Does the modern game of cricket still need the West Indies?

Once the most feared force in world cricket, West Indies now sit on the margins of the Test game — and this episode asks the uncomfortable question many fans are thinking but rarely say out loud.

Sanjay Murthy is joined by former Leicestershire cricketer and editor Damian Brandy to explore what really went wrong: from administration and infrastructure, to poor pitches, player incentives, franchise cricket, and the failure to adapt to the modern era.

This is not nostalgia. It’s an honest conversation about whether Test cricket is weaker without a strong West Indies — and whether the decline was inevitable, avoidable, or self-inflicted.

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Thoughtful, long-form cricket conversations — we’re pushing towards 200 subscribers.

00:00 – The uncomfortable question: does cricket still need the West Indies?
01:18 – Damian Brandy’s early career & life in professional cricket
02:36 – Big personalities, pressure & mental health in county cricket
04:19 – Would players thrive more in today’s environment?
05:28 – Why this conversation really matters now
06:30 – Excuses vs reality in West Indies cricket
08:29 – Why the legends keep coming back — and why it hasn’t worked
10:07 – Money, World Series Cricket & what never changed
12:23 – Is forced Caribbean unity part of the problem?
13:06 – Asking “why” until you reach the real issue
14:35 – The shocking standard of West Indies pitches
15:42 – How bad wickets destroy batting technique
16:41 – Talent isn’t the issue — development is
17:37 – A 10-year rebuild: what would actually fix it
18:16 – Do young West Indians even want to play Test cricket?
19:50 – What India got right with the IPL
20:49 – Can the CPL genuinely save West Indies cricket?
21:47 – How T20 cricket has changed Test cricket forever
22:20 – Administration vs culture: who’s really responsible?
23:16 – Could West Indies cricket disappear from Tests?
24:18 – Would Test cricket be weaker without them?
25:06 – Final thoughts: legacy, relevance, and reality

#cricket #westindies #ipl

England have finally won a Test match in Australia — their first since 2011.

But does this victory actually mean England have learned anything from this Ashes series?

In this episode of Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones react to England’s win on a wildly uneven pitch, discuss Jacob Bethell’s role, the return of controlled bowling lengths, and why this result doesn’t necessarily answer the bigger questions about batting, balance, and spin.

From Shoaib Bashir and Will Jacks, to selection headaches for Sydney, pitch preparation, and whether England are clearer about their future than Australia — this is a calm, honest assessment of a rare away win.

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We’re closing in on 200 subscribers — daily, thoughtful Ashes analysis without the noise.

00:00 – England finally win in Australia
00:35 – Relief… mixed with doubt
01:13 – Have England actually learned anything?
02:12 – Jacob Bethell’s 40: context matters
03:03 – The ramp, the defence & the Barmy Army
04:29 – Why the pitch dictated everything
05:58 – 10mm of grass: how this wicket went wrong
07:05 – Why defence didn’t matter on this surface
08:12 – No team reached 200: what does that tell us?
09:10 – Bowlers bounce back: Carse & Tongue respond
10:36 – Will Jacks: batter first, spinner second?
12:05 – Shoaib Bashir’s impossible situation
13:53 – Two-day Tests: fair or farcical?
16:43 – What a “good” Test pitch should actually do
18:19 – ICC pitch ratings: flawed logic?
19:52 – Was this wicket fair for cricket?
21:24 – Closing in on 200 subscribers
22:09 – True or False: Ashes absurdities
26:28 – Bob Willis and Ashes history
27:57 – Should fans get something on day three?
31:12 – England clarity vs Australia uncertainty
34:53 – Australia’s batting worries
36:39 – Who’s next for Australia?
38:07 – Listener questions: pressure & distractions
45:00 – Is everything psychological warfare?
47:48 – England leave Australia with a win
48:27 – Final thoughts & New Year sign-off

England are under intense pressure — on the pitch, off the pitch, and under the microscope of an Ashes tour in Australia.

In this Day One MCG analysis, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones go beyond the scorecard to discuss what a brutal Ashes tour really feels like for players when results go against you.

From a 20-wicket day, to Brydon Carse’s struggles, Ben Stokes’ captaincy, Harry Brook’s instincts, and the scrutiny around Ben Duckett and team culture — this episode is about pressure, preparation, and reality.

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If you value calm, honest cricket insight during the biggest series in the game, hit subscribe — we’re closing in on 200.

00:00 – 20 wickets: chaos at the MCG
01:11 – Christmas on Ashes tour: inside the bubble
04:27 – Why this pitch offered too much
05:51 – England bowlers finally adapting
07:05 – Brydon Carse: no control, no evolution
09:10 – Is Ben Stokes’ captaincy being judged fairly?
10:51 – Has England’s bowling approach finally changed?
11:19 – Why this bowling group is England’s future
13:11 – Analysts, preparation & what’s missing
15:32 – Harry Brook charging Starc: madness or method?
18:03 – England 110 all out: context matters
19:42 – The Ben Duckett video: scrutiny in the modern game
22:23 – Is there a drinking culture problem in cricket?
26:47 – What players are really dealing with off the pitch
30:44 – Away Ashes vs home pressure
32:01 – Road to 200 subscribers
34:18 – True or False: Warner, Curran & MCG drama
36:32 – Rob Key fronts up: honesty vs results
41:39 – Aggression vs “dumb” cricket
43:29 – Why no one wants a two-day Test
44:39 – Shane Warne: genius and theatre
46:39 – Session-by-session verdict
48:25 – Final thoughts: pressure tells all

#Ashes #EnglandCricket #TestCricket #CricketDebate #CricketShorts #Shorts

The Ashes are gone — not after five Tests, but after 10 days.

In this Day Five analysis, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones break down where England’s tour unravelled, why Australia managed the series better, and how preparation, adaptability, and decision-making ultimately decided everything.

From batting time and run rates, to selection, culture, and leadership, this episode explains why England were outplayed — and what must change before the next Ashes cycle.

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Straight-talking cricket insight, without noise or nostalgia.

00:00 – Ashes done in 10 days: final verdict
01:02 – Why Australia played the situation better
02:15 – Batting time: the stat that explains the series
03:03 – Why England never controlled the new ball
04:02 – Run rates, tempo & game management
05:18 – “If they’re learning, it’s too late”
06:33 – Preparation failures exposed
07:10 – One-pace England vs adaptable Australia
08:28 – How Australia controlled first & second innings

09:37 – Risk strategy thrown back in England’s face
10:36 – Fatigue, day five & mental toll
12:53 – 2005 vs 2006-07: how Ashes cycles turn
15:53 – Personnel loss vs structural failure
18:06 – Culture, confidence & the McCullum model
19:18 – Backroom staff, scrutiny & accountability
21:15 – Is culture overrated if results don’t follow?
22:26 – Subscriber thanks + True or False
24:16 – 1912 Ashes oddity explained
27:26 – Is a 5–0 whitewash inevitable?
28:20 – Plan A failed — where was Plan B?
30:36 – Signs of progress… too late
32:56 – McCullum’s messaging: clarity lost?
36:54 – Why wholesale change is a mistake
39:12 – Should McCullum’s role change?
41:24 – Thinkers vs doers: the Ferguson model
43:29 – Listener question: preparation & analysts
47:10 – Aussie perspective: brutal honesty
49:18 – Winning vs “entertainment” cricket
51:52 – The dismissal that summed up the series
52:24 – Final thoughts: learn, adapt, move forward

#Ashes #EnglandCricket #TestCricket #AustraliaCricket #CricketAnalysis

#Ashes2025 #CloseOfPlay

For the first time this series, England showed signs of proper Test cricket thinking.

Day four brought application, patience, and smarter decision-making — even if the result now feels inevitable. Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones break down what finally changed, why it happened too late, and what this performance tells us about England’s preparation, mentality, and future selection.

From Zac Crawley’s discipline, to Alex Carey’s elite wicketkeeping, to the unseen mental toll players now face in the social-media era — this episode goes beyond the scorecard.

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Straight-talking cricket insight, without shouting or spin.

YouTube https://youtu.be/fxxis0qnsKY

00:00 – Uncharted territory: analysing day four
00:53 – England finally apply themselves
01:35 – Is this proper Test cricket too late?
02:30 – Why Australia’s discipline forced England to adapt
03:30 – How hard is it really to win in Australia?
04:53 – Crawley at the press conference: pressure and reality
06:55 – Why England weren’t “surprised” — just slow to adapt
08:50 – Fatigue, franchise cricket & touring realities
11:46 – Why players don’t play grade cricket anymore
13:53 – Cooperation between boards: fantasy vs reality
14:52 – Alex Carey: the standout of the Test
16:19 – Elite wicketkeeping explained (posture & technique)
19:44 – Duckett, bounce & technical limitations
21:26 – Should batters be selected by conditions?
23:14 – Why bowlers are treated differently to batters
24:24 – Geraint Jones on coaching Zac Crawley as a child
26:07 – Talent, patience & Crawley’s Test career
29:49 – Why players are backed longer now
30:39 – Subscribe & Ashes True or False
31:18 – Famous cameraman catch myth
33:13 – Mental health, criticism & the modern player
36:41 – Why commentary criticism hits harder than fans think
39:44 – Social media, entitlement & abuse
45:33 – What England must do on day five
46:27 – The Barmy Army & player responsibility
48:03 – Final thoughts: fight, pride & standards

England’s Ashes campaign is unravelling — and the problems are deeper than one bad Test.

Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones break down why England’s bowling has failed, how Australia are exploiting the same mistakes again and again, and what this says about selection, tactics, and leadership under Stokes and McCullum.

From Travis Head’s dominance, to the Will Jacks gamble, to the fallout for Shoaib Bashir — this is an unfiltered look at an England side out of ideas in Australia.

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If you value straight-talking cricket insight without spin, hit subscribe — it genuinely helps the channel grow.

00:00 – “What are you lot doing?” England frustration
00:32 – Why the Ashes always expose England
00:54 – Potts, Atkinson, Fisher: the bowlers England ignored
01:18 – Who is to blame for Shoaib Bashir’s situation?
01:39 – Travis Head dominates… again
02:06 – Fans losing belief: “What’s the point of watching?”
03:07 – Stokes & Archer’s stand: the only positives
03:57 – When the tail shows the top order how to bat
04:27 – Archer’s batting: first-class vs Test cricket
05:44 – Why England’s bowling has been so bad
06:43 – Tactics vs execution: where it’s really failing
07:30 – Why Travis Head keeps scoring in the same areas
08:26 – Selection policy & county cricket questions
09:46 – “The Ashes slap England in the face”
11:53 – Why Potts should feel unlucky
13:16 – Will Jacks, favourites & selection logic
15:01 – “Backed into a corner” — a worrying admission
16:17 – Why picking a part-time spinner was fatal
18:25 – County cricket, spinners & development failures
19:47 – The Shoaib Bashir contract dilemma
22:09 – Australia’s ruthless strategy from here
23:47 – Alex Carey’s match-winning impact
26:29 – Are England making Stokes look like a bad captain?
29:44 – Body language, fatigue & cracks in the squad
32:08 – Talent vs mentality at the top level
33:38 – Subscribe + True or False (keeper edition)
36:24 – Will Jacks vs Warne & Botham comparisons
40:23 – What the Jacks selection really tells us
41:56 – Why Travis Head succeeds where England don’t
44:55 – Final thoughts: where England go from here

England’s bowling: tactics, execution, or selection?

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England were given an opportunity in Australia — and it vanished in brutal fashion. This episode breaks down why this Ashes series feels over, how Australia exposed England’s weaknesses, and whether Bazball has finally been worked out.

Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones analyse:

• England’s preparation failures

• Why Australia’s bowlers don’t miss

• The Ollie Pope dilemma

• Nathan Lyon’s greatness

• Selection, tactics, and mentality

• And why this day felt like the moment the Ashes died

This is proper Test cricket analysis, not headline noise.

👇 If you enjoy honest cricket debate and expert insight, subscribe now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

👉 New episodes throughout the Ashes
👉 Analysis you won’t get elsewhere

00:00 – A song, a warning… and the mood of the day
01:06 – “This was the day the Ashes died”
02:00 – England got everything wrong (preparation, selection, tactics)
02:36 – Has Bazball been sold to us on false promises?
03:55 – Why Australia’s bowlers are streets ahead
04:30 – Review of the day: Australia seize control
05:10 – Short bowling, poor execution & England’s problem
06:15 – Why changing tactics constantly doesn’t work
07:26 – The importance of the first over
08:22 – What great bowlers do that England’s don’t
09:36 – Ollie Pope: talent vs position vs confidence
11:30 – Nathan Lyon’s impact and mentality
13:32 – Why Australia always find bowlers who deliver
14:52 – County cricket vs Sheffield Shield
15:47 – Why Pope may need to be dropped to reset
18:09 – Are Root and Stokes batting in the wrong positions?
20:29 – Is there a long-term solution at No.3?
23:15 – Dom Sibley, Cummins & selection hypocrisy
26:26 – Jofra Archer’s response under pressure
28:53 – Subscribe & Ashes True or False
31:25 – A ridiculous (but true) Ashes story
32:19 – Snicko, technology failures & controversy
36:15 – Why England are right to complain (and wrong)
39:41 – Can England still save something from this Test?
42:45 – Is county cricket fit for purpose?
45:29 – Final thoughts: realism, hope, and what comes next

👍 Like the video if you enjoy real Test cricket analysis
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💬 Comment: Is Bazball finished in Australia?

#Ashes #EnglandCricket #Bazball #TestCricket #AustraliaVsEngland
#CricketAnalysis #NathanLyon #OlliePope #BenStokes #JoeRoot #sanjaymurthycricket #geraintjones
#Ashes2025 #CricketDebate #CloseOfPlay

Australia handed England early chances — but once again found a way to regain control.

Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones break down the key moments from a pivotal Ashes day, including Alex Carey’s hundred, England’s bowling effort, and the decisions that still separate the sides.

00:00 An emotional start to the Test

02:00 England’s early bowling effort

04:30 Steve Smith out, Khawaja steps up

06:30 Alex Carey’s hundred and momentum shift

09:00 Jofra Archer’s return and pace management

12:00 Carse, control and bowling balance

15:00 Will Jacks and spin on Australian pitches

18:00 Confidence, keeping and batting rhythm

21:00 Session-by-session breakdown

25:00 Snicko, technology and trust

29:00 Carey, Starc and lower-order impact

33:00 Who actually won the day?

38:00 Selection pressure and mental edge

42:00 What England must do next

46:00 Final verdict and outlook

As the Ashes reach a defining Third Test, Close of Play asks whether England’s Bazball philosophy has hit its limits in Australia.

Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones are joined by former England opener Nick Compton, who delivers a powerful critique of England’s preparation, the loss of batting time, and the growing gap between practice and real Test-match demands.

The panel discuss selection dilemmas, the influence of T20 cricket, and whether England’s current squad is capable of adapting to Australian conditions — before previewing the Third Test and offering score predictions.

00:00 Condolences and perspective

01:00 Why batting time still wins Test matches

03:30 Bazball vs Australian conditions

06:20 Preparation vs practice – what England got wrong

10:30 Selection problems and lack of alternatives

15:10 Has T20 cricket damaged Test technique?

22:00 Technique, intent, and modern batting

29:00 Nick Compton on losing the art of batting time

32:00 The numbers: balls faced, run rates, elite batters

38:00 True or False: The Compton family

42:30 Third Test selections and bowling balance

48:30 Cummins, Lyon and Australian stability

51:00 Score predictions – is 5–0 possible?

