphasizing Australia's commanding position. It's a captivating analysis that keeps fans on the edge of their seats!