Close of Play

England completed a 3–0 whitewash over Pakistan—but the series created some new selection questions. Sanjay and Geraint name their winners and losers. Has Jordan Cox put Jamie Smith under pressure? Have Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue secured their places? And where does the emergence of Cox and Dan Lawrence leave Jacob Bethell? Charlie Hartley joins us for the first Would You Rather: survive five overs against Brett Lee at the WACA or Shane Warne on a fifth-day pitch? Who Am I? returns, while Geraint’s Goat is the lack of a reserve day for the Women’s One-Day Cup League Two semi-final. We also discuss the County Championship title and relegation battles, Andrew Flintoff’s appearance at Daniel Bell-Drummond’s testimonial event, Kevin Pietersen’s England return and whether specialist openers are becoming obsolete. 00:00 Coming up 00:38 England v Pakistan: Winners and losers 06:04 Jordan Cox makes his case 08:28 Is Jamie Smith under pressure? 09:13 England’s biggest loser 13:01 Pakistan’s winners and losers 14:44 Geraint remembers facing Shoaib Akhtar 22:35 Would You Rather? with Charlie Hartley 28:21 Brett Lee or Shane Warne? 31:30 Who Am I? 36:03 What’s Got Geraint’s Goat? 40:39 County Championship title race 42:42 Hampshire and the relegation battle 45:08 Division Two promotion race 48:05 Andrew Flintoff and life at Kent College 51:41 Kevin Pietersen returns to England 52:46 Are specialist openers becoming obsolete?

Roland Butcher did not want to leave Barbados for England. A chance encounter in a Stevenage park eventually put him on the path to Middlesex and history as the first Black man to represent England in Test cricket. Roland joins Sanjay Murthy to discuss growing up in rural Barbados, arriving in England at 13, playing during county cricket’s golden era and making his Test debut against the West Indies at Kensington Oval. He also reveals how the difficulties faced by John Barnes and Paul Ince changed his football coaching ambitions, before explaining how his work at the University of the West Indies helped create opportunities for a new generation of Caribbean cricketers. The conversation concludes by celebrating Roland’s late wife Cheryl, her contribution to Barbados cricket and the girls’ cricket club they established together. Tridents Trust Day takes place at Kensington Oval on 10 September in Cheryl’s memory, raising funds to support girls’ cricket and the Barbados Cancer Society. Support Tridents Trust Day: InLovingMemory.Online/CherylButcher Chapters 00:00 Coming up 00:35 Introducing Roland Butcher 01:28 Growing up in Barbados 03:34 Leaving Barbados for England 08:29 Finding cricket by chance 13:02 The road to professional cricket 16:04 Joining Middlesex 16:42 County cricket’s golden era 18:43 Making history with England 20:48 Coaching at Arsenal and Reading 23:33 John Barnes, Paul Ince and football’s closed doors 24:10 Transforming sport at the University of the West Indies 32:58 The team that saved West Indies cricket 35:00 Cheryl’s vision for girls’ cricket 39:25 Tridents Trust Day 43:47 Remembering Cheryl 47:00 Still Here With Me

Jonty Rhodes believes Europe is cricket’s “last frontier” – but his new mission goes far beyond winning matches. The South Africa legend talks to Sanjay Murthy about becoming co-owner of the Rotterdam Dockers, growing cricket across Europe and the franchise’s partnership with Bat For A Chance. Jonty explains how cricket helped unite South Africa, why players can become ambassadors for change and how sport can create opportunities for young people in underserved communities. He also revisits the iconic Inzamam-ul-Haq run-out, his Lord’s century and South Africa’s heartbreaking 1999 World Cup semi-final against Australia. Elsewhere, Sanjay and Geraint Jones ask whether cricket can crack Europe, play Who Am I? and launch What’s Got Geraint’s Goat? – featuring Pakistan’s problems, the Alice Capsey wicketkeeping debate and cricket’s latest bad-light farce. Chapters 00:00 Jonty Rhodes on cricket and social change 01:00 Can cricket crack Europe? 07:20 Giving back through cricket 09:12 Jonty Rhodes joins Close of Play 10:03 Childhood, apartheid and South Africa’s return 13:01 The iconic Inzamam-ul-Haq run-out 15:04 Jonty’s batting and Lord’s century 19:50 Cricket’s role in changing South Africa 21:51 The 1999 World Cup semi-final 26:05 Why Jonty invested in Rotterdam Dockers 29:52 The Bat For A Chance partnership 33:45 Silly Point: Who Am I? 41:39 What’s Got Geraint’s Goat? 43:14 Pakistan’s Test cricket problems 51:35 The Alice Capsey wicketkeeping debate 56:17 Cricket’s latest bad-light farce Subscribe to Close of Play for more cricket interviews, debate and stories. #Cricket #JontyRhodes #EuropeanCricket #ETPL #RotterdamDockers #BatForAChance #SouthAfricaCricket

Have Australia left their rebuild too late? Australia’s Test side has an average age of 33, with several senior players approaching what could be their final Ashes series. Sanjay and Geraint assess whether the selectors should begin making difficult decisions now—and examine the young Australians pushing for an opportunity. They also discuss England’s progress towards the 2027 Ashes, Joe Root’s return as captain, Brydon Carse’s nightclub incident and whether England have a wider problem with player behaviour. Plus, Silly Point and Geraint’s Golden Nuggets on standing up to the stumps. Chapters 00:00 Have Australia left their rebuild too late? 02:14 Australia’s ageing Test side 05:00 Have the selectors been too conservative? 08:41 The Arsenal comparison 10:57 Australia’s next generation 15:01 Now or never for Australia 16:18 England’s Ashes rebuild 20:17 Jordan Cox or Dan Lawrence? 21:51 England’s new pace attack 25:18 Ponting’s 2027 Ashes squad 26:59 The Lions pathway 30:30 Silly Point: Who Am I? 35:28 England thrash Pakistan 41:42 Pakistan’s missing young players 44:15 Does England have a discipline problem? 50:14 Golden Nuggets: Standing up to the stumps 01:00:00 Jonesy’s weekend cricket return

Pakistan are unpredictable. England are vulnerable. Who should be more worried? Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones preview the three-Test series, including: • Joe Root v Babar Azam • Pakistan’s 30-year wait for a series win in England • Mohammad Abbas against England’s top order • Harry Brook, Jordan Cox and Shoaib Bashir • Series predictions Plus The Hundred Finals Day, Bangladesh’s historic win in Australia, Silly Point and Geraint’s Golden Nuggets. Chapters 00:00 Opening 00:48 England v Pakistan: who should be worried? 05:16 Pakistan’s record in England 07:41 Key players and the captaincy battle 13:09 Mohammad Abbas and England’s top order 14:31 Jordan Cox’s opportunity 16:24 Shoaib Bashir and England’s balance 20:43 The pace battle and Harry Brook 24:50 Series predictions 27:38 Silly Point: Who am I? 33:39 The Hundred Finals Day review 42:21 Bangladesh stun Australia 48:55 Golden Nuggets: playing the leg-side ball

DESCRIPTION Do England have any idea what to do with Ollie Pope? He is back in the Test squad, but with Jordan Cox selected at No. 3 and Dan Lawrence at No. 6, is he really any closer to playing? Sanjay and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones examine Joe Root’s first squad of the new regime, the selection of seven seamers and the likely attack for the opening Test against Pakistan at Headingley. Geraint also gives his inside view on Andrew Flintoff’s departure from the England Lions. Did constant player turnover make it impossible for Flintoff to build the team environment he wanted and what should the ECB do next? Plus: Geraint’s Golden Nuggets, another round of Silly Point, viewer reaction to the proposal of taking The Hundred on the road and Geraint’s eventful return to the cricket field. Let us know what you think: what exactly is England’s plan for Ollie Pope? CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:43 England’s first squad of the new regime 09:09 What is England’s plan for Ollie Pope? 14:55 New era or the same old squad? 19:42 Our England XI for Headingley 21:58 Geraint’s Golden Nuggets 26:21 Why Andrew Flintoff left the England Lions 31:28 Can the Lions build a culture with constant turnover? 34:40 Does England need more than one Lions team? 39:34 Who should replace Flintoff? 41:11 Silly Point 47:06 Should The Hundred go on the road? 54:04 Geraint’s cricket comeback #EnglandCricket #OlliePope #CricketPodcast

Stephen Fleming is England’s new Test coach and Joe Root is back as captain — but is this a masterstroke or a safe step backwards? We discuss whether Fleming can retain the best of Bazball while bringing greater tactical intelligence, control and adaptability to England’s Test cricket. Plus, crowds at The Hundred are down. Has the novelty worn off, does it need Indian superstars — or is English cricket trying to sustain one competition too many? Plus a new feature - Geraint's Golden Nuggets. Let us know what you think in the comments and subscribe to Close of Play.