#Ashes

#Bazball

#TestCricket

#NickCompton

#CloseOfPlay

ITV’s Mark Pougatch joins Sanjay Murthy for a wide-ranging conversation about cricket, football and broadcasting — from Test Match Special and Ashes Tours to the reality of live TV, the chaos of modern schedules and why he still hasn’t managed to take Roy Keane to Lord’s.

Mark reflects on Harry Brook, Kevin Pietersen, county cricket, IPL years, his dad’s cricket legacy, his TMS commentary memories, and what separates great broadcasting from good broadcasting.

A brilliant chat with one of sport’s most familiar voices.

Sanjay Murthy sits down with Jason Warne for a powerful, honest and often funny conversation about life growing up with Shane Warne, the competitive battles that shaped their childhood, and the emotional creation of the Shane Warne Legacy.

Jason shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories—from backyard cricket wars to the Gatting ball, to navigating fame, media scrutiny and the truth behind Australia’s greatest spinner. We also break down the Ashes, Travis Head’s brilliance, Bazball’s limitations and what England must do next.

A heartfelt tribute, a cricket masterclass and a reminder of why Shane Warne meant so much to the world.

#CloseOfPlay #JasonWarne #ShaneWarne #ShaneWarneLegacy #CricketPodcast

#Ashes2025 #AshesCricket #LegSpin #AustraliaCricket #Bazball #TestCricket

#SanjayMurthy #CricketStories #HeartHealth #CricketLegends

England lose by eight wickets and fall 2–0 behind in the Ashes — but the headlines were dominated by rare honesty from Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, who admitted England must change both their mindset and approach.

In today’s Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England international Geraint Jones unpack a huge day for English cricket:

• Stokes calling out his own dressing room
• McCullum’s surprising shift in tone, but not message
• England’s mentality — not skill — now the biggest issue
• Why decision-making has broken down across the team
• Selection pressure: Pope, Crawley, Duckett, Brook, Jacks,
• Is it time for Potts, Tongue or Bashir?
• Could Joe Root actually move to No.3?
• Why Will Jacks may save his spot — and why Bashir may be unlucky
• The Lions shadow squad and who’s really next in line
• The Noosa “reset week” — and whether Stokes or McCullum will lead the response
• Australia’s dilemmas too: Should Cummins walk straight back in?

One of the most revealing conversations of the Ashes so far.

On Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England international Geraint Jones break down a bruising Day 3 in the second Ashes Test, where England’s tactics unravelled.

Geraint gives a brutally honest assessment of:

• England’s baffling tactics
• Australia's excellemt reading of the maych situation
• Time's up for Ollie Pope
• The lack of acceptance by England of failed plans

Plus Geraint’s 100% True or False record survives another day, and we get stories from village cricket Christmas dinners and Jonesy's award

Another lively, insightful Ashes review from Close of Play.

On Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England international Geraint Jones dissect a tough Day 2 for England in the second Ashes Test. Australia finish 378–6, and England’s tactics come under serious scrutiny.

Geraint breaks down why England’s bowlers failed to adjust, how Stokes’ emotional leadership affects the team, why bowling pairs matter, and gives a detailed keeper’s insight into Jamie Smith’s dropped catch. We also discuss vice-captaincy dynamics, selection questions around Will Jacks, and what England must do to stay alive in this Test.

A brutally honest, insightful review — with the usual dose of humour, anecdotes, and our daily Ashes True or False.

In this conversation, Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones discuss the recent changes in the England cricket team, particularly the selection of Will Jacks to replace Mark Wood and the implications for Shoaib Bashir. They analyse the team's strategy and the pressures on young players like Zak Crawley. The discussion then shifts to the sad news of Robin Smith's passing, reflecting on his contributions to cricket and the impact he had on the game.

England's selection of Will Jacks raises questions about team strategy.

Shoaib Bashir's exclusion may affect his confidence and future.

The need for a reliable spinner in the Ashes series is critical.

Zak Crawley is under pressure to perform as an opener.

The balance of the team is being questioned with the new selection.

Robin Smith is remembered for his powerful batting and unique style.

The conversation highlights the emotional impact of losing a cricket legend.

Adaptability in team strategy is essential for success.

The importance of communication in team selections is emphasized.

The legacy of players like Robin Smith continues to inspire future generations.

#Englandcricket #ashes #RobinSmith #WillJacks, #ShoaibBashir

After England’s two-day defeat in Perth, are the fans starting to turn? Former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones joins Sanjay to dissect a bruising week for English cricket.

We discuss:
• Why supporters feel “hurt and disappointed” rather than furious 
• Whether McCullum and Stokes have misjudged their Ashes prep
• Khawaja’s three days of golf — harmless or careless?
• How Travis Head’s measured start became a match-changing innings
• England’s “samey” bowling attack and whether Bashir must play in Brisbane
• The pressure on Rob Key, Baz and Stokes if England crash again
• Plus the remarkable Optus Stadium decision to donate unused food after the two-day Test

A thoughtful, honest and occasionally spiky chat — with some great viewer comments thrown in (including a correction on Roger Woolley…).

Spotify Notes:
– Guest: Geraint Jones
– Theme: Ashes 2025, England reaction, selection, preparation, media pressure
– Length: ~45 minutes
– Recorded for Close of Play with Sanjay Murthy

Day Two in Perth delivered one of the wildest swings you’ll ever see in an Ashes Test. Geraint Jones and I break down how England went from total control at lunch to total chaos by stumps — and why Travis Head’s extraordinary counterattack flipped the match on its head.

We get into:
• The genius behind sending Travis Head in to open
• England’s batting problems: flat-footed drives, hard hands, no clarity
• Why the short-ball plan backfired
• The mental and physical hangover from Day One
• DRS confusion, frame-rates, and the five-minute review
• Keeper’s Eye: the view you only get from behind the stumps
• True or False: did Australia really use five wicketkeepers in one day in 82/83?
• What England must adapt before Brisbane
• And the beer running out at lunchtime… again

Close of Play brings you honest, sharp, funny Test match analysis every day of the Ashes.

Follow the show and join us for the Second Test preview.

An absolutely mad Day One of the Ashes — and Geraint Jones joins Sanjay to unpack the chaos.

England were bowled out in 32.5 overs, Mitch Starc tore through the order, and Australia seized control inside a single session. And then Ben came to the party,

We cover:

• How England collapsed so quickly

• The significance of Starc’s 7-58

• Momentum moments that defined the day

• What England must do to push on

• A “True or False” Ashes history quiz (Day One edition)

• Insights into what the keeper sees

  Short, sharp, daily Ashes insights — this is Close of Play.

Host: Sanjay Murthy
Guest: Geraint Jones

Follow the show for daily Ashes reactions.

His catch to dismiss Michael Kasprowicz remains one of the iconic moments of the 2005 Ashes. Geraint recalls that, and also the first ball of the 2006/7 series, that was equally iconic for different reasons. We also talk about Perth, line ups and what England will need to do to bring the urn home

In this episode of Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy is joined by Gavin Scovell, the ICC’s Senior Cricket TV Director and the man behind some of the most unforgettable moments in modern cricket.

From Carlos Brathwaite’s four sixes in the 2016 T20 World Cup Final, to the chaos of the 2019 Men’s World Cup Super Over, to Anya Shrubsole’s match-winning spell in the 2017 Women’s World Cup — Gavin has directed it all. He takes us inside the director's box of the world’s biggest matches, revealing what it’s really like to manage a team of dozens under the pressure of millions watching live. We talk about how iconic cricket moments are captured in real time, the evolution of broadcast technology and storytelling and what goes into training and guiding commentators.

From behind the lens to the heart of the action, this is a rare insight into the unsung craft of live sport direction, where instinct, timing, and teamwork shape the memories that fans will replay forever.

Close of Play is where cricket meets culture — conversations with the people who bring the game to life.