Inside The Tour

Gladstone Small speaks with journalist Tony Bishop from Guerilla Cricket about the legendary 1986/87 Ashes tour. How did England beat the Aussies? Where did Gladstone’s love of cricket came from? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A special ‘Inside the Tour’ online event, in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK. Mark Pougatch hosts a bonus episode where he’s joined by some familiar faces from the Inside The Tour podcast, as well as appearances from the 2021/22 Ashes squad members. We’ve teamed up with Prostate Cancer for this event to help to raise awareness of prostate cancer, which former cricketer Allan Lamb is currently getting treatment for. Guestlist: Allan Lamb: Former England cricketer who played in the 1986/87 Ashes series. Since his prostate cancer diagnosis, he is raising awareness for others to get tested. Gladstone Small: Former England cricketer who played a key role in winning the 1986/87 Ashes. He took the winning catch at the SCG. Alec Stewart OBE: Former cricketer and former captain of the England cricket team. Lawrence Booth: Cricket writer for the Daily Mail and editor of cricket magazine Wisden. Take Prostate Cancer UK’s 30-second risk checker here: https://prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social-media&utm_campaign=risk-checker&utm_content=organic-link Find more info and donate to Prostate Cancer UK at prostatecanceruk.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

English cricket is in a bad place and Australia isn’t faring much better. As they prepare to meet in the Ashes of 1986/87, cricket’s ultimate contest dating back to the 1800s, there are tongue-in-cheek suggestions this is the battle for test cricket’s ‘wooden spoon’. England had lost 5-0 to the West Indies on their previous tour, to India and New Zealand at home that summer, banned their best player and changed their captain. It’s hard to imagine worse preparation. Australia were also feeling the impact of retirements and rebel tours, draining their team of talent. Did Allan Border really want to be the captain? Do the selectors know what they’re doing? This is the story of two proud nations, in cricketing disarray… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

England’s ramshackle cricketers arrive in Australia and, true to recent form, start losing to part-time state teams. The cricket seems secondary to the drinking as England lurch from the Bundaberg Rum Distillery to parties with the America’s Cup yachtsmen in Perth. “We were rubbish, truly rubbish”. As the late cricket writer Martin Johnson wrote at the time: “There are only three things wrong with this English team. They can’t bat, they can’t bowl and they can’t field.” Of course, at the time, he was totally correct. Just a little premature. On the eve of the first test, things take a surprising turn thanks to a legend of English sport... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“One of the greatest innings I’ve ever seen” says Phil De Freitas who, for a few hours, on the second day of the first test match, stood at the non-striker’s end at The Gabba in total awe. Sir Ian Botham’s final test century was one of his most memorable. In one over, he struck the bemused Merv Hughes for 22. It just so happened to be the over which brought up his three figures. Botham had been in trouble with the TCCB, so much so, some selectors didn’t want him on the tour. This is why he wanted to be there – why he had to be there. This is the story of one of the greatest innings, from one of the greatest England cricketers, and the result which shocked Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One down in the series, Australia needed their world-class batsman and skipper Allan Border to step up, which he promptly did. Less predictable was the performance of a gangly Nottingham opener and a Cornish wicketkeeper. Chris Broad and Jack Richards turned into the unlikely England heroes of the second test match. We track Richards down to his home in Belgium to hear a surprising story of anxiety from an international sportsman whose career ended early, trapped by his fears. And if we tell you the Adelaide 3rd Test is more memorable for it’s rest-day than the cricket, that gives you an indication of where we may be heading. It gets messy… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The tour arrives in Melbourne. Not just for the Boxing Day test, but far more importantly for the Christmas Day party. That’s right: England’s preparation for a series-clinching test match involved fancy dress, with the meticulous preparation that brings; and as close to an all-nighter as possible. Graham Dilley gets injured in the nets. Gladstone Small claims he’s bowling to Elton John. We’ve heard some tall tales on this series but this is right up there. This is the story of a remarkable test match and an even more remarkable after-party... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After losing by an innings at the MCG, the Australian inquest started. Allan Border gathered a group of “survivors” in a Melbourne hotel to draw a line in the sand. Down the road, at Kooyong, his ignominy was compounded by Pat Cash winning the Davis Cup for Australia. Prime Minister Bob Hawke rubs salt into Ashes wounds. “If only we had 11 Pat Cash’s at the MCG today” he famously remarked. One Pat Cash joins us on the pod. Amazingly, six months later, Border was lifting the World Cup. How did that happen?! This is the story of how a cricket team, usurped by a tennis team, recovered to become a global superpower. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the series lost, Australia panicked. Needing inspiration, they turned to ‘Taylor’. But not the one everyone was expecting. Mark Taylor - the brilliant young opener and future captain - was most people’s choice. So, when the team for the 5th test was leaked, Taylor’s phone rang off the hook, unaware of a call-up which in reality had never happened! The Taylor in question was a New South Wales back-up spinner, Peter Taylor. Peter Who? Well, exactly. This is the search for a man who has gone down in Aussie sporting folklore. Anyone know where he is?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The tour wasn’t over yet. After winning a one-day series in Perth, between the 4th and 5th tests, England set themselves a challenge: to wrap up a ‘Grand Slam Tour’ by winning the World Series Cup, another one-day competition also featuring Australia and the West Indies. This is where Allan Lamb, after a disappointing test series, decides to step up, smashing 18 of 5 balls to beat the Aussies at the SCG. The party with Elton John continues, another 80s pop star makes an appearance and Dennis Lillee gets stuck in a lift. All this before the conversation with Allan Lamb takes a surprising turn… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After telling the remarkable story of the British and Irish Lions on their famous tour to South Africa in 1997, “Inside The Tour” returns for a second series, charting cricket’s astonishing Ashes series between Australia and England in 1986/87. It was hugely significant for both nations; after this, England wouldn’t win the Ashes again for 18 years. The embarrassing defeat sent Allan Border’s Australia to rock bottom and yet, somehow, they recovered to become a cricket superpower. This is the story of that incredible journey, told by players from both teams plus host Mark Pougatch, in Australia at the time as a backpacking 18-year old. His diary brings to life a crazy, chaotic story of unknown call-ups, unlikely heroes, megastar supporters and a result which shocked the sporting world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: A special ‘Inside the Tour' online event, in partnership with the MyName5Doddie Foundation. In this bonus podcast episode we tie the threads from those epic days of 1997 with the current 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour, in the company of an unparalleled panel of rugby royalty. Ahead of the pivotal Second Test in Cape Town, we bring together four legendary Lions to reflect on that famous tour 24 years ago and run the rule over Warren Gatland’s current crop attempting to topple the Springboks in South Africa." Guest list: Doddie Weir OBE: Former Scotland and British Lions lock forward, and founder of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, raising awareness and funds to find a cure for MND. Sam Warburton: Two-time British Lions captain, unbeaten in both those series (in Australia 2013 and NZ 2017) Gregor Townsend: Former Scotland & British Lions fly half, and current Attack Coach for the 2021 Lions Tour. Also the starting fly-half for the 1997 Lions tour of SA. John Bentley: Former British Lions wing, and an instrumental part of the successful series v SA in 1997. Doddie’s charity: www.myname5doddie.co.uk Credits: Presented and researched by Alastair Eykyn. Written by Jonathan Overend. Produced by Danny Garlick and Mark Sharman. Additional voices by Kenny Blyth. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Executive Producer: Liam Thompson. Executive Editor for NinetyFour19: Jonathan Overend. A NinetyFour19 Podcast for Auddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: The series closes with a special tribute to one of the most popular figures on that tour; Scotland and Lions lock forward Doddie Weir. Details: After being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, Doddie has devoted his life to helping others; raising millions of pounds for research into the incurable condition and support for sufferers, while staying unfailingly positive and upbeat. He inspires everyone he encounters. This is our thanks to you, Doddie Weir. Featuring Doddie Weir and John Bentley. Credits: Presented and researched by Alastair Eykyn. Written by Jonathan Overend. Produced by Danny Garlick and Mark Sharman. Additional voices by Kenny Blyth. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Executive Producer: Liam Thompson. Executive Editor for NinetyFour19: Jonathan Overend. A NinetyFour19 Podcast for Auddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: The Great Gibbs Collision and Celebratory Duvets. Details: A week later, in Durban, after Greenwood's near-death experience in midweek, the Lions know Springbok retaliation is on the cards. Three tries to zero; this was a home banker. Wasn't it? It came down to the final minutes... Featuring Jeremy Guscott, Scott Gibbs and Neil Jenkins. Credits: Presented and researched by Alastair Eykyn. Written by Jonathan Overend. Produced by Danny Garlick and Mark Sharman. Additional voices by Kenny Blyth. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Executive Producer: Liam Thompson. Executive Editor for NinetyFour19: Jonathan Overend. A NinetyFour19 Podcast for Auddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: "Get Up! You bald, fat f**k!" Details: Finally, the Lions arrive in Cape Town for the 1st Test Match. They devise a devastating strategy; to take on the mighty Springboks upfront. The mechanics of the scrum are dissected as the Lions seek the lead in the series... Featuring Scott Gibbs, Matt Dawson and Keith Wood. Credits: Presented and researched by Alastair Eykyn. Written by Jonathan Overend. Produced by Danny Garlick and Mark Sharman. Additional voices by Kenny Blyth. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Executive Producer: Liam Thompson. Executive Editor for NinetyFour19: Jonathan Overend. A NinetyFour19 Podcast for Auddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: Dressing Room Drama and the Mystery Camera. Details: As well as the result, the 1997 tour is remembered for the remarkable documentary film "Living with Lions". Its pioneering 'fly-on-the-wall' concept was funded by a fan who cashed in his pension. The cameras are everywhere... Featuring John Bentley, Duncan Humphries and Fred Rees. Credits: Presented and researched by Alastair Eykyn. Written by Jonathan Overend. Produced by Danny Garlick and Mark Sharman. Additional voices by Kenny Blyth. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Executive Producer: Liam Thompson. Executive Editor for NinetyFour19: Jonathan Overend. A NinetyFour19 Podcast for Auddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: The Doctor's Skill and Waking Up Will. Details: An eight-week rugby tour is hard enough before considering the opponents' size and strength, not to mention opposition brutality. Injuries hit crucial Lions players at different times. At one stage, it's a matter of life and death... Featuring Dr James Robson, Will Greenwood and Doddie Weir Credits: Presented and researched by Alastair Eykyn. Written by Jonathan Overend. Produced by Danny Garlick and Mark Sharman. Additional voices by Kenny Blyth. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Executive Producer: Liam Thompson. Executive Editor for NinetyFour19: Jonathan Overend. A NinetyFour19 Podcast for Auddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: Sir Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer, reunited. Details: In an extraordinary reunion, the Lions' dynamic coaching double act stoke each other's memories of this epic tour. Sir Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer set a gold-standard for man management with techniques used to this day; not just in Rugby but across sport and business. Credits: Presented and researched by Alastair Eykyn. Written by Jonathan Overend. Produced by Danny Garlick and Mark Sharman. Additional voices by Kenny Blyth. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Executive Producer: Liam Thompson. Executive Editor for NinetyFour19: Jonathan Overend. A NinetyFour19 Podcast for Auddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: The Dirt-Track Guy and his Wonder-Try. Details: The uniqueness of a Lions tour is the schedule; midweek/Saturday, midweek/Saturday. The team you're on is a major clue to whether you're in the test side. It's a delicate process and divisions must be avoided, at all costs. Featuring Neil Jenkins, Will Greenwood and John Bentley. Credits: Presented and researched by Alastair Eykyn. Written by Jonathan Overend. Produced by Danny Garlick and Mark Sharman. Additional voices by Kenny Blyth. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Executive Producer: Liam Thompson. Executive Editor for NinetyFour19: Jonathan Overend. A NinetyFour19 Podcast for Auddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: Brutal Machines and Goal-kicking Dreams Detail: After the brainstorms, team-building and pub trips, the Lions hit the training fields to prepare for the challenge of a lifetime. After all, a strategy to conquer the World Champions was required. And for the pack, that meant brutal hard work. Featuring Keith Wood, Matt Dawson and Rob Wainwright. Credits: Presented and researched by Alastair Eykyn. Written by Jonathan Overend. Produced by Danny Garlick and Mark Sharman. Additional voices by Kenny Blyth. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Executive Producer: Liam Thompson. Executive Editor for NinetyFour19: Jonathan Overend. A NinetyFour19 Podcast for Auddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices