The County Chat

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The County Chat is a show based around all things English cricket. With a focus on the County Championship, the premiere English cricket competition. As historic counties face up against each other, in a slice of a retro England as the counties face off to see who's the best of that year. The County Chat breaks down the teams, the storylines and discussion around England cricket, with future episodes delving into what can make this competition better known and followed, as well as becoming a better proving ground for future England cricketers.

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45 episodes
Updated July 15

Episodes45

Newest first

March 24 · 34 min
2026 County Championship Season Previews. Episode 9 - Glamorgan
The County Chat previews all the county teams for the upcoming season, starting from last place finishers in division 2 all the way through to the division 1 winners from 2025. Glamorgan 2nd place finishers in County Championship Division 2 in 2025, will be in division 1 in 2026. Having lost their captain from that season, Glamorgan will be underdogs going into the 2026 season. Chapters Intro 00:00-01:38 Team overlook for 2026 and a look back at 2025 01:38-16:10 Standout player for 2025 and potential star performer for 2026 16:10-22:35 A look back at Glamorgan’s 2025 statistics 22:35-26:19 Potential first day XI/ 2026 predicted finish 26:19-31:45 Final thoughts and outro 31:45-34:01
March 21 · 29 min
2026 County Championship Previews. Episode 5 - Middlesex
The County Chat previews all the county teams for the upcoming season, starting from last place finishers in division 2 all the way through to the division 1 winners from 2025. In the fifth episode we cover Middlesex, the county that has the MCC as their landlords still are languishing in Division 2. Middlesex will be fighting tooth and nail to be back in Division 1 next year, The County Chat discusses what needs to happen for that to be the case and what might stand in their way. Chapters Intro 00:00-2:45 Team overlook and a look back at 2025 2:45-14:15 Standout player and potential star performer 14:15-18:58 A look back at 2025 statistics 18:58-22:30 Ryan higgins’ role and will that change? 22:30-24:20 Potential first day XI/ 2026 predicted finish 24:20-28:35 Outro 28:35-29:41
March 20 · 29 min
2026 County Championship Previews. Episode 8 - Durham
The County Chat previews all the county teams for the upcoming season, starting from last place finishers in division 2 all the way through to the division 1 winners from 2025. Following a shock relegation from division 1 of the County Championship, Durham will look to right that with a promotion push right away in 2026. Chapters Intro 00:00-01:10 Team overlook for 2026 and a look back at 2025 01:10-15:20 Standout player for 2025 and potential star performer for 2026 15:20-19:05 A look back at Durham’s 2025 statistics 19:05-24:30 Potential first day XI/ 2026 predicted finish 24:30-29:38
March 19 · 28 min
2026 County Championship Previews. Episode 7 - Worcestershire
The County Chat previews all the county teams for the upcoming season, starting from last place finishers in division 2 all the way through to the division 1 winners from 2025. In episode seven, we cover Worcestershire the first of the relegated teams from last year's division 1, after what was a very tough 2025 Worcestershire will hope to turn it around this year and get promotion straight back to division 1. Chapters Intro 00:00-01:34 Team overlook for 2026 and a look back at 2025 01:34-10:38 Standout player and potential star performer 10:38-15:01 A look back at Worcestershire’s 2025 statistics 15:01-18:50 Worcestershire’s home conditions and the effect that has on stats 18:50-20:10 Potential first day XI/ 2026 predicted finish 20:10-25:30 Outro 25:30-28:39
March 18 · 26 min
2026 County Championship Previews. Episode 6 - Derbyshire
The County Chat previews all the county teams for the upcoming season, starting from last place finishers in division 2 all the way through to the division 1 winners from 2025. In the sixth episode we cover Derbyshire, after a great season and a near promotion to Division 1, Derbyshire will be looking to go one step further in 2026. Chapters Intro 00:00-01:05 Team overlook for 2026 and a look back at 2025 01:05-12:28 Standout player and potential star performer 12:28-16:15 A look back at Derbyshire’s 2025 statistics 16:15-20:55 Potential first day XI/ 2026 predicted finish 20:55-25:53 Outro 25:53-26:35
March 13 · 27 min
2026 County Championship Season Previews. Episode 4 - Lancashire
The County Chat previews all the county teams for the upcoming season, starting from last place finishers in division 2 all the way through to the division 1 winners from 2025. In the fourth episode we cover the red rose county of Lancashire, one of the largest counties in England currently languishing in Division 2. We look at their team for 2026 and review their 2025 season, looking forward to how they may perform. Chapters Intro 00:00-1:29 Team Overlook and look back at 2025 1:29-10:30 Standout player and potential star performer 10:30-13:45 A look back at Lancashire’s 2025 statistics 13:45-18:55 Lancashire’s strength in depth and Mitch Perry’s strong season 18:55-20:47 Potential first day lineup and 2026 predicted finish 20:47-25:46 Outro 25:46-27:19
March 11 · 29 min
2026 County Championship Season Previews. Episode 3 - Gloucestershire
The County Chat previews all the county teams for the upcoming season, starting from last place finishers in division 2 all the way through to the division 1 winners from 2025. In the third episode we cover Gloucestershire, who following a tough off-season, with lots of players leaving will hope for some improvement following 2025. Chapters Intro 00:00-2:12 Team Overlook and look back at 2025 2:12-12:50 Standout player and potential star performer 12:50-16:27 A look back at Gloucestershire’s 2025 statistics 16:27-20:00 Bowling problems for Gloucestershire 20:00-21:57 Potential first day lineup and 2026 predicted finish 21:57-27:59 Outro 27:59-29:03
March 10 · 22 min
2026 County Championship Season Previews. Episode 2 - Northants
The County Chat previews all the county teams for the upcoming season, starting from last place finishers in division 2 all the way through to the division 1 winners from 2025. With that the second episode is Northamptonshire, covering the county and all their strengths and weaknesses with a brief review of the 2025 season. Chapters Intro 00:00-00:45 Team Overlook and look back to 2025 00:45-11:50 Standout player and Potential Star Performer 11:50-13:47 A look at 2025 statistics for Northants 13:47-17:39 First Day XI/2026 predicted finished 17:39-21:15 Outro 21:15-22:11
March 9 · 25 min
2026 County Championship Season Previews. Episode 1 - Kent
The County Chat previews all the county teams for the upcoming season, starting from last place finishers in division 2 all the way through to the division 1 winners from 2025. The first episode covers Kent, after a poor 2025 how will the Canterbury based side look for 2026 and who will be their standout players. Chapters Intro 00:00-02:20 Team Overlook and look back to 2025 02:20-13:30 A look at 2025 statistics for Kent 13:30-18:05 Standout player and Potential Star Performer 18:05-20:46 First Day XI/2026 predicted finished 20:46-25:01 Outro 25:01-25:49
February 12 · 23 min
Sussex Cricket bailed out by the ECB - What does this mean for county cricket?
Sussex Cricket have been bailed out by the ECB, this video discusses how this happened and what it means for county cricket in a wider sense. A discussion of the Leonard Curtis Financial report, and what this shows is the systemic faults within the County Cricket system and its financial viability going forward.
January 31 · 30 min
Luke Wright axed as a chief selector - where next for England Cricket?
