The Analyst Inside Cricket

Simon Hughes

Proper cricketing analysis, opinion and insight from former Middlesex bowler Simon Hughes, aka The Analyst, the BBC's Simon Mann, and former England keeper and Ashes winner Matt Prior. The most authoritative cricket podcast out there..

Find us on the Sport Social website: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/the-analyst-inside-cricket/

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45 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 36 min
English

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Today · 52 min
JUSTIN LANGER ON SOUTH AFRICA V AUSTRALIA
In this episode, Australian cricket legend and coach Justin Langer shares insights on changing cricket techniques, leadership, mental strength, and his personal journey, including a powerful story about overcoming fears and the importance of fundamentals in sports and life. He explains to Simon Hughes what it was like taking over the Australian team after the sandpapergate scandal and revisits the famous scene of him kicking over the dressing room waste bin during the 2019 Headingley Test. We also explore the difficulties of finding Test quality opening batsmen - worldwide - and preview the forthcoming Test series between South Africa and Australia starting on Friday. This podcast is brought to you by Rothesay - your future in safe hands. For more information on Rothesay's support of Test cricket click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Monday · 45 min
RANKING THE WORLD'S BEST FAST BOWLERS
The forthcoming Test series between South Africa and Australia pits some of the world's finest fast bowlers against each other. But who is the most valuable fast bowler in the world? Simon Hughes and Simon Mann discuss this with data expert Ahyan Sikandar who has modelled different ways of evaluating fast bowlers - best 'per ball', best 'team' player and 'most 'valuable.' So who comes out top?!! And who, surprisingly, takes lots of wickets but seems to diminish the impact of his teammates? This podcast is in association with Claude - Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/ANALYST. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thursday · 37 min
SUSSEX REJUVENATION UNDERWAY
Covering the climax to the Rothesay County Championship, Simon Hughes pays a visit to Hove to watch Sussex's battle with holders Nottinghamshire. He also hears the energetic plans from Sussex’s new chairman Ed Warner to make the county the pride of the south coast again, assisted by some of the county’s finest ex-players like Matt Prior. Clearly they mean business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 29 · 55 min
A SONNY DISPOSITION
England's exciting young fast bowler Sonny Baker shares insights into his rapid rise in international cricket, his approach to bowling fast and swinging the ball, and his training and recovery routines. He explains how he adapts to conditions, his influences, and how his trusty Asthi bone broth keeps him in peak condition. He also reveals his highlights of the summer, why he's loving the older ball and how he practices his devastating yorker. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Sonny Baker's Summer Highlights 02:51 Journey from Debut to International Success 03:16 Influence of Mark Wood and Team Energy 05:40 Bowling at the Oval and Swing Techniques 07:45 Science of Swing and Ball Seaming 09:40 Personal Ball Selection and Tape Technique 12:53 Bowling at the Moment of Impact and Key Deliveries 14:48 Impact of Conditions and Strategy in Bowling 19:19 Body Care, Nutrition, and Recovery Routine 22:33 Use of Bone Broth and Nutrition Tips 26:40 Bowling Technique and Mental Preparation 30:17 Adapting Line and Length in Real Time 36:23 Death Bowling and Key Wickets 41:49 Bowling at Mitchell Marsh and Fast Bowling Skills 44:24 The Origin of the Yorker and Practice Tips 47:50 Future Plans, World Cup, and Franchise Tournaments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 27 · 44 min
ENGLAND SPRINT TO THE FINISH
England's final act of the longest, hottest cricket season in memory was to crush feebl Sri Lanka by the colossal margin of 223 runs. It doesn't entirely camouflage England's long-form deficiencies but it was an impressive finish. The two Simon's discuss the current state of the England cricket team,, who are the winners and losers, how their three to follow fared during the season, reflect on a tight Rothesay County Championship tussle and reveal the extraordinary evolution of the reverse sweep with the man who founded it. This podcast is supported by Rothesay - for more information on their support of English cricket click this link Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 26 · 29 min
WARWICKSHIRE SEIZE NINTH TITLE
A superb bowling performance by Warwickshire seized an innings victory over Leicestershire to claim their ninth County Championship title. Ethan Bamber was star finishing with 69 wickets for the season but there were other stars too. Simon Hughes watches the final chapter at Edgbaston sat amongst the Bears faithful fans and infiltrates their celebrations to speak to some of their heroes including Bamber, Rob Yates and captain Ed Barnard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 24 · 36 min
LAWRENCE SPOILS SOMERSET'S PARTY
11 points behind Rothesay County Championship leaders Warwickshire in the final round of games, Somerset's chances of a first-ever title were slim. Now after a tough first day at Surrey's and Dan Lawrence's expense, and with Warwickshire demolishing Leicester for 125, they are hanging by a thread. Simon Hughes spent the day at Taunton sampling the atmosphere and hearing from two great Somerset stalwarts Vic Marks and Craig Overton. This podcast is sponsored by Rothesay - Your Future in Safe Hands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 22 · 40 min
ENGLAND DO WOODY PROUD
On the day Mark Wood announced his international retirement on his home ground, England trumped Sri Lanka in the first of three odis. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann commend England on a solid performance to defeat a timid Sri Lanka by 89 runs,. Later they pay tribute to the passion, determination and fortitude of Mark Wood to overcome a catalogue of injuries and take 250 wickets for England in all competitions with some of the fastest deliveries ever seen in this country. Woody gave it everything and the exhilarating sight of him charging in will be sorely missed. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/aic Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 18 · 45 min
BAMBER DRIVES BEARS TO THE TOP
Ethan Bamber's 60 wickets this season is having a major impact on Warwickshire's Rothesay County Championship title drive. Bamber's 6-26 routed Essex and sent the Bears to the top of the table. The Bears now lead Somerset by 11 points with one round of matches to go. Bamber, from an acting family, moved from Middlesex in 2025 and discusses the advantages of playing at Edgbaston rather than Lord's, how he has learnt to accept the plaudits for his consistent wicket-taking and how he would really like to be Allan Donald for. a day. He also nominates his ace-snaffler second slip Rob Yates as the Rothesay Safe Hands award winner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 15 · 37 min
TOUGH DAY AT THE OFFICE
The 21 year old debutant Razaullah, who was selling vegetables with his father in Pakistan last week, demolishes Englands unsuspecting attack with a scintillating lower order assault containing a remarkable nine sixes. It was reminscent of Shahid 'Boom Boom' Afridi and capped a trying day for England of missed chances, one dimensional bowling and finally some determined Pakistan resistance. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on what England could have done better and Matt Prior dwells on the one high point of England's day, the keeping of Jordan Cox. To support Capital Kids Cricket and our annual match for the Peter Hughes Foundation visit ⁠peterhughesfoundation.org Toyota, ECB’s Principal Partner, have a fantastic free fundraising platform to help grassroots/local cricket clubs - The Toyota Good For Cricket Prize Draw. There are £200,000 worth of prizes on offer including three new Toyota cars and money can’t buy experiences. To enter you go to www.toyotagoodforcricket.co.uk find your club and buy Prize Draw tickets to support them. 100% of the money raised goes straight to your nominated club. The draw runs from 00:00 on 31 March 2026 to 23:59 on 30 September 2026. Open to UK residents aged 18+. Ticket bundles start from £5. Free entry route available. T&Cs apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 13 · 41 min
STERNER TESTS AWAIT
England win the Test series against Pakistan 3-0. It's a cause for minor celebration, reversing the direction that England seemed to be heading earlier in the summer, but what does it prove? What is the best England batting order going forward, and how effective will this England bowling attack be in South Africa? Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the entrails, evaluate the winners and losers and also ask where this now leaves Pakistan. This podcast is supported by Nord VPN - To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan, go to nordvpn.com/aic To support Capital Kids Cricket or find out more go to peterhughesfoundation.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 11 · 25 min
PAKISTAN HUMILIATION LOOMING
With two wickets in his first over - again - Ollie Robinson threatened Pakistan with the prospect of an embarrassing two-day innings defeat in the final Test at Edgbaston. But the weather and some third wicket resistance won them a brief stay of execution. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann watch England pile up 453 having been 39-3 and totally dominate the second day until the last half hour. This podcast was brought to you by Rothesay Protecting Pensions. Also Toyota's grass roots initiative - the Toyota Good for Cricket prize draw - is discussed. To sign up go to www.toyotagoodforcricket.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 9 · 33 min
A DAY TO CELEBRATE
At least a more competitive day of Test cricket to crown our 1000th episode of this podcast which began in the relatively early days of podcasting in 2017. Older and balder and probably no wiser, Simon Hughes and Simon Mann still try to break down the day's play and explain the finer points to our loyal audience, as Pakistan try and largely fail to deal with England's probing seam attack. Also in this episode some brief highlights of some of the 1000th episodes and a few clips of our favourite guests. Thanks to Rothesay for supporting this episode, and also to Claude ai. Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/ANALYST. Onwards and upwards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 8 · 36 min
