Slogging It

This week we discuss the recent absence due to a golf trip during the Masters, Robbo's vacation, and the physical toll of their sports adventures, including golf at Tandridge Golf Club and upcoming cricket matches. They explore their experiences with the Kookaburra and Duke's balls in the County Championship, expressing mixed feelings about their impact on the game. We also touch on the IPL, noting impressive performances and debating the impact of different cricket balls on play. They share personal updates, including league cricket retirement and looking forward to playing together again. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted look at a cricket draft game among friends, hinting at competitive spirits even off the field. 00:00 Welcome to Slogging It: Missing Robbo and Catching Up 01:04 Golfing Adventures and the Tandridge Experience 03:38 Cricket Chatter: From MCC Games to County Championship Insights 11:12 IPL Highlights and the Duke vs. Kookaburra Debate 18:16 Fantasy Cricket Draft: Strategies and Standings 21:12 Looking Ahead: Cricket, Golf, and Personal Updates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week hosts Johnno, Robbo, and Eugene delve into a mix of personal updates, cricket news, and quirky quizzes. They start with recounting their weeks, which include playing golf and attending a birthday bash, then move on to discuss the County Championship and the new cricket draft app launched in partnership with the ECB. They also touch on a massive funding boost for cricket by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, aiming to increase cricket participation in state schools across England. The episode features detailed cricket chat, including impressive performances in the County Championship and the use of Kookaburra balls. The hosts also cover the IPL, highlighting notable performances, before ending on 'Stupid Simon's Stupid Quiz', focused on selecting the worst Test cricket batters. 00:00 Welcome to Slogging It: A Day in the Life 00:56 Weekly Recap: From Braais to Golf Preps 02:20 Golf Tales: From Mis-hits to Near Misses 05:48 Cricket Draft and County Championship Insights 08:16 Supporting the Lord's Taverners and State School Cricket 11:14 Record-Breaking Performances and Pitch Analysis 22:09 IPL Highlights: High Scores and Bowling Tactics 28:57 Stupid Simon's Stupid Quiz: Cricket's Worst Batsmen 33:13 Looking Ahead: T20 World Cup and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The team reunites to share their experiences over the Easter weekend, including Braais, children's raves, and a trip to India. They touch upon the incredible hospitality encountered at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and appreciate the community-driven aspect of Sikhism. The discussion shifts to the Indian Premier League (IPL), highlighting its significance, the impressive skill level of the players, and the impact of young Indian cricketers on the sport. The conversation also touches on the issue of professional cricketers choosing leagues over tournaments, affecting franchises and the quality of cricket. Record-breaking performances in international cricket, including Sri Lanka's unique achievement and England women's impressive partnership, are celebrated. The episode concludes with a playful debate over the best left-handed openers in ODI cricket, bringing attention to legends of the game. 00:26 Easter Weekend Adventures 01:20 A Unique Children's Rave Experience 03:04 Reflecting on a Trip to India 06:22 Deep Dive into IPL's Impact and Evolution 19:19 The Business Side of Cricket: Loyalty, Contracts, and Broadcasting 26:28 Revolutionizing Cricket Contracts: The Big Bash's New Strategy 27:37 The Intricacies of Player Availability and Management 29:01 The Impact of Experienced Players in Domestic Cricket 29:41 The Power Dynamics in Cricket: Players vs. Boards 30:03 The Big Bash's Gamble and International Cricket Scheduling 32:34 Cricket Records and Oddities: From Sri Lanka to England Women 35:00 Stupid Simon's Stupid Quiz: The Ultimate Cricket Debate 41:48 The Left-Handed Batsmen Conundrum: A Quirky Cricket Quiz 44:36 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Easter Wishes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The discussion takes part from different corners of the world. Johnno shares his current experiences in India, touching on topics like the local culture, roads, food, and his business dealing with cricket gear suppliers. Meanwhile, the trio talks extensively about cricket, focusing on the early start of the season, challenges posed by wet weather in England, and how it affects game preparation. They delve into the County Championship, speculate on the season's challenges, and share anecdotes about cricket and personal experiences. They also discuss the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, player performances, and changes in cricket laws, showing their deep knowledge and passion for the game. The conversation wraps up with future plans and a humorous take on Johnno's adaptation to Indian cuisine. 