Luke Wright steps down as the ECB's chief selector, time to discuss who might replace him and why the emphasis must be on a change in selection mindset to harness the psychological skills and mentality that has hallmarked the Bazball era. This video talks all about where England's cricket red ball team must go to start challenging for World Test Championships, rather than attempting to be the most entertaining test match team. Chapters Intro and Rob Key’s goodbyes to Luke Wright (the head that has rolled) 00:00-03:10 Does the next selector need to be ying to McCullum’s yang? 03:10-07:05 Why England’s performance down under means more systemic issues must be addressed 07:05-11:27 What has been McCullum’s best skill? His coaching of mentality and his star pupil in Joe Root, is that the blueprint for selection going forward? 11:27-13:09 Why Hameed replacing Crawley would be a start in a new era of selection policy for Bazball 13:09-16:24 How England must also be aware of Ben Stokes’ career arc and who will come next as captain? 16:24-18:38 How having a more diverse selection policy will lead to better talent identification in years to come but how Luke Wright et al must get credit for players like Bethell 18:38-22:11 What England should learn from Australia’s selection policy and other international teams 22:11-24:31 Why I think Hameed is a perfect example of a player who can redefine this era of selection. 24:31-27:03 Cook and Stewart examples of a more alternative and old school approach to test cricket 27:03-29:59 Outro 29:59-30:25
January 11 · 32 min
The Ashes Inquiry - Who's head's will Roll
The ashes are over and Australia have won 4-1. A predictable result, but plenty to reflect on with lots of off the field problems and general frustration from England fans on the product that was produced down in Australia. Especially given the financial aspect of English fans travelling down under. A lack of planning? Far too loose on and off the field? And where does England cricket go now? All discussed in this video. Chapters Intro 00:00-00:42 Will England have a regime change 00:42-06:20 Australia’s home dominance and how they won the Ashes 06:20-09:25 Australian cricket summer and free view test cricket - a game changer? 09:25-13:15 Drop in wickets and the future of Australian test wickets 13:15-17:08 Was Perth day 2 the moment England lost the test series? 17:08-22:30 The standout players of the series 22:30-27:24 Ashes captaincy comparison 27:24-32:22
Dec 16, 2025 · 58 min
Liam Before Wicket and The County Chat - The Ashes are 2-0 with 3 matches left are the Ashes over?
Liam Before Wicket and I discuss the Ashes two test matches in, as England fans we review the first two tests and look to see if there is any optimism to take for the next three. As English fans we discuss all the things that went wrong with the first two tests, as well as all things wrong with England cricket in a wider sense. As well as how Australia’s dominance often feels inevitable in tours of the country and why that often happens. Chapters 00:00- 02:32- Intro and intro chat 02:32-06:05 - Any potential optimism as England fans? 06:05-13:05 The bizarre Bashir situation and England’s general spin problems 13:05-20:00 England’s loyalty to players, a long term problem? 20:00-33:18 Is England’s bowling group good enough to win test matches in Aus? 33:18-36:15 Does the squad selection show systemic issues with England’s pathways for talent? 36:15-41:40 What have Australia done well to be 2-0 after 2 tests? 41:40-43:50 Where are England’s match winners for the future? 43:50-47:08 What will Australia’s XI look at Adelaide and beyond? 47:08-51:06 Is the Adelaide surface just what England need? 51:06-58:27 What England players would you like to get a chance in the next 3 tests? 58:27-58:51 Outro and thanks for watching!
Dec 11, 2025 · 24 min
2nd Ashes test review - England slaughtered at the Gabbatoire
A full deep dive into the 2nd test match, dissecting all that happened in Brisbane to leave Australia 2-0 up in the series. Timestamps (chapters) 00:00-01:39 - Intro 01:39-04:25 - Joe Root’s 100 relief and bazballs’ batting 04:25-08:42 - Test match review where was it won and lost? 08:42-11:20 - Will Jacks inclusion over Bashir a positive to take? Have England got their selections right? 11:20-17:15 How Australia are 2-0 up and their bold selection of Neser 17:15-18:32 How England could learn from Australian selection policy. 18:32-19:20 How dropping Nathan Lyon was so brave in such a big series 19:20-23:47 Last comments on how Australia won in Brisbane 23:47-24:42 Outro and new vids coming!
Nov 25, 2025 · 25 min
1st Ashes test review - Bazball shown up?... by Travball.
