Close of Play Podcast

ITV’s Mark Pougatch joins Sanjay Murthy for a wide-ranging conversation about cricket, football and broadcasting — from Test Match Special and Ashes Tours to the reality of live TV, the chaos of modern schedules and why he still hasn’t managed to take  Roy Keane to Lord’s . Mark reflects on Harry Brook, Kevin Pietersen, county cricket, IPL years, his dad’s cricket legacy, his TMS commentary memori...

Sanjