Alec Stewart on returning to Surrey, England's Ashes defeat and why Jude Bellingham could be good news for cricket

England name three uncapped players in revamped men's Test squad

May 13, 202620 minSummary

The Sky Sports Cricket Podcast explores the recent announcement of the England men’s Test squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand at Lord’s. The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the 15-player selection, which features three uncapped individuals. A primary focus of the discussion is the exclusion of long-standing opening batter Zach Crawley. The hosts evaluate his performance history and agree that, while his departure from the squad is a significant transition, his recent statistical returns rendered his position untenable. The conversation shifts to the inclusion of domestic performers like Emilio Gay, whose strong run-scoring form in the early county season earned him a spot. The hosts also discuss the recall of Ollie Robinson, highlighting his leadership and skill as a control bowler, and the return of spinners Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed. Furthermore, the episode examines the appointment of Marcus North as the new national selector, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach between statistical performance and team strategy. The hosts conclude by reflecting on the challenges of managing centrally contracted players and the tactical decisions that will define the starting eleven.

Jacob Bethell: IPL development, Barbados & England aspirations

Apr 22, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, the hosts reflect on the early stages of the County Championship, discussing the impact of spring weather on match conditions and the impressive form of Somerset as a model club. They engage in a broader discussion regarding the current scheduling challenges in English cricket and the controversial introduction of substitute players, questioning whether the regulations are being exploited by teams. The guest for this episode is rising star Jacob Bethell. He shares his experiences training with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, detailing the high-intensity coaching methods he has encountered in India compared to his development in England. Bethell also reflects on his upbringing in Barbados, crediting the natural, informal environment of beach cricket for his foundational skills, particularly his comfort with boundary fielding and playing the short ball. He discusses his aspirations to reach the highest level of the game and the balance he maintains as a player who is increasingly focused on self-coaching and developing his own tactical awareness in diverse professional environments.

County Championship, England selection & Women's T20 World Cup | Nas & Ath answer your questions!

Apr 7, 202656 minSummary

In this episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, hosts Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton reflect on the opening round of the County Championship. The duo analyzes the current state of domestic pitches, noting a tendency toward slow surfaces in early April, and discusses the noticeable emergence of leg-spin bowlers across the country. The hosts then shift their focus to England’s test cricket team, answering listener questions regarding Ben Stokes’ future as captain and his role as a batter. They explore the necessity for clarity and authentic leadership as the team approaches the summer season. A significant portion of the conversation addresses the evolving relationship between coaches and captains, with the pair expressing concern over a potential loss of player autonomy in modern setups. They debate the importance of technical coaching versus player self-sufficiency, particularly for young cricketers. Finally, the discussion touches on the selection dilemmas facing England, including the search for a consistent spinner and the criteria for wicketkeepers. Nasser and Michael emphasize the importance of performance over the next several rounds of the Championship to determine the final squad compositions for upcoming international fixtures.