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This week on Close of Play, we examine another T10 tournament that fell apart before it even started, fresh corruption charges in international cricket, and why England continue to lose the PR battle. Plus a lighter turn, with our Nature X! - think Stuart 'Norfolk' Broad(s) and Aamir SnowHail!

Another busy week in world cricket — and plenty to argue about.In this episode of Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones look at a sport being stretched in multiple directions: World Cups without major nations, boards under pressure, players chasing franchise cricket, and a growing sense that no one is really steering the ship.There’s serious debate around the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh’s absence, Pakistan’s possible boycott, and whether new leagues — including a European T20 competition — are quietly undermining Test cricket.But as ever, it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s a wonderfully daft Silly Point involving band names and cricketers, an unexpected detour into kangaroo balls, and a thoughtful look at why Troy Cooley’s return to English cricket actually matters.Accessible, informed cricket chat — with humour, honesty, and the odd raised eyebrow.👇 Subscribe to Close of PlayWeekly world cricket, properly discussed. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Another busy week in world cricket01:25 – Bangladesh out: who really loses?02:50 – Pakistan, boycotts & late decisions03:40 – What World Cups mean for smaller nations05:20 – Playing for PNG: standards & realities07:10 – Scotland, Nepal & genuine opportunity09:10 – Groups of death and World Cup intrigue10:45 – England’s ODI tour & adapting to conditions12:30 – Rehan Ahmed opening: accident or intent?14:05 – Bowling spin properly again16:00 – Selection, Luke Wright & scapegoating17:55 – Silly Point: kangaroo balls explained21:00 – Making cricket cheaper (seriously)23:30 – Bands XI: cricket meets music28:45 – Listener suggestions for future Silly Points29:40 – COP That! The European T20 League32:00 – Is this another threat to Test cricket?35:10 – Players, money & national loyalty38:10 – BBL, WPL & global round-up41:20 – David Payne, Perth & English success43:30 – Don Bradman’s cap at auction44:45 – Troy Cooley’s return to England47:30 – Why great coaches matter48:05 – Wrap-up & next week

Cricket’s biggest problems don’t always start on the field.In the first episode of our new weekly magazine show, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones ask whether cricket is increasingly being shaped by the wrong people - from boardroom politics and individual power struggles to governance failures that risk damaging the game.There’s serious discussion on the ICC, Bangladesh, India, and the challenges facing smaller boards, but also plenty of light relief along the way. Silly Point returns with a ridiculous cricket-themed XI, Cop That looks at the Hundred’s rebrands (including that elephant), and there’s a tribute to former ECB CEO David Collier.We also dip into the Under-19 World Cup, future England talent, and why development pathways are filters, not conveyor belts.Accessible, informed cricket conversation — with humour, honesty, and no shouting.👇 Subscribe to Close of PlayWeekly world cricket. Proper debate. A bit of fun.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – A new weekly show begins01:30 – Is cricket being run by the wrong people?03:45 – Bangladesh, India & political power07:30 – Where the ICC step in (or don’t)10:40 – When boards act like fiefdoms13:10 – Why this matters beyond one country13:55 – Silly Point: names that should play cricket18:30 – Listener submissions (send yours in)22:20 – Cop That: The Hundred rebrands explained25:10 – Why the elephant logo misses the point28:45 – IPL logic vs local identity32:00 – Could Indian stars finally play in England?33:00 – Under-19 World Cup: filter or conveyor belt?36:45 – Which young players stand out39:00 – Tribute to David Collier41:30 – Final thoughts & what’s next#Cricket #WorldCricket #CricketDebate #TestCricket

The Ashes are over. England lose the series 4–1 — and now it’s time to answer your questions.In this Close of Series Q&A, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones respond to the best listener questions from across the Ashes: culture, leadership, fitness, selection, coaching, technology, county cricket, and what England actually need to change now the dust has settled.There’s serious discussion — on Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum, preparation, Jamie Smith, and the ECB — but also plenty of light relief, personal stories, and the kind of tangents that make cricket conversations human rather than hysterical.Accessible, informed cricket conversation — with a sense of humour — to close the Ashes and look forward.👇 Subscribe to Close of PlayInsight before noise. Analysis with perspective.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Ashes over: welcome to the Q&A01:45 – Listener prize & setting the tone02:30 – Was England’s culture toxic on tour?05:10 – Freedom, curfews & responsibility07:10 – Schoolteacher podcasts & being rumbled08:00 – Comparisons with 2006–0709:45 – Freddie Flintoff, leadership & support11:30 – “They were programmed to play this way”12:55 – Senior players and responsibility14:30 – England’s bowling: intent or limitations?15:00 – Jamie Smith: scapegoat or fair criticism?16:45 – The keeper’s role as energy-setter18:10 – Fitness: how standards have slipped21:10 – Why fitness testing matters22:20 – McCullum under pressure: who next?24:30 – Broad, Anderson, Cook — coaches or media?27:00 – Bazball’s legacy for young players30:10 – County cricket’s moment to matter again31:30 – Asa Tribe & England’s next generation35:00 – Are young players under too much pressure?37:15 – Bias in selection: Australia vs England40:45 – Technology rant: Snicko, Ultra Edge & common sense43:00 – Does cricket still need the West Indies?46:15 – ECB money, elitism & grassroots cricket49:00 – Why club cricket is struggling52:00 – Wrapping up the Ashes & what’s next54:00 – Listener prize winner announced#ashes #englandcricket #testcricket #cricketanalysis #closeofplay #australiacricket

The Ashes are over. England got smashed 4–1 — and now the inquest begins.After another defeat, the focus shifts away from individual moments and onto the bigger picture: preparation, selection, leadership, and whether England’s approach to Test cricket is genuinely fit for touring Australia.In this episode of Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones conduct a calm, forensic post-series review — assessing what England got wrong, what (if anything) improved, and where hard decisions now have to be made.This isn’t point-scoring. It’s about accountability, clarity, and what comes next.👇 Subscribe to Close of PlayAccessible, informed cricket conversation — with a sense of humour, even when the verdict is tough.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Now the inquest01:10 – Series ends 4–1: what does it really say?02:45 – Preparation vs execution05:20 – Selection mistakes that compounded08:15 – Leadership under pressure11:00 – What England actually learned14:30 – Who comes out of this stronger?18:05 – Who faces hard questions?22:10 – The Ashes model: broken or fixable?26:00 – What touring Australia now requires30:20 – What must change before the next cycle34:30 – Final verdict#ashes #testcricket #cricketdebate #englishcricket #ashes2025 #closeofplay #cricket #australiacricket #sanjaymurthycricket

England finally have something to smile about. On Day Four of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, Jacob Bethell produced one of the moments of the series — a maiden Test hundred that brought belief, balance, and more than a few raised eyebrows in the commentary box. In this episode of Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones break down why Bethell’s innings felt different, how it shifted the mood around the team, and what it means for England’s selections going forward — with a few laughs along the way about comparisons, confidence, and the inevitable overreactions that follow a breakthrough performance. There’s also plenty of light relief, including What’s in a Name? — our regular game — alongside discussion on Zac Crawley, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes’ captaincy, county form versus white-ball instincts, and the kind of Ashes tangents that remind us cricket doesn’t always have to be doom and gloom. 👇 Subscribe to Close of PlayDaily Test cricket analysis, honest opinions, and the occasional chuckle. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – A star is born01:15 – England finally find calm at No.302:55 – Bethell’s hundred: why this felt different04:45 – Technique, temperament & respect for the ball07:05 – Why Bethell benefited from being left out earlier09:20 – Comparisons with David Gower11:05 – Confidence vs arrogance: England’s problem13:15 – What Bethell means for Pope15:20 – Crawley: last chance saloon?18:10 – County form vs white-ball selection21:10 – What England must change after this Ashes24:00 – Will Jacks and decision-making under pressure26:20 – Fan backlash and boycotts: reality check29:10 – True or False: Ashes history31:20 – Cricket Australia vs broadcasters34:50 – COP THAT: the case against Ben Stokes37:10 – Defence of Stokes: leadership vs output39:20 – Is there another Mike Brearley?41:05 – Final thoughts on Day Four

England lost control again on Day Three in Sydney — and it wasn’t just with the ball. Despite moments of resistance, Australia piled on the pressure through clarity, discipline, and relentless execution, while England continued to look uncertain in their bowling plans, fielding standards, and on-field leadership. In this episode of Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones discuss Ben Stokes’ captaincy, England’s workload management, dropped catches, the absence of clear fielding standards, and why confidence and clarity continue to separate the two sides. There’s also analysis of Travis Head’s dominance, Steve Smith’s control, Jamie Smith’s series, and what England mustreflect on after another draining day. 👇 Subscribe to Close of PlayDaily Test cricket analysis with clarity, not noise.

England were taught another hard lesson on Day Two of the fifth Ashes Test. Despite moments of resistance, Australia once again controlled the tempo of the game, exposing the same tactical and technical flaws that have defined England’s tour so far. In this episode of Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones analyse why England keep losing control in key sessions, how Australia’s bowlers consistently apply pressure, and what England must change if they are to compete away from home. There’s also discussion on Travis Head’s impact, England’s bowling balance, selection decisions, and whether England are actually learning as the series progresses. 👇 Subscribe to Close of PlayDaily Ashes analysis with clarity, not noise.

Are fans being short-changed by modern Test cricket? On Day One of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, more than 45 overs were lost despite clear skies — reigniting anger among supporters who paid, travelled, and waited to watch Test cricket unfold. In this episode of Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones debate whether the game is now too rigid, too cautious, and too driven by commercial priorities. From bad light rules and lightning protocols, to pitch preparation, spin bowling, batting technique, and Usman Khawaja’s powerful comments on representation and legacy, this is a wide-ranging discussion about who Test cricket is really for in 2026. 👇 Subscribe to Close of PlayCalm, honest cricket conversations — no shouting, no nostalgia. 00:00 – Are Ashes fans being cheated?01:48 – 45 overs lost at Sydney: unacceptable?03:55 – Bad light, lightning rules & modern cricket06:05 – Would this ever happen in white-ball cricket?08:50 – Optics: blue skies, empty seats09:55 – England recover from 57–3 to 211–310:40 – Duckett & Crawley: progress or illusion?12:50 – Why Joe Root still stands apart14:15 – Flat pitches & selection headaches15:45 – Why spin bowling is disappearing18:40 – How batters are coached to dominate spin21:05 – County cricket’s influence on bowlers23:45 – Does the Ashes scoreline even matter now?25:15 – Subscriber milestone 🎉27:05 – True or False: Don Bradman in 194829:25 – Usman Khawaja’s retirement & legacy31:40 – Race, opportunity & representation in cricket35:15 – The real cost of playing the game38:35 – Athletes, activism & double standards41:05 – Listener question answered43:05 – Toughest fast bowlers faced50:40 – Final thoughts & Day Two preview

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. 👇 Subscribe to Close of Play 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 cricket02:36 – Big personalities, pressure & mental health in county cricket04:19 – Would players thrive more in today’s environment?05:28 – Why this conversation really matters now06:30 – Excuses vs reality in West Indies cricket08:29 – Why the legends keep coming back — and why it hasn’t worked10:07 – Money, World Series Cricket & what never changed12:23 – Is forced Caribbean unity part of the problem?13:06 – Asking “why” until you reach the real issue14:35 – The shocking standard of West Indies pitches15:42 – How bad wickets destroy batting technique16:41 – Talent isn’t the issue — development is17:37 – A 10-year rebuild: what would actually fix it18:16 – Do young West Indians even want to play Test cricket?19:50 – What India got right with the IPL20:49 – Can the CPL genuinely save West Indies cricket?21:47 – How T20 cricket has changed Test cricket forever22:20 – 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. 👇 Subscribe to Close of PlayWe’re closing in on 200 subscribers — daily, thoughtful Ashes analysis without the noise. 00:00 – England finally win in Australia00:35 – Relief… mixed with doubt01:13 – Have England actually learned anything?02:12 – Jacob Bethell’s 40: context matters03:03 – The ramp, the defence & the Barmy Army04:29 – Why the pitch dictated everything05:58 – 10mm of grass: how this wicket went wrong07:05 – Why defence didn’t matter on this surface08:12 – No team reached 200: what does that tell us?09:10 – Bowlers bounce back: Carse & Tongue respond10:36 – Will Jacks: batter first, spinner second?12:05 – Shoaib Bashir’s impossible situation13:53 – Two-day Tests: fair or farcical?16:43 – What a “good” Test pitch should actually do18:19 – ICC pitch ratings: flawed logic?19:52 – Was this wicket fair for cricket?21:24 – Closing in on 200 subscribers22:09 – True or False: Ashes absurdities26:28 – Bob Willis and Ashes history27:57 – Should fans get something on day three?31:12 – England clarity vs Australia uncertainty34:53 – Australia’s batting worries36:39 – Who’s next for Australia?38:07 – Listener questions: pressure & distractions45:00 – Is everything psychological warfare?47:48 – England leave Australia with a win48:27 – 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. 👇 Subscribe to Close of PlayIf 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 MCG01:11 – Christmas on Ashes tour: inside the bubble04:27 – Why this pitch offered too much05:51 – England bowlers finally adapting07:05 – Brydon Carse: no control, no evolution09:10 – 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 future13:11 – Analysts, preparation & what’s missing15:32 – Harry Brook charging Starc: madness or method?18:03 – England 110 all out: context matters19:42 – The Ben Duckett video: scrutiny in the modern game22:23 – Is there a drinking culture problem in cricket?26:47 – What players are really dealing with off the pitch30:44 – Away Ashes vs home pressure32:01 – Road to 200 subscribers34:18 – True or False: Warner, Curran & MCG drama36:32 – Rob Key fronts up: honesty vs results41:39 – Aggression vs “dumb” cricket43:29 – Why no one wants a two-day Test44:39 – Shane Warne: genius and theatre46:39 – Session-by-session verdict48:25 – 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. 👇 Subscribe for daily Ashes analysis 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. 👇 Subscribe for daily Ashes analysisStraight-talking cricket insight, without shouting or spin. YouTube https://youtu.be/fxxis0qnsKY 00:00 – Uncharted territory: analysing day four00:53 – England finally apply themselves01:35 – Is this proper Test cricket too late?02:30 – Why Australia’s discipline forced England to adapt03:30 – How hard is it really to win in Australia?04:53 – Crawley at the press conference: pressure and reality06:55 – Why England weren’t “surprised” — just slow to adapt08:50 – Fatigue, franchise cricket & touring realities11:46 – Why players don’t play grade cricket anymore13:53 – Cooperation between boards: fantasy vs reality14:52 – Alex Carey: the standout of the Test16:19 – Elite wicketkeeping explained (posture & technique)19:44 – Duckett, bounce & technical limitations21:26 – Should batters be selected by conditions?23:14 – Why bowlers are treated differently to batters24:24 – Geraint Jones on coaching Zac Crawley as a child26:07 – Talent, patience & Crawley’s Test career29:49 – Why players are backed longer now30:39 – Subscribe & Ashes True or False31:18 – Famous cameraman catch myth33:13 – Mental health, criticism & the modern player36:41 – Why commentary criticism hits harder than fans think39:44 – Social media, entitlement & abuse45:33 – What England must do on day five46:27 – The Barmy Army & player responsibility48:03 – 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. 👇 Subscribe for daily Ashes analysisIf you value straight-talking cricket insight without spin, hit subscribe — it genuinely helps the channel grow. 00:00 – “What are you lot doing?” England frustration00:32 – Why the Ashes always expose England00:54 – Potts, Atkinson, Fisher: the bowlers England ignored01:18 – Who is to blame for Shoaib Bashir’s situation?01:39 – Travis Head dominates… again02:06 – Fans losing belief: “What’s the point of watching?”03:07 – Stokes & Archer’s stand: the only positives03:57 – When the tail shows the top order how to bat04:27 – Archer’s batting: first-class vs Test cricket05:44 – Why England’s bowling has been so bad06:43 – Tactics vs execution: where it’s really failing07:30 – Why Travis Head keeps scoring in the same areas08:26 – Selection policy & county cricket questions09:46 – “The Ashes slap England in the face”11:53 – Why Potts should feel unlucky13:16 – Will Jacks, favourites & selection logic15:01 – “Backed into a corner” — a worrying admission16:17 – Why picking a part-time spinner was fatal18:25 – County cricket, spinners & development failures19:47 – The Shoaib Bashir contract dilemma22:09 – Australia’s ruthless strategy from here23:47 – Alex Carey’s match-winning impact26:29 – Are England making Stokes look like a bad captain?29:44 – Body language, fatigue & cracks in the squad32:08 – Talent vs mentality at the top level33:38 – Subscribe + True or False (keeper edition)36:24 – Will Jacks vs Warne & Botham comparisons40:23 – What the Jacks selection really tells us41:56 – Why Travis Head succeeds where England don’t44:55 – Final thoughts: where England go from here England’s bowling: tactics, execution, or selection? Interested to hear what people think 👇Subscribe for daily Ashes analysis.