98 Not Out - The Cricket Podcast
'98 Not Out' is a cricket podcast that delivers year-round coverage of national and international cricket, featuring news, discussion, and guest interviews with prominent figures such as Mark Butcher, Nasser Hussain, Henry Blofeld, David Gower, and David 'Bumble' Lloyd. The show aims to provide a comprehensive cricket fix for fans, available across major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Episodes
The Never Ending Story...
The English cricket season may be over (or not, if you are one Essex or Leicestershire fan), but there is always something to talk about! This week:Debbie Knight and "The Grumbler" on Essex.Dan Whiting on the transfer market.Nigel Jones previews England's winter...and Craig Tranter on the latest goings on at Lancashire.I also say a few words about Jeffrey Archer, whose death was anno
Now is the winter of our discontent...
The curtain has come down on the English cricket season. Warwickshire are Champions (as predicted by Barrie Funnell), with Durham and Kent promoted from Division 2. Hampshire are relegated from the top flight, but will an appeal against a points deduction save Leicestershire from the drop and place Essex over the trap door instead? Controversy as yet again England pluck players out of county game
The Last Leg...
We enter the final round of County Championship matches with still to be decided both at the top and the bottom of Division One, as well as finding out who will get promoted alongside durham from Division Two. There's also the small matter of the Metro Bank One Day Cup, where Middlesex lifted the trophy after a great final at Trent Bridge against Leicestershire. Joining us this week to discuss
BONUS EPISODE - George Dobell on Stephen Fleming's arrival
George Dobell from "The Cricketer Magazine" talks about Stephen Fleming's appointment as the new England coach and he is impressed! A vast change from the previous regime and so far it bodes well also for the county game, which remains under huge existential pressure.
It's the Final Countdown...
We have reached the penultimate round of fixtures in the 2026 County Championship and it is STILL all to play for at the top and the bottom of Division One, but is a late points deduction going to set a cat among the pigeons? Oliver Hawke, Dan Haggar, Barrie Funnell, David Wright and Alex Gates describe a frantic dash for the finish line.
It's Tasty, Tasty, Very Very Tasty....
Teams are jostling for position at both ends of the County Championship Division One table, with the spots for champions and relegation still all to play for. Games are coming thick and fast and many outcomes are pivoting on a particularly good or bad session. As always, plenty to talk about and our panel of Harry Everett, David Wright, Barrie Funnell, Dan Haggar, Oliver Hawke and Alex Gates are
I Can't Stand the Rain...
The blistering English Summer has come to an end with heavy - but much needed - rain coming to disrupt the cricketing calendar. Nonetheless, our intrepid panel members were out and about, braving the weather to catch whatever county matches they could. This week:Dan Haggar and David Wright on Essex v SurreyOliver Hawke on Yorkshire v LeicestershireHarry Everett on Sussex v SomersetAlex Gates on De
Tranterbirds Are Go!
Red ball cricket is back and our panel is here to report on the games they have been watching:Harry Everett and Dan Haggar on Somerset v EssexDavid Wright and Barrie Funnell on Surrey v NottsOliver Hawke on Leicestershire v GlamorganCraig Tranter on Lancashire v Northants...and Craig also tells us what he is REALLY up to in Worcester this week?!?!
Previews of the One Day Cup Final and a new chapter with England...
Leicestershire and Middlesex will battle it out in the Metro Bank One Day Cup Final at Trent Bridge on the 21st of September. We hear from Oliver Hawke and David Wright, who were at Grace Road and Radlett respectively. Also at Radlett was Alex Gates who gives his thoughts, not only on Middlesex, but England's prospects under new leadership, as the series against Pakistan gets underway. And f
New Essex Chair Rachel Lewis joins us plus all the latest from the One Day Cup.