00:00 Welcome to Slogging It: A Cricket Banter Begins 00:53 Diving into the Weather and Cricket Season Challenges 02:57 Exploring the Impact of Climate on Cricket 06:25 Johnno's Indian Adventure: From IPL Insights to Cultural Experiences 07:49 The Intricacies of Indian Roads and the Vibrancy of Punjab 13:06 A Deep Dive into the IPL: Matches, Players, and Law Changes 20:47 Stupid Simon, Stupid Game: IPL Edition 28:10 Johnno's Plans in India and Wrapping Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we engage you, our audience with lively discussions on cricket, highlighting the humorous and light-hearted side of the sport. We kick off with a jest about Gary Kirsten's cricket knowledge, sharing personal anecdotes and laughter. The conversation transitions to a broader discussion on the England cricket team, analyzing the aftermath of the India-England series and debating the future prospects of the England team, including batting and bowling strategies. The episode also introduces a new game segment by Simon, creating engaging and thought-provoking debates among the hosts regarding cricket strategies and player performances. 00:44 Cricket Fantasy League and the Love for Gary Kirsten 01:12 The Long Distance Episode: From Taunton to Cricket Grounds 02:19 Dissecting the India-England Series: What's Next for England? 03:39 Bazball's Impact: Winners and Losers in the England Team 08:49 The Future of England's Bowling Attack: A Deep Dive 21:19 Stupid Simon, Stupid Game: A Quirky Cricket Quiz 31:50 Golf Season and Supporting the Tavs 32:35 Signing Off: Hunger Calls and Goodbyes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss the England cricket team's tour of India, celebrating Jimmy Anderson's 700 wickets milestone and paying tribute to cricket legends Charlie French and Duncan Fernley. The conversation covers England's performance in the rugby against Ireland, their enjoyment of the game, and shifts focus to an in-depth cricket chat. The hosts analyze individual performances of the England team throughout the India series, offering ratings and thoughts on each player. They touch upon potential future team selections, specifically the spinner's role, and briefly discuss Australia's test match against New Zealand. The episode wraps up with some banter about Australian cricketer Alex Carey and predictions gone wrong, emphasizing their engagement with the sports community and inviting listeners to share their thoughts. 01:29 Rugby Revelations: England vs. Ireland Match Analysis 04:57 Cricket Conversations: Jimmy Anderson's Milestone and the Art of Seam Bowling 12:04 Series Reflections: England's Performance and the Bazzball Debate 26:02 Player Ratings: Analyzing England's Squad Performance 36:01 Analyzing Ollie Pope's Performance and Future Prospects 36:34 Joe Root's Series Performance: A Deep Dive 38:42 Johnny Bairstow's Struggles and Expectations 42:55 Ben Stokes' Leadership and Performance Review 45:29 Ben Foakes: The Wicketkeeper's Series Analysis 49:53 Bowlers' Performance Roundup: From Rohan to Bashir 01:00:37 Closing Thoughts and Predictions for Future Matches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we go off road - A cricket equipment industry first has been launched, allowing people to pay for their gear over 12 months with zero percent interest. This program is not only a UK first but potentially the first globally. Also discussed was 'reruns' – a new initiative where used cricket bats could be returned, refurbished and sold at a significantly lower price, making quality equipment more accessible. Some reflection on the careers of cricketers Neil Wagner and James Anderson was part of the conversation, along with predictions for the upcoming England vs India 5th test. We conclude on whether they'll play cricket this year and shared humorous anecdotes. The episode underscores the importance of advancing the game, increasing participation and avoiding elitism as essential for the sport's continued growth. 00:50 Discussing Woodstock's New Program 02:46 The Impact of the Program on the Cricket Industry 03:24 Introducing the 'Reruns' Initiative 04:45 The Potential of the 'Reruns' Initiative 07:22 The Importance of Accessibility in Cricket 17:09 The Challenges and Triumphs of Neil Wagner 23:49 The State of Cricket Today 26:43 Looking Forward to the Fifth Test 33:06 Personal Cricket Plans and Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode involves an analysis of recent cricket between India and England and discussions around the outcomes and controversial moments. There's an emphasis on England's cricket team performances and the nuances of how the team players dealt with various matches. We commend certain players such as Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes, whilst discussing the complexities of their playing strategies. The hosts also critically analyze controversial aspects of the Decision Review System (DRS) and its impact on the game and players. Towards the end, potential changes to DRS are brainstormed to introduce clarity and fairness to the system. 