

The Analyst Inside Cricket
Simon Hughes
Analysis, opinion and great stories from the world of cricket. Presented by Simon Hughes, aka The Analyst and the BBC's Simon Mann. This is the place where you really find out what happened on the field, and off it, with the two Simons worldwide experiences and their famous guests.
Find us on the Sport Social website: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/the-analyst-inside-cricket/
Find us on the Sport Social website: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/the-analyst-inside-cricket/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 16, 2026 • 46min
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 16, 2026 • 54min
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 16, 2026 • 46min
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 46min
England Out Thought and Outplayed
England's Ashes tour ended in disappointment after a five-wicket defeat in Sydney. The hosts analyze the team's poor planning and execution, highlighting crucial fielding errors and missed opportunities. Ricky Ponting shares insights on player selections and the need for smarter tactics. They discuss the implications of off-field behavior and stress the importance of learning from this tough experience. Future selections for bowlers and the cultivation of spin talent in county cricket are also key topics, leaving listeners hopeful for improvement.

Jan 7, 2026 • 36min
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 6, 2026 • 31min
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 5, 2026 • 28min
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 4, 2026 • 35min
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 3, 2026 • 35min
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 29, 2025 • 42min
SHOULD STOKES BAT No.3?
Ashes Question Time: simon Hughes and Simon Mann field your comments and questions post the two-day MCG fiasco. Including - who should bat 3 for England, which should bowlers should play in Sydney now Gus Atkinson is also ruled out, what repercussions should there be post the tour and should the teams have played an exhibition match following the two-day Test? For our special deal on the Nord VPN subscription visit nordvpn.com/aic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