Essex Cricket has elected Rachel Lewis as the new Chair at the club, the first woman to hold the position in the club's 150 year history. Here she tells us about how she plans a future that is shaped on the past. The Metro Bank One Day Cup is heading towards a climax and we hear from Dan Haggar, Oliver Hawke, Harry Everett, Barrie Funnell and David Wright about how their clubs have fared. Spoi
One Day Cup Fever! 100 overs beats 100 balls..,
As the heatwave continues, so does interest in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, with some great outground cricket being played under sunny skies in front of sizeable crowds. In this episode, Dan Haggar talks about an eventful trip to Arundel Castle and a meeting with the new Essex Chair Rachel Lewis. Oliver Hawke reports on a couple of good wins for Leicestershire which saw them top the table. Harry
The One Day Cup, Windies win and "Click Bait"!
This week Oliver Hawke, Barrie Funnell and Dan Haggar join me to discuss the Metro Bank One Day Cup and the delights of watching cricket at beautiful out grounds under sunny skies. We also look at a poignant Test match just completed in Trinidad, where the West Indies beat Pakistan against the backdrop of Sir Garfield Sobers' death. And how could we not talk about the controversy surrounding
A new name in women's cricket clothing.
Maiden Cricket is a company specialising in kit and equipment designed especially for women and girls who play cricket. Here Mia Rogers and Cat Black explain the story of how it all came about and where they hope to take the brand over the next few years.www.maiden-cricket.co.uk
It's a Knockout!
As the T20 Blast reaches the quarter final stage, our regular panel of supporters give their views on the progress of their counties. Dan Haggar wonders if Essex can do it, Craig Tranter predicts who will lift the trophy at Edgbaston, David Wright spots a possible problem, Barrie Funnell looks at non-host county finances and Oliver Hawke reviews Betty's Tea Rooms in Harrogate!
BLAST! We report on the latest action from the County T20s.
The games are coming thick and fast in the T20 Blast. Our panel of county cricket supporters are here to keep us up to speed!Barrie Funnell and David Wright on SurreyOliver Hawke on Leicestershire FoxesHarry Everett on Somersetand Craig Tranter on Lancashire Lightning
BEN STOKES RETIRES - Wisden's Phil Walker discusses...
Ben Stokes has retired from international cricket with immediate effect. The announcement was made mid-way through the afternoon session on day 4 of the third and deciding Test at Trent Bridge against New Zealand. It triggered an astonishing sequence of events. Phil Walker, Editor-in-Chief on Wisden Cricket Monthly joins me to discuss the fall out.
BONUS: a catch up with David Griffin
Here's a catchup with Derbyshire stalwart David Griffin aka "Griff". We talk about Derbyshire's fortunes, a look back to the summer of '76 and Michael Holding's arrival on the cricketing world stage plus a look at where county cricket is headed and is demutualisation the answer to its problems?
COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP: has going top become a curse?
There's a pattern this season of teams going top of the table Div 1 to be soundly beaten the next game. The latest example being leaders Essex getting thumped by Nottinghamshire, the current champions. Our panel of county cricket supporters take a look at the latest action, before attention returns to The Blast, then the One Day Cup. No red ball games now until August 20th.Oliver Hawke on Le
Halfway house in the County Championship.
We have reached the halfway point in the County Championship and Essex has assumed top spot after a superb win, featuring a double-ton from Jordan Cox, which earning him a call up to the England test team. Somerset also pulled off a stunning win, thrashing current champions Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. In Division 2, Middlesexpulled off a rare win and Kent look to be the side to watch.Our pan
VIDEO: George Dobell reports on Rob Key's press conference
Rob Key has just given a press conference on the latest disciplinary transgression from the England camp. George Dobell from "The Cricketer: was there....
White ball...red ball...Dan Lawrence...Jordan Cox...it's all going on!
We cover a lot of ground this week, with an avalanche of T20 Blast games to get through, the return of the County Championship; Essex's winning streak, Somerset's woes, clouds hanging over Lancashire and Surrey rubbing Middlesex's noses in it! PLUS we ask if the in-form Dan Lawrence should have been given the nod over Jordan Cox for the Second Test at The Oval. Contributors this week:
"What does the future hold for Ben Stokes?" PAUL NEWMAN from "The Athletic" reviews the first Test at Lord's.
One of the show's biggest supporters Paul Newman shares his thoughts on a very eventful first Test at Lord's, where England's win over New Zealand has raised more questions than answers. The MCC is under huge attack over the state of the pitch and we also examine what - if anything - both sides have learned from the match. `And what do we think the future holds for Ben Stokes?Read Paul
All the latest from The T20 Blast and news of problems at Lancashire and Middlesex!
So much going on! The T20 fixtures are coming thick and fast, there's an imminent - and brief - return to the County Championship and there's yet more trouble off the field at both Lancashire and Middlesex. Our regular panel of county supporters are here to dissect it all!Oliver Hawke, Craig Tranter, David Wright, Barrie Funnell, Dan Haggar and Alex Gates share their thoughts.
ENG v NZ preview with CHRIS STOCKS of The iPaper
After a dismal winter Down Under, England don the whites again to face New Zealand at the Home of Cricket. Chris Stocks from The iPaper joins me to preview the series and examine whether England can claw back the goodwill lost after The Ashes.
Lancashire CCC, Blast attendances and Tim Brooks's new book!
Lancashire CCC had their AGM last Sunday and by all accounts was a lively affair. With yet another SGM slated for 9.30am on Sunday 7th June, co-founder of the Lancashire Action Group Ian Lomax gives his take on events. Craig Tranter then offers his view on whether all the off-field activity is having an effect on the field. We hear from Surrey supporter David Wright, who expresses his concerns at
Round 7 of the County Championship
The first block of county red ball fixtures is complete and, with one eye on The T20 Blast, our regular panel of fans give their view on the latest matches. Dan Haggar and Oliver Hawke report on Essex v Leicestershire, Alex Gates on Derbyshire's famous win at Lord's, Harry Everett from a rain-affected Taunton, David Wright and Barrie Funnell on Surrey's heavy defeat at the hands of a f
A look at Round 6 of the County Championship.
With all counties now having played five games, things are getting interesting in the County Championship. Despite the weather, only one draw with the rest yielding results. To take a look at the latest results, I'm joined by supporters David Wright, Harry Everett, Dan Haggar, Oliver Hawke, Alex Gates and Craig Tranter.
A Bank Holiday Weekend of County Championship cricket.
County cricket supporters give their verdicts on the championship games, which just took place over the Bank Holiday weekend. This week, we hear from Oliver Hawke, David Wright, Barrie Funnell, Harry Everett, Alex Gates and Craig Tranter.If YOU want to contribute to future shows, please get in touch!
Round 4 of the County Championship
The fourth round of the County Championship took place under blue skies, which largely turned out to be a batter's paradise. Here is a round up of what happened, with contributions from Craig Tranter, David Wright, Dan Haggar and Oliver Hawke. As always, please get in touch if you would like to take part!
BONUS: "The Grumbler" on the Substitutions Rule
Richard Clarke AKA "The Grumbler" joins me to discuss the controversial Substitutes Rule currently being trialed in county cricket.
County Championship - Round 3
With Round 3 complete, it's time to have a look at what went on and the impact of the games on the tables. As usual, I get fans' reactions, so this week we have:Harry Everett on Hampshire v SomersetDan Haggar on Warwickshire v EssexCraig Tranter on Gloucestershire v Lancashire This platform is open to everyone, so if you would like to report on how your county is doing, please get in touch
Fans review Round 2 of the County Championship.
Another thrilling round of matches in the County Championship. Here to give their views on what they saw are:Dan Haggar on Essex Oliver Hawke - LeicestershireNigel Jones & David Wright on SurreyEvan Gallagher on KentCraig Tranter on LancashireIf YOU want to take part, message 98 Not Out via social media messaging and let's hear your thoughts!
Round 1 of the County Championship - fans give their verdicts.
The County Championship is back and "98 Not Out" is giving a platform for grassroots supporters to give their views on what is going on at their counties, both on and off the pitch. With Round One complete, we get the views of:Dan Haggar on EssexHarry Everett on SomersetBarrie Funnell & David Wright on SurreyOliver Hawke on Leicestershireand Craig Tranter on LancashireGet in touch if
"They've only gone and painted the railings on the Tom Pearce Stand!"
'Twas the night before Christmas....well, it certainly feels that way as the 2026 County Championship season is upon us. ..and with perfect timing, the IPL simultaneously gets underway?!?!Richard Clarke aka "The Grumbler" joins me to discuss the latest updates from Essex and also the existential threat that non-host counties are facing in a very uncertain future.
Mark Sands on his new book "Stars on Sunday"
Mark Sands has written a superb book on the history of the John Player League called "Stars on Sunday" Soaked in cricketing nostalgia it reminds us that some issues that were affecting the game nearly sixty years ago have not gone away...but also of a great time watching exciting matches on free-to-air tv.
MARK SANDS on his new book "Stars on Sunday"
Mark Sands has written a superb book on the history of the John Player League called "Stars on Sunday" Soaked in cricketing nostalgia it reminds us that some issues that were affecting the game nearly sixty years ago have not gone away...but also of a great time watching exciting matches on free-to-air tv every Sunday afternoon.
VIDEO: Mark Rhydderch-Roberts on The Hundred auction.
Mark Rhydderch-Roberts is the Chairman of Glamorgan CCC and also co-Chair at Hundred franchise team Welsh Fire. After participating in the inaugural players' auction held in London, Mark joins us to give his thoughts on how it went and the effect all this new IPL money will have on the domestic game.
CRAIG TRANTER on Lancashire CCC
Lifelong Lancashire supporter Craig Tranter joins me to talk about his club's prospects for the upcoming season. With lots of activity both on and off the field, Craig gives a brilliant and forthright view on everything going on!
Welsh Fire and Glamorgan Chair MARK RHYDDERCH-ROBERTS.
Welsh Fire has signed Joe Root, Jordan Cox and Sophie Devine among others for the 2026 campaign in The Hundred. It's an eye-catching line up and I ask Fire co-Chair Mark Rhydderch- Roberts if the side can finally achieve success in the tournament. And what are the knock-on effects of IT billionaire Sanjay Govil's investment in the franchise to Glamorgan County Cricket Club and indeed crick
Poet SAM BLACKMAN on 150 poems in 150 days to mark 150 years of Essex Cricket.
Sam Blackman from Saffron Walden CC has written 150 poems in 150 days to celebrate 150 years of Essex Cricket. In this episode, he tells us about this splendid achievement and read out some of his favourite pieces. Also a look at India's inevitable victory at the Men's T20 World Cup Final, the difficulties West Indies had in returning home plus all the details from the player auctions for
The T20 World Cup...The Hundred...Counties...and the Middle East!
Lots to talk about with the teams for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup now decided, ahead of Sunday's Final. Debate about Pakistan players in The Hundred continues, with statements being made by the great and the good, but is the door still open for IPL-owned franchises to exclude players, as they do in other parts of the world? Essex continue their 150th anniversary celebrations with an event in Eas
VIDEO: Trouble brewing in The Hundred?
There's a breaking story this week that The Hundred teams now owned by IPL franchises would chose not to select any Pakistan players that have entered next month's auction. This would mirror a situation in the IPL, this possibly bringing subcontinent politics onto English Soil. Chris Stocks from The iPaper joins me to discuss this situation and I ask hi kid the ECB has ability to stand up
Would the ECB take on the might of the IPL franchises?
There's a breaking story this week that The Hundred teams now owned by IPL franchises would chose not to select any Pakistan players that have entered next month's auction. This would mirror a situation in the IPL, this possibly bringing subcontinent politics onto English Soil. Chris Stocks from The iPaper joins me to discuss this situation and I ask hi kid the ECB has ability to stand up
Thoughts on the T20 World Cup and the latest from the counties.
The T20 World Cup has reached the Super 8s stage and on this week's show I ponder England's progress and ask how far can they go.?The politics between India and Pakistan has already influenced the tournament and now threatens to spill into The Hundred, with reports of Pakistan players being deemed ineligible for the IPL franchise-owned teams - is the ECB powerless to do anything about it?P
VIDEO: Bumble assesses Lancashire and Yorkshire ahead of the new season.
David Lloyd, known better to all of us as "Bumble" takes a look at the chances for his native Lancashire and also Yorkshire - where he now lives - ahead of the 2026 domestic season. As entertaining as always, Bumble reveals a love for steam trains and gives us some exclusive news from the wildly successful "Stick to Cricket" show that he does along with Michael Vaughan, Phil
County supporters (including Bumble!) give their views on the upcoming season...
I asked county cricket fans to give me their thoughts on how their teams would fare in 2026 and I got a great response! Here we have Evan Gallagher on Kent, Dan Haggar on Essex, Barrie Funnell & David Wright on Surrey, Oliver Hawke on Leicestershire, David Griffin on Derbyshire, Harry Everett on Somerset and a certain "David from York" on Lancashire and Yorkshire.
VIDEO: "Never Mind The Politics" says ED WARNER
With the ICC T20 World Cup already being overshadowed by boycotts and political interference, Ed Warner joins me to talk about the damaging influence that politics - and money - have on sport. Have boycotts ever been successful and does the arrival of big money in the English game warp the attitudes of players and management and will non-host counties pay the ultimate price?Subscribe to Ed's e
ED WARNER on politics and money in sport,
With the ICC T20 World Cup already being overshadowed by boycotts and political interference, Ed Warner joins me to talk about the damaging influence that politics - and money - have on sport. Have boycotts ever been successful and does the arrival of big money in the English game warp the attitudes of players and management and will non-host counties pay the ultimate price?Subscribe to Ed's e
VIDEO: Simon Hughes examines where England go from here?
Writer and broadcaster Simon Hughes is probably best known for being part of the excellent team that covered The Ashes in 2005 for Channel 4. In this chat, we contrast that series with the one just finished, both on and off the pitch and query that attitude and preparation of the current England team and what what needs to happen now?Subscribe to Simon's excellent analysis and insight on Subst
Writer and broadcaster SIMON HUGHES
Writer and broadcaster Simon Hughes is probably best known for being part of the excellent team that covered The Ashes in 2005 for Channel 4. In this chat, we contrast that series with the one just finished, both on and off the pitch and query that attitude and preparation of the current England team and what what needs to happen now?Subscribe to Simon's excellent analysis and insight on Subst
VIDEO: Toppers on Tour!
A catch up with Don Topley as he prepares to jet off to Sri Lanka to take in England's white ball series ahead of next month's T20 World Cup. We get his thoughts on England's chances as well as taking a look at the fall out from The Ashes, where Don was there with the Barmy Army and met up with Robin Smith, just days before he passed away.
The much-travelled DON TOPLEY...
A catch up with Don Topley as he prepares to jet off to Sri Lanka to take in England's white ball series ahead of next month's T20 World Cup. We get his thoughts on England's chances as well as taking a look at the fall out from The Ashes, where Don was there with the Barmy Army and met up with Robin Smith, just days before he passed away.
VIDEO: Essex Cricket turns 150!
Essex County Cricket Club is 150 years old! To mark the occasion, ceremonies were held at Chelmsford Cathedral and at Shire Hall in the city centre, the very spot where the club was born following a public meeting back in 1876.Richard Clarke aka "The Grumbler" was there to observe proceedings and in this chat, he gives us his thoughts.
Essex Cricket celebrates 150 years!
Essex County Cricket Cub is 150 years old. To mark the occasion, ceremonies were held at Chelmsford Cathedral and at Shire Hall in the city centre, the very spot where the club was born following a public meeting back in 1876.Richard Clarke aka "The Grumbler" was there to observe proceedings and in this chat, he gives us his thoughts.
VIDEO: EVAN GALLAGHER reviews the 2025/26 Ashes tour.
It's January. It's cold. It's wet. There might be snow. ..Australia has won the 5th Test and wrapped up the series 4-1 to retain The Ashes. And just when you thought it could not get more depressing, reports have emerged of Harry Brook being involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer the night before an ODI against New Zealand in November. After all the hype and expectation,
EVAN GALLAGHER reviews The Ashes.
It's January. It's cold. It's wet. There might be snow. ..Australia has won the 5th Test and wrapped up the series 4-1 to retain The Ashes. And just when you thought it could not get more depressing, reports have emerged of Harry Brook being involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer the night before an ODI against New Zealand in November. After all the hype and expectation,
Glamorgan Chairman Mark Rhydderch-Roberts sees a bright future.
Glamorgan has been promoted to Division One of the County Championship for the first time in twenty years. Club Chairman Mark Rhydderch-Roberts talks about a future full of opportunity after the new investment from Indian business in Welsh Fire. He spies a global spread for the county as franchise cricket dominates the cricketing landscape. He also talks about what non-host counties need to do to
Noosa's nice this time of year....
Highlights from Thursday's radio show on Phoenix 98FM, where we analyse the deep frustration and disappointing performance of England in the first two Ashes Tests. We compare that to a classic between New Zealand and West Indies, which was a proper example of how test match cricket should be played. Also a round up of the latest news from around the counties.*This is an updated version of the
OLIVER HAWKE looks forward to 2026!
The 2026 fixtures for the County Championship, the One Day Cup and The Blast have been released and Leicestershire supporter Oliver Hawke joins me to give his thoughts and how he is already busy making arrangements to follow his beloved team across the country next summer.
Ashes to Ashes - a review of the First Test at Perth.
With the shockwaves still reverberating after England's eight wicket defeat to Australia in the First Test, I got the views of some of the friends and collaborators of "98 Not Out" to try and make sense of what happened. Who is to blame and what have we learned? Indeed, what can we expect from the next Test at Brisbane and what are England's prospects for the rest of the series.
NEIL FARADAY, Treasurer at Essex Cricket
Ahead of the Essex AGM, I caught up club treasurer Neil Faraday to talk about the financial health of the club and how to keep ahead of a fast-changing environment post-Covid. We also talk player budgets - for both the men and the women's teams - as well as an update on plans for the redevelopment of the ground at Chelmsford.#Cricket #Essex #Chelmsford
GEORGE DOBELL's postcard from Perth...
George Dobell reports from Australia ahead of the first Ashes Test, which begins in Perth later this week..Subscribe to https://www.thecricketer.com for top coverage from Down Under this winter!#TheAshes #Cricket
George Dobell's Postcard from Perth.
George Dobell reports from Australia ahead of the first Ashes Test, which begins in Perth later this week. Subscribe to https://www.thecricketer.com for top coverage from Down Under this winter!#TheAshes #Cricket
VIDEO: Paul Newman ahead of The Ashes.
With the wait nearly over, Paul Newman from The Athletic joins me to assess England's chances Down Under. Has the preparation been enough? Does England's all out pace attack have enough to beat an aging Australian side? What did we learn from the white ball tour to New Zealand and there are questions over the schedule (again??!) as a T20 World Cup follows straight after the conclusion of T
PAUL NEWMAN - " a week to go..."
With the wait nearly over, Paul Newman from The Athletic joins me to assess England's chances Down Under. Has the preparation been enough? Does England's all out pace attack have enough to beat an aging Australian side? What did we learn from the white ball tour to New Zealand and there are questions over the schedule (again??!) as a T20 World Cup follows straight after the conclusion of T
VIDEO: Winter is Coming! A catch up with "Griff"...
Derbyshire stalwart David Griffin aka Griff joins me as county cricket enters its low point on the calendar. We talk all things Derbyshire, as the county celebrates its 155th anniversary. Also a look forward to the 2026 county fixtures release later this month, the necessity of wearing shorts whatever the weather and, given Griff is such a huge fan, a chat about the new Bruce Springsteen movie "D
Winter is coming! A catch up with Griff...
Derbyshire stalwart David Griffin aka Griff joins me as county cricket enters its low point on the calendar. We talk all things Derbyshire, as the county celebrates its 155th anniversary. Also a look forward to the 2026 county fixtures release later this month, the necessity of wearing shorts whatever the weather and, given Griff is such a huge fan, a chat about the new Bruce Springsteen movie &q
VIDEO: Huw Turbervill looks forward to The Ashes
Not long to go until The Ashes are upon us. Here, Huw Turbervill, editor of "The Cricketer" magazine looks forward to one of cricket's big occasions - how are England's preparations going and what does he think the outcome will be? #Cricket #TheAshes #AUSvENG
VIDEO: Nick Browne calls time on his career at Essex Cricket.
As the 2025 season draws to a close, Nick Browne has called time on his first class career with Essex Cricket. Here we chat about where it all began for him st South Woodford CC and how he progressed through the ranks to open the batting for Essex alongside Sir Alastair Cook and winning the County Championship, not once but twice!It's also been Nick's Testimonial Year and we look back at s
NICK BROWNE reflects on a career at the top with Essex Cricket.
As the 2025 season draws to a close, Nick Browne has called time on his first class career with Essex Cricket. Here we chat about where it all began for him st South Woodford CC and how he progressed through the ranks to open the batting for Essex alongside Sir Alastair Cook and winning the County Championship, not once but twice!It's also been Nick's Testimonial Year and we look back at s
Essex Cricket CEO Dan Feist
The CEO of Essex Cricket Dan Feist joins me for a catch up, as the 2025 season winds to a close on the field, but activity continues a-pace off it, as the club is already starting preparations for its 150th anniversary in 2026. 2025 was a challenging year for the club, but it has emerged better and stronger with the emergence of exciting young talent with much to look forward to next season.among
Essex Cricket 2025 Awards Dinner - here come the girls!
Last night, the Leonardo City Hotel in the bustling heart of London hosted the 2025 Essex Cricket Annual Awards Dinner. A glitzy occasion where players from both the Men's and the Women's teams were recognised for their efforts this season. Hosted by Victoria Polley from BBC Essex, it was a particularly good night for the women. I caught up with Victoria and multi award winners Esmae MacG
VIDEO: Mark Butcher is always somewhere...
A year on from the release of his third album "Always Somewhere", former Surrey and England batter, now better know as a commentator on Sky Sports Cricket, Mark Butcher talks about his successful side hustle writing and recording music and gives us an exclusive preview of his next release. Of course, we also talk cricket and with the domestic season now concluded, we look forward to the
MARK BUTCHER is always somewhere...
A year on from the release of his third album "Always Somewhere", former Surrey and England batter, now better know as a commentator on Sky Sports Cricket, Mark Butcher talks about his successful side hustle writing and recording music and gives us an exclusive preview of his next release. Of course, we also talk cricket and with the domestic season now concluded, we look forward to the
Leicestershire are Division Two Champions!
Leicestershire has won the Division Two title and thus return to the top flight of the County Championship after a twenty-two year hiatus. I caught up with superman Oliver Hawke to celebrate his county's achievement and asked what it meant to the die-hard supporters of the club.If you are not familiar with Oliver, I suggest you join the "County Cricket Matters" page on Facebook, wher
VIDEO: "The Grumbler" talks about recent events at Essex Cricket.
It's been a busy few days at Essex Cricket. On the field as the County Championship returned, the team was fighting hard to ensure its survival in the top flight and as it stands, Division One cricket looks likely to continue at Chelmsford next year.Off the field, at a Members Forum last week the club outlined its stance on proposed changes to the County Championship and has called an SGM for
"The Grumbler" on an eventful few days at Essex Cricket.
It's been a busy few days at Essex Cricket. On the field as the County Championship returned, the team was fighting hard to ensure its survival in the top flight and as it stands, Division One cricket looks likely to continue at Chelmsford next year.Off the field, at a Members Forum last week the club outlined its stance on proposed changes to the County Championship and has called an SGM for
VIDEO: Don Topley talks MCCF and North Stars!
With the successful conclusion of the 2025 Minor Counties Cricket Festival, special guest Don Topley joins me to talk about his involvement with this long-running event and why it is so important in helping develop enthusiasm for the game among young players. Don also tells us about a kit collection he is organising to help rural club North Stars in Barbados. If you want to get involved and dona
DON TOPLEY on grassroots cricket and collecting kit for Barbados.
With the successful conclusion of the 2025 Minor Counties Cricket Festival, special guest Don Topley joins me to talk about his involvement with this long-running event and why it is so important in helping develop enthusiasm for the game among young players. Don also tells us about a kit collection he is organising to help rural club North Stars in Barbados. If you want to get involved and dona
Is The Hundred finally winning fans over?
HUW TURBERVILL, editor of "The Cricketer" Joins me to discuss a perceived shift in attitudes toward the much-maligned Hundred. Is it finally getting acceptance among the cricketing fraternity?