00:17 Reflecting on Last Week's Controversy 01:04 Listener Feedback and Acknowledgements 02:12 Discussion on Player Performances 02:52 Cricket Match Analysis 07:22 Debate on Player Strategies 08:42 Critique of Social Media Commentary 10:10 In-depth Discussion on Player Techniques 18:06 Reflections on Ben Stokes' Performance 24:14 Is it Fair? Debating the Laws of the Game 24:39 The Wickets in India: A Closer Look 25:02 The Impact of Test Cricket's Evolution 25:54 The Role of the Pitch: A Controversial Topic 26:11 The Power of a Good Spell: Ashwin's Impact 28:07 The Balance of the England Side: An Analysis 29:05 The Intricacies of DRS: A Detailed Discussion 33:58 The Future of Umpiring: DRS and Beyond 49:11 The Final Verdict: Wrapping Up the Discussion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week is a crazy one... we begin with introductions and banter before delving into a humorous discussion on a rogues’ gallery of past and present cricket players. We then critically examine England's performance in the ongoing India vs England cricket series, dissecting media responses and offering their analysis. Touching on events like the over forties World Cup in South Africa and the LMS Masters in Barbados, they provide insights into various cricket competitions. Towards the end, we discuss Woodstock Cricket Company's latest innovations, including new-generation stickers and initiatives to improve access to cricket products, concluding with a light-hearted joke about selecting the best South African players for the English team. 00:10 Introduction and Banter 00:27 Discussion on Previous Episode and Guest Host 02:34 Choosing the Best Overseas Cricketer: Past 13:31 Choosing the Best Overseas Cricketer: Present 19:44 Reflection on England's Performance in India 22:36 Recap of a Cricket Match 23:44 Analysis of England's Performance 25:18 Critique of Press Coverage 28:48 Discussion on Cricket Journalism 29:59 Reflection on Cricket Performance 37:19 Introduction to Woodstock's New Initiatives 46:21 Discussion on Cricket Events 49:31 Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We delve into various cricket topics, the pervasive allure of the SA 20, and our critiques of the ECB and BCCI. We explore the brilliance of the Tavs and ponder over the state of cricket, touching on recent matches involving England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa. We also discuss the implications of visa issues for cricket players, the structure of the World Test Championship, and the challenges of scheduling games. Join us for an engaging discussion on the current state and future of cricket. 00:44 Discussing Current Cricket Scene 01:09 Analysis of New Zealand vs South Africa Test 03:14 The State of South African Cricket 05:16 The Impact of Commercialization on Cricket 06:04 The Future of Test Cricket 15:00 The World Test Championship Debate 19:25 Closing Thoughts 22:49 The Financial Impact of England's Cricket Tours 24:44 Debate on the World Test Championship 26:37 The Role of the ICC in Test Cricket 29:42 The Visa Issues in India 33:42 India's Test Selection Policy 40:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Discussions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week are joined by former England cricketer David Gower who dips into his experiences from both his playing days and as a renowned cricket broadcaster. The discussion digs deep into the evolving trends and commercial pressures in the cricketing world, especially the threat to Test cricket posed by the increasing popularity and financial success of franchise cricket like IPL. Gower also shares his views on the current English cricket team and captain Ben Stokes. He reflects on the structure and atmosphere of today's cricket teams compared to his time as a player, the changes in broadcasting since his time, and the evidential shift of power centers in world cricket. Towards the end, Gower shares thoughts on the importance of enjoying the game and maintaining a positive attitude. 00:50 David Gower's Experience as a National Treasure 02:29 Memorable Interviews and Broadcasting Mishaps 04:16 Engaging with Fans and the Public 10:27 Transition from Player to Broadcaster 15:38 Reflections on Leaving Sky and the Impact of Covid 18:01 The Art of Broadcasting and Memorable Moments 24:09 The Art of Commentary and Cricket Superstars 26:28 Understanding the Human Element in Cricket 29:51 The Influence of Commercial Forces on Cricket 31:34 The Future of Test Cricket and the Role of Influential Players 36:31 The Power of India in the Cricketing World 47:02 The Joy of Cricket and the Importance of Enjoying the Game 49:32 The Possibility of a Series Victory in India 51:36 Wrapping Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to today's episode where we shift gears, we delve into the profound impact of social media on cricket players' mental health, navigating the challenges posed by the digital realm. Our discussion broadens to the varying generational perspectives on mental health, shedding light on the unique struggles faced by athletes. Advocating for increased awareness, we call for educational initiatives addressing mental health issues across different age groups. Beyond the statistics, we explore the intricate interplay of cricket, social media, and mental well-being, urging a collective effort to foster understanding and support. Join us as we go beyond the boundaries of the field, weaving together the threads of analysis, social media influence, and the crucial conversation on mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just the 3 of us discussing the recent interview, particularly noting the insightful comments from cricket legend Mike Gatting. Our discussion transitions to their predictions on upcoming matches, including the England vs. India Test Series, looking at strategies both teams might adopt along with the challenges they could face depending on pitch conditions. The ever-increasing popularity of T20 tournaments globally and their impact on cricketing dynamics were deliberated upon. 00:18 Reflections on Interview with Mike Gatting 00:57 Discussion on Team Sports and Personal Development 04:17 Upcoming Interviews with Chris Cowry and David Gower 06:38 Insights on the Big Bash Scorecard and Player Performance 11:08 How good is the Standards of fielding in T20 Competitions 22:12 Discussing the SA20 Cricket 23:02 India and England Test Series Preview 24:26 Analyzing India's Cricket Team 26:49 England's Cricket Team Strategy 35:53 Predictions for the Upcoming Test Series 43:11 Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us this week as we chat with English cricket icon Mike Gatting OBE. From his early passion for cricket to his celebrated captaincy, Mike offers a rare glimpse into the mental and emotional aspects of the sport, the importance of team camaraderie, and mental health support. Mike discusses his involvement with the Lord's Taverners, the UK's leading youth cricket and disability sports charity. He shares how the charity aligns with his passion for cricket and the goal to make the sport accessible and inclusive for disadvantaged and disabled young people. The Lord's Taverners not only offer opportunities to play but also focus on personal development, self-esteem, and fostering a sense of belonging. The conversation also explores Mike's commitment to promoting cricket globally, particularly in Asia, reflecting on the impact of initiatives like those of the Lord's Taverners and the role community clubs play in nurturing talent. This episode is a celebration of cricket's rich heritage and expansive potential. 00:59 Early Love for Cricket 01:40 Influence of Parents and Early Exposure to Sports 03:41 The Role of Club Cricket in Skill Development 06:48 Transition from Club Cricket to Professional Cricket 16:09 Leadership in Cricket: Personal Journey 18:10 Taking Over as Captain: Challenges and Approach 27:53 Playing for the Lord's Taverners 29:01 The Role of the Lord's Taverners in Supporting Cricket 30:11 The Impact of Cricket on Personal Development 36:34 The Role of Cricket in Southeast Asia 44:13 The Future of Cricket in Middlesex 48:12 The Importance of Cricket in State Schools Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this rip-roaring episode, our trio of sports enthusiasts dive headfirst into the world of cricket. The discussions oscillate seamlessly between reviews of previous matches and their implications, assessments of pitches, the role of the ICC, alongside hilarious banter interludes. Tune in as they probe the realities of cricket politics, speculate on future games, and passionately dissect the current state of the game. It's a must-listen for any cricket fan! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this debut episode of 2024, the team at Slogging It dives into a comprehensive review of England's cricket performance in the past year. The episode includes a discussion on the highs and lows of the Ashes Series, appreciation for various retirements in the cricketing world, and an overview of the upcoming changes expected in the England cricket setup. There are also various nostalgic moments, humour, and references to key cricketing highlights. The episode concludes with a message from Mark Curtin, the CEO of the Lord's Taverners, thanking the team and listeners for their support. 00:08 Introduction and New Year's Eve Stories 02:23 Reflecting on Personal Struggles and Mental Health 05:17 Discussing the South Africa vs India Test Series 11:55 Reviewing England's Performance in the Ashes 16:10 Looking Back at England's Year in Cricket 18:42 Positives and Players to Watch 18:59 Tom Curran's Controversial Actions 19:56 The Impact of Player Behavior on Team Image 20:37 Debate on Cricket Rules 21:52 Technical Interruption and Corrections 21:52 Resuming Discussion on Tom Curran 24:40 Looking Forward: England's Cricket Future 29:27 Retirements and Farewells in Cricket 32:24 Upcoming Interviews and Announcements 33:15 Message from the CEO of the Lord's Tavern 34:21 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episodes, Eugene and Johnno chat with Dane Vilas, the South African-born English cricketer, for a candid chat. We call Dane the red-rose royalty, an international standout, and a county circuit mainstay, Dane dives into his cricket journey, his passion for the game, and the path that led him to success. We get a firsthand account of his experiences in various cricket formats, his take on 'The Hundred,' and the transformations witnessed in cricket during his impressive 17-year career. From sharing insights on donning the Lancashire colours in Manchester to contemplating post-retirement plans, Dane gives us an authentic peek into the life and thoughts of a seasoned cricketer 00:09 Introduction: Dane Vilas 01:02 Dane's Early Cricketing Experiences 02:05 Moving to England and Playing County Cricket 02:36 Reflections on South Africa and England 05:26 The