Close of Play Podcast

England Squad Announced: Did They Really Listen To The Fans?

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

The Cricket Regret Of A Love Island Winner | Max Morley

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

England Are Resting Gus Atkinson — Why?

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.

Cook vs KP: Who’s Right About Bethell?

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 Like To Run England Cricket? | Ashley Giles

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