Can cricket change lives away from the field? This week on Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy sits down with Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Viv Richards and Brian Lara to discuss The Great Catch — a campaign aiming to reduce prostate cancer deaths across the Caribbean. We also review England's ODI series victory over India, discuss the Vitality Blast Finals Day, debate the future of domestic cricket, and break down the key decisions from the ICC's Annual Conference. In this episode: 🏏 Exclusive interviews with Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Viv Richards and Brian Lara 🏏 The Great Catch and cricket's charitable legacy 🏏 England beat India in the ODI series 🏏 Vitality Blast Finals Day review 🏏 Women's Finals Day attendance debate 🏏 Could the Blast and The Hundred coexist? 🏏 ICC AGM: World Club T20, World Test Championship, franchise cricket and more 🏏 Who Am I? Subscribe for weekly cricket debate, exclusive interviews and analysis. 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Cricket's Greatest Legacy? 02:05 Sir Clive Lloyd Interview 03:25 Sir Viv Richards Interview 05:10 Brian Lara Interview 06:40 Why Cricket Creates So Many Charities 15:25 England Beat India 30:55 Vitality Blast Finals Day 50:55 Who Am I? 57:00 ICC AGM Explained 01:06:45 Wrap Up

Australia are Women's T20 World Cup champions once again, but what does defeat mean for England? Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones debate whether England should begin a transition, examine the strength of the women's pathway, answer listener questions on England's men's team, and preview the Vitality Blast run-in. Also featuring Silly Point and the latest county cricket discussion. Chapters 00:00 Australia win the Women's T20 World Cup 04:10 Does England need another reset? 07:16 Producing the next generation 10:32 Wicketkeepers opening the batting 11:50 Fan vs Institution 20:03 Women's cricket continues to grow 21:54 Listener comments 43:56 Silly Point 50:20 Vitality Blast finals race 54:14 Women's Tier One & Tier Two 57:47 Wrap up

Ben Stokes has quit England cricket, and Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones pick through the fallout. They discuss the timing of Stokes’ decision, whether the final day against New Zealand exposed the limits of Bazball, and what pressure now falls on Rob Key, Brendon McCullum and the England leadership group. There is also the major captaincy question: who leads England next? Sanjay and Jonesy also pick their best England XI from their lifetime, look at who could replace Stokes as an all-rounder, play Silly Point, and preview the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals.

Cricket is changing fast. This week on Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones discuss the proposed privatisation of the Big Bash, the growing influence of IPL franchise owners, and whether county cricket’s traditional member-owned model can survive in the modern game. They also look back at England’s heavy defeat to New Zealand, Joe Root’s captaincy, James Rew’s Test debut, Jofra Archer’s reaction to a dropped catch, Jacob Bethell’s red-ball form, and England’s selection questions ahead of the Third Test. Plus Who Am I? Geraint’s famous rebound catches, the 18-ball over, and the usual Close of Play nonsense. 00:00 The Big Bash privatisation debate 02:00 Why cricket is chasing investment 05:51 Is the traditional cricket model finished? 07:18 Member-owned counties and decision making 09:10 Football's influence on cricket 11:23 Does tradition hold cricket back? 14:20 The Rod Bransgrove effect at Hampshire 16:16 Facilities versus success on the field 18:31 Is cricket becoming a commercial entertainment business? 21:31 England's defeat to New Zealand 22:36 Joe Root's captaincy 23:44 James Rew and England's selection decisions 24:36 Jofra Archer's reaction to Rew's dropped catch 30:14 Should Ollie Pope have been recalled? 34:57 Jacob Bethell under pressure? 36:34 Has the IPL affected Bethell's red-ball development? 40:51 Third Test preview 43:10 Rehan Ahmed's England prospects 45:50 Should England rest Jofra Archer? 47:50 The ECB, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson 49:12 Ben Stokes' relationship with the ECB 52:13 Third Test predictions 53:04 Who Am I? 58:34 Geraint's famous rebound catches 59:57 The 18-ball over 1:01:27 Volunteers: the lifeblood of club cricket 1:04:26 Final thoughts

Ben Stokes' nightclub incident has dominated the headlines, but what are the real consequences for England and their captain? Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones discuss leadership, decision-making under pressure, the challenge of replacing Ben Stokes, Joe Root's return as captain, Harry Brook's future, Jordan Cox and Harry Crocombe's England opportunities, and England's selection gamble for the Second Test. Plus: 🏏 Do England trust Harry Brook? 🏏 Can anyone replace Ben Stokes? 🏏 Why Jordan Cox has been called up 🏏 England's no-spinner gamble 🏏 Women's T20 World Cup review 🏏 Sri Mandhana in Who Am I? Watch, listen and subscribe for weekly cricket debate, insight and stories from inside the game. 00:00 Ben Stokes And Decision Making 01:39 Why McCullum Is Disappointed 04:07 Consequences Of Poor Decisions 07:14 England's Leadership Problem 08:48 Freddie Flintoff & Pressure In Sport 13:12 Fame, Match Fixing & Legacy 15:51 Root Captains England 18:21 Can England Replace Stokes? 20:14 Jordan Cox & Harry Crocombe 24:25 England's Selection Gamble 27:43 Has James Rew Been Hard Done By? 28:54 Second Test Predictions 30:10 Kane Williamson's Retirement 31:10 Who Am I? 35:28 Women's T20 World Cup Review 43:45 West Indies As Dark Horses #EnglandCricket #BenStokes #JoeRoot #CricketPodcast #TestCricket

In this edition of Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and 2005 Ashes winner Geraint Jones tackle some of cricket's biggest talking points. The pair debate the controversial Lord's Test pitch and ask whether the Home of Cricket should face consequences for producing a match that lasted little more than two days. Could drop-in pitches be the answer, and what actually makes a great Test wicket? They also discuss the future of cricket testimonials. Do benefit years still serve a purpose in modern cricket? Why do football testimonials feel like major events while cricket still relies on traditional fundraising dinners? And could players such as Sam Billings completely reinvent the model? Attention then turns to the Women's T20 World Cup, with predictions, dark horses and discussion around England's chances on home soil. Can Australia cope without Alyssa Healy? Are South Africa being overlooked? And who will lift the trophy? Plus, another edition of Who Am I? featuring one of cricket's most colourful and surprising careers. Featuring: • The Lord's pitch debate • Should Lord's lose Test status? • The future of cricket testimonials • Sam Billings and modern benefit years • Women's T20 World Cup predictions • Can England win the World Cup? • Australia without Alyssa Healy • Who Am I? Close of Play — cricket conversations with Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones.

YouTube description: This week on Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and 2005 Ashes winner Geraint Jones bring together four cricket conversations in one full episode. First, Jonesy reflects on England Lions duty and asks whether results really matter at that level — or whether the bigger value is giving young players exposure to the next step up from county cricket. Then attention turns to Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the teenage Indian sensation already being talked about as cricket’s next great talent. Is early fame a blessing or a curse? Can senior players learn from juniors? And could his game work in Test cricket? We also discuss Lord’s, where England begin their Test summer against New Zealand. Are England ready? Has their approach shifted after the Ashes? And how dangerous are New Zealand’s bowling attack? Finally, it’s Silly Point — with a Who Am I? cricket quiz that sends Jonesy all over the place before the answer is finally revealed. Watch, like, comment and subscribe for more cricket debate, stories and analysis from Close of Play. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Licence code: 9TMNMXPMQSYQ4QLE

Spotify Title Life of a Cricket Coach | Inside the England Lions Setup What does a cricket coach actually do all day? This week on Close of Play, Geraint Jones takes us inside the England Lions coaching setup and reveals the reality of modern elite cricket coaching. From selection meetings and analyst data to player management, confidence, pressure and preparation, Jonesy explains what really happens behind the scenes at England Lions level. We also discuss: Fred Flintoff as a coach The jump from county cricket to Lions cricket Why some young players thrive and others disappear Whether the IPL is better development than April county cricket Ben Mays & Asa Tribe Zach Crawley’s white-ball future England women selection dilemmas The pressure of elite cricket 🎙️ Close of Play with Sanjay Murthy & 2005 Ashes winner Geraint Jones. 00:00 Intro 00:47 A day in the life of an England Lions coach 03:39 Matchday food & preparation 07:27 How selection decisions are made 09:55 The role of analysts in modern cricket 12:56 Technical vs psychological coaching 17:03 Fred Flintoff as a coach 19:37 What coaches actually watch during games 24:08 Ben Mays & Asa Tribe 28:14 Do Lions runs matter more than county runs? 33:16 IPL vs county cricket development debate 36:47 The pressure jump in elite cricket 38:52 Silly Point – Sophie Devine 45:08 England women selection debate 48:30 Zach Crawley’s white-ball future 54:10 Quickfire questions 59:57 Best food in cricket 01:00:36 Outro Spotify DescriptionSpotify Chapters

England have named their squad — but did they really listen to the fans after the Ashes? This week on Close of Play , Sanjay Murthy and 2005 Ashes winner Geraint Jones react to the latest England squad and ask whether county form has genuinely been rewarded. Sam Cook has been left out again, Sonny Baker brings genuine pace, Shoaib Bashir gets another chance, and Jofra Archer’s availability raises bigger questions about England’s red-ball planning. Plus, the lads discuss Liam Dawson’s red-ball retirement, the England Lions squad to face South Africa A, England Women’s build-up against New Zealand, and another round of Silly Point: Who Am I? England squad reaction Sam Cook omission County form and selection Sonny Baker and England pace options Shoaib Bashir v Rehan Ahmed Jofra Archer and England availability Liam Dawson red-ball retirement England Lions squad England Women v New Zealand Silly Point: Who Am I? #EnglandCricket #CountyCricket #TestCricket #CricketPodcast #CloseOfPlay

What happens when the cricket dream suddenly changes direction? This week on Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and Ashes winner Geraint Jones are joined by Max Morley — a former Durham cricketer who went from sharing the changing rooms with Ben Stokes to winning Love Island. Max opens up on: being released by Durham the regrets he still carries about cricket confidence and rejection in professional sport dressing room culture social media and fame the road not taken Plus: Kevin Pietersen and cricket personalities IPL superstar culture Marcus North and England selection county cricket storylines England v New Zealand One of our most honest conversations yet about ambition, identity and hindsight. Spotify Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:48 Max Morley’s Cricket Story 03:10 Cricket After Love Island 06:05 Does Cricket Want Personalities? 11:40 Kevin Pietersen & Fame 16:15 Did Love Island Change Everything? 18:50 Cricket Regrets & “What Ifs” 25:12 Confidence In Professional Cricket 31:10 Dressing Room Stories 33:35 Silly Point: Cricketer Or Love Islander? 40:42 Wisden Awards 42:45 IPL Final Controversy 44:20 Marcus North & England Selection 47:15 England’s Opening Debate 52:38 Player Resting Debate 55:20 England v New Zealand 57:25 Final Over

Why are England resting Gus Atkinson after just one game? Sanjay and Ashes winner Geraint Jones debate the growing tension between rest and performance in the England setup. With county bowlers putting in the work, is the system fair — or is England now managing players purely for the biggest series? They also cover: County form vs England selection IPL vs red-ball development The spinner dilemma Managing Jofra Archer Burnout vs big money in modern cricket Plus Silly Point and a quick look at the latest England women’s squad news.

Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen disagree on Jacob Bethell — and it raises a bigger question for England: Should Bethell stay in the IPL or return to county cricket? Cook believes Bethell should be playing red-ball cricket in England. KP argues staying in the IPL will accelerate his development. We break down the debate and what it means for Bethell’s role in England’s Test side this summer. Also in this episode: England’s possible XI vs New Zealand County Championship form – who’s in contention? The fast-bowling debate (Archer, Cook, Bamber, Tongue) Women’s T20 World Cup squad discussion ⏱ Chapters 00:00 Cook vs KP – the Bethell debate 01:10 IPL or County – who’s right? 04:00 Should Bethell come back? 06:40 Could Bethell open for England? 09:40 England XI vs New Zealand 13:40 County form – who’s pushing? 17:40 England’s bowling options 22:20 Viewer XI reaction 25:40 Women’s T20 World Cup 29:40 England squad debate

What’s it really like to run England cricket? This week on Close of Play, Ashley Giles joins Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones for a rare inside look at one of the toughest jobs in sport. From Ashes winner to selector, coach, county chief and Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Giles has seen the game from every angle. We discuss the pressure of running England, the COVID bubble era, selection, whether counties can survive, the future of the domestic game, and the toll the role took on him mentally. Plus, Silly Point returns and there are plenty of laughs along the way. Subscribe and follow Close of Play for weekly cricket debate, interviews and analysis. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:20 Running England Cricket 08:10 Pressure and judgement 14:05 Firefighting vs building 21:25 Mindset and leadership 26:00 County cricket debate 28:20 England XI v New Zealand 38:20 Silly Point 44:15 Can counties survive? 52:25 2005 Ashes memories