Advertise on podcast: Close of Play Podcast sponsors by Sanjay Murthy

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Close of Play Podcast podcast

England Central Contracts: The Snubs & Surprises.

2026/10/14

No room for Rew — but which brother? Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones debate England’s central contracts, from James Rew and Craig Overton missing out to Henry Crocombe’s rise. Jonesy explains how franchise money shapes the negotiations and shares his thoughts on England’s next generation. Travis Head’s response to Australia’s former greats sparks a discussion about fair criticism, personal attacks and Geraint’s own experience under scrutiny. There’s also Usman Khawaja’s forthcoming book and what a revealing autobiography can do to a player’s legacy. Plus Who Am I?, an Ashes Would You Rather and What’s Got Geraint’s Goat: why are we still walking off for bad light? Chapters 00:00 Coming up00:38 No room for Rew?05:46 England Lions and future stars08:30 Mitch Stanley and the pace pipeline10:19 Henry Crocombe’s rise12:02 England’s contract decisions15:11 Contracts and franchise money16:39 Coaching changes and Ashes prospects21:02 Who Am I?24:44 Travis Head and cricket’s critics30:40 Geraint on unfair criticism32:05 Imposter syndrome and Ashes pressure33:50 Khawaja’s book and dressing-room trust38:39 Would You Rather: The Ashes dilemma45:07 What’s Got Geraint’s Goat?52:24 Pink balls for all Tests?55:11 Cricket dinners and a magic mishap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Geraint. Jones Loves Canterbury. But Does Canterbury Love Him?

2026/10/06

Geraint Jones loves Canterbury. But they’ve taken his photo down. Not that he’s bitter… Jonesy picks his five favourite cricket grounds, sharing stories of Ashes catches, a Test hundred and moonwalking in spikes. Sanjay adds an unexpected ambulance trip in Bangalore. Plus: What’s Got Geraint’s Goat, Would You Rather and Who Am I? We round up the county season, discuss England’s summer and ask what more Craig Overton needs to do to earn another England opportunity. Which ground would top your list? Tell us in the comments. CHAPTERS00:00:00 Geraint’s Five Favourite Grounds00:15:55 Who Am I?00:21:23 What’s Got Geraint’s Goat?00:31:12 Would You Rather?00:36:37 County Cricket Season Round-Up00:53:05 England and International Round-Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England Take Big Step Towards Ashes Redemption

2026/09/16