A review of the first Ashes test match. England's aggressive Bazball approach, shown up by a special Travis Head knock. Breaking down the 1st test match and how the rest of the series looks. Intro 00:00-01:25 Were England overhyped and overcooked for the 1st test? 01:25-03:27 England's new age test cricket vs Aussies classical test cricket? 03:27-06:10 England not ruthless? Or Australian excellence? 06:10-10:00 Why did England look so undercooked? 10:00-13:02 Did Australia just realise their best line-up? 13:02-14:45 'It's the hope that kills you' 14:45-17:36 Should England have sent batters to the extra warm up game? 17:36-20:59 Is a big gap between tests matches, a good or bad thing for England? 20:25-22:45 What will Australia's squad look like? 22:45-23:37 Hoping for a more competitive next 4 tests. 23:37-25:57
Nov 5, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Ashes special episode with Liam Before Wicket
A county chat episode all about the Ashes, with special guest Liam Before Wicket. A discussion about all the major talking points moving into the Ashes in Australia this November and December. A huge episode before one of the most highly anticipated series in a long time. Chapters Intro 00:00-01:02 Thoughts on the England squad 01:02-04:59 The Ollie Robinson dilemma 04:59-10:19 Brook replacing Pope as vice-captain 10:19-12:05 Bethell a superstar but where should he bat? 12:05-13:58 England's ashes prep and what is the England Lions now? 13:58-16:50 How England Lions selection criteria will effect county champ performers (no room for late developers) 16:50-21:13 English vs Australian differing mindsets on national selection 21:13-29:54 Pat Cummins missing in the 1st test how big of an impact? 29:54-34:30 Smith vs Cummins who's the real captain (and should be allowed)? 34:30-38:26 Australian selection and the batting order what will their team look like? 38:26-44:41 England's batting line up consistency vs Australia's inconsistency 44:41-48:49 Aussie pitches and what that will mean for England's selection 48:49-57:12 England's spinner debate and looking back to the success of 2010-11 57:12-01:02:00 Is the series as simple as how England's batting does against Australia bowling? 01:02:00-01:06:43 India series this summer a perfect preparation for the Ashes? 01:06:43-01:07:40 England and the moral victory where did it come from? 01:07:40-01:08:45 Did 2023 ashes make for a particularly heated build-up for this series? 01:08:45-01:12:40 Hoping for a feisty ashes and plenty of stump mic moments 01:12:40-01:15:40 Outro 01:15:40-01:16:23
Oct 27, 2025 · 1 hr
The County Chat in Conversation with... Michael Booth
The County Chat talks to Michael Booth, all about his unique cricketing life starting in Zimbabwe to South Africa to playing for Warwickshire in the County Championship. Hear all about his story and life, in the newest episode of in Conversation with.
Oct 16, 2025 · 20 min
The County Chat's breakout players from the 2025 season
Picking out 5 players who had particularly remarkable seasons in 2025. With a specific look at breakout players, who made massive strides forward both in just their performance and their reputation within English cricket Intro 00:00-01:27 George Hill 01:27-04:20 James Coles 04:20-07:50 Ben Kellaway 07:50-11:45 Rehan Ahmed 11:45-15:12 Saif Zaib 15:12-19:21 Outro 19:21-20:50
Oct 10, 2025 · 16 min
Kookaburra ball discontinued in the County Championship - The County Chat's instant reaction
One of the most talked about topics in the English cricket world, has a massive update. The heads of the counties have voted to get rid of the Kookaburra ball for county championship in future years. A big talking point of the last 4 years in English cricket, comes to an abrupt end. The County Chat discusses the pros and cons of it whilst it was in use, but also the future ramifications it has on English cricket.
Oct 3, 2025 · 27 min
England and Lions ashes squad selection reaction and discussion
The County Chat dives into England's ashes squads, both England Lions and the full England squad. A discussion of who may have been unlucky to miss out, following excellent domestic seasons. Further discussion on where the county championship now falls into international selection, with a squad which lacks many consistent performers from the English domestic circuit. 00:00-01:28 Introduction 01:28-02:53 England Lions squad overview 02:53-06:30 The dwindling role of county champ performance in England selection 06:30-10:14 Analysis on selected players 10:14-14:05 The disconnect between county cricket and English international cricket 14:05-20:06 The County Chat's alternative Lions squad 20:06-27:02 Final Thoughts on selection criteria