KP TO THE RESCUE
Simon Mann and Matt Prior discuss the upcoming third and final Test match in this series between England and Pakistan, held at Edgbaston from 9th September. Alongside this, they chat about the appointment of former England batter Kevin Pietersen as a specialist advisor to the England white-ball setup. Huge thank you to Rothesay for sponsoring this podcast and protecting the pensions of one million people. Your future in safe hands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 30 · 38 min
RUTHLESS ENGLAND RANSACK PAKISTAN
England's bowling formula was too potent for Pakistan in both these Rothesay Tests. Ollie Robinson, born in Margate, produced more magic, but he was excellently supported by the venemous Jofra Archer, the rampaging Josh Tongue and the unlucky Gus Atkinson. Jamie Smith also kept wicket superbly. England can be proud of their two victories but much sterner challenges await. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior review the match, analyse England's strengths and discuss what Joe Root might do about his recent propensity to be dismissed lbw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 29 · 22 min
ENGLAND TURN THE SCREW
A truncated day at Lord's, but England extended their lead in the match to 357 thanks to an enterprising unbeaten 50 from Dan Lawrence. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann look back on a tough day for batsmen, and wicketkeepers stood up to the stumps in seamer-friendly conditions. Take a bow Pakistan's Mohammed Rizwan who will presumably have his battered fingers in glasses of ice tonight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 28 · 23 min
ENGLAND DEMOLISH MEEK PAKISTAN
Another day of England dominance over Pakistan, who now have a 261 run lead with 7 wickets in hand. After a perky last wicket stand,mthe England bowlers held sway with the ball, led by the metronomic Ollie Robinson who at one point had 4-7 and the venomous Jofra Archer. Pakistan folded meekly for 110. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann applaud England's exploitation of the conditions, and bemoan Pakistan's lack of fight, despite their bowlers briefly striking back in the evening. Also in this episode how the bowlers were once consigned to a glorified shed at Lord's while the batsmen luxuriated in the grandeur of the pavilion. This episode supported by Rothesay - protecting the pensions of 1m people and securing the future of Test cricket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 27 · 34 min
PAKISTAN BOUNCE BACK
Under overcast skies it was a day of old fashioned skills at Lords. Nagging line and length from Mohammed Abbas, early wickets, patience and selectivity from England especially Jordan Cox and some erratic fielding from Pakistan, sloppy one minute and slick the next. Simon Hughes Simon Mann and Matt Prior review a day of tough batting from which England may have earned a alight advantage. This podcast is brought to you by Rothesay protecting the pensions of 1m people and parntering with the ECB to secure the future of Test cricket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 26 · 55 min
THAT'S ANOTHER FINE MESS.....
England's preparations for a Test match are once again hijacked by off-field scandal. The long-suffering Joe Root reacts with frustration at the latest Brydon Carse shenanigans but promises that things will get straightened out sooner or later. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior bemoan the stupidity of the modern player and Prior explains how the players drawing up their own behavioural charter in 2010 worked wonders and eventually got England to no1. Also in this episode memories of another scandal - the no-ball fiasco of the 2010 Lord's Test - resulting in extensive bans and prison sentences for the culprits - and a preview of the next Test at Lord's starting on Thursday,. And - Prior admits to being tempted by a hair transplant years ago, but was talked out of it... This episode is brought to you by Rothesay, protecting pensions for nearly a million people and official title partner of England Test cricket. Rothesay. Your future in safe hands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 21 · 28 min
ENGLAND EXTINGUISH POOR PAKISTAN
With Ollie Robinson's wicket to the first ball of the match, this game was over almost before it had begun. Pakistan were poor with bat, ball and especially in the field - a pale shadow of their once proud and distinguished team. England were disciplined and clinical and never let them back into the game which ended before tea on the 3rd day with a comprehensive Innings victory for England. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann reflect on what England can learn from it (not a lot!) and pick out the high points. Joe Root also congratulates his players and bemoans no more Tests at Headingley for three years, after seven successive victories on his home ground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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