Challenges and Rewards of English Cricket 07:26 Thoughts on the County First Class Season 09:09 Career Highlights and Reflections 11:15 The Importance of Team Comradery 17:01 The Experience of Being a Captain 19:01 Bowling Experiences and Challenges 24:12 The Dynamics of Team Interactions 24:52 Experiences in the Hundred Tournament 25:36 The Evolution of Cricket Players 28:24 Changes in Cricket Over the Years 29:29 The Impact of Modern Cricket on Players 33:56 Reflections on a Cricket Career 41:25 The Influence of Professional Cricket on Amateur Cricket 43:27 Looking Forward to Post-Professional Life 46:35 Advice for Aspiring Cricketers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ian Martin, an icon of cricket and disability cricket, speaks about his personal journey, the challenges he encountered, and his subsequent involvement in disability cricket. He reflects on the transition from his early connection with the sport, through his career in the Navy, to his lower limb disability that led him to give up playing. Martin also recounts his determination to remain involved in the sport led him to start using a wheelchair to play, get involved with the ECB as head of disability Cricket, and eventually pen down his experiences in his book 'How Cricket Saved My Life'. The conversation further delves into the landscape of disability cricket, the success it has achieved, and the innovations and potential changes in the future. Martin expresses his hopes for more inclusiveness, equal opportunities, and acceptance for players with disabilities, revealing his aspiration for the first centrally contracted disability cricketer by 2030. Buy How Cricket Saved My Life here 00:08 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:39 Guest's Early Life and Introduction to Cricket 01:31 Joining the Navy and Experiences 04:17 Impact of Gulf War and Health Challenges 05:56 Dealing with Disability and Leaving the Navy 10:00 Rediscovering Cricket and Overcoming Challenges 14:52 Transition into Disability Cricket Management 18:20 Writing a Book and Sharing Personal Experiences 29:47 Discussing the Shift in Awareness and Attitudes Toward Disabilities 30:21 The Persistence of Prejudice and Bias 31:40 The Impact of Societal Pressure on Discrimination 32:05 The Role of 'Woke' Culture in Disability Discrimination 33:04 The Journey of Disability Cricket at the ECB 33:31 The Aspirations and Challenges of Disability Cricket 34:59 The Success of the Disability Premier League 35:34 Reflecting on the Progress of the England LD Setup 35:52 The Struggles and Triumphs of the Learning Disability Trier 38:16 The Potential for Global Scaling of Disability Cricket 40:06 The Importance of Inclusivity in Cricket 42:43 The Challenges and Opportunities in Growing Disability Cricket 46:37 Success Stories in Disability Cricket 54:37 The Future of Disability Cricket 58:14 Advice for Youngsters with Disabilities Interested in Cricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eug, Robbo, and Johnno take a humorous and in-depth look at cricket's immediate topics and history. We discuss personal experiences and top stories, including the recent performances of Indian cricket players in a tournament and the indulgence in the 'holiday-like' conditions for the England team this Christmas. We also express frustration at the actions of the ICC, drawing attention to what they view as inefficient management of game growth and disciplinary actions. We finish off speak excitedly about their upcoming guests - the ECB's Head of Disability Cricket who will discuss the LD side's recent success 00:07 Introduction and Casual Banter 00:32 Recap of the Morning's Golf Game 01:24 Discussion on Sports and Personal Updates 03:13 Upcoming Cricket Events and Luncheons 06:31 Reflections on Personal Life and Christmas Plans 08:14 Analysis of the Indian T20 Cricket Team 18:58 Insights on the IPL and English Contingent 22:38 Discussing Injuries in Cricket 22:58 The Impact of Fitness on Cricket 23:37 Fast Bowling: A Deep Dive 25:43 The Evolution of Fast Bowling 26:30 The Mystery of Speed in Cricket 26:45 The Influence of Body Mechanics in Cricket 30:05 The State of English Cricket 30:13 The Future of the IPL 33:34 The Impact of the ICC on Cricket 41:07 The Future of Zimbabwe Cricket 42:26 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Guests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into this riveting episode as Johnno, Simon, and Eugene, your favourite podcast trio, delve deep into the world of sports. The lads kick things off by reflecting on their own golfing misadventures, drawing cheeky comparisons to the high-stakes drama of the Ryder Cup. The chat then shifts gears to the buzz around the T20 World Cup. From weather woes to stadium speculations, the hosts lay down their predictions and ponder on how the tournament's length might play into the hands of the elite teams. Not forgetting Team Europe's triumph in the Ryder Cup, the trio emphasizes the pivotal role of prep in sports. And as a cherry on top, they spill the beans on their upcoming weekend jaunts in the scenic Warwickshire. Strap in for a rollercoaster of expert sports insights, hearty laughs, and tales from the trio's own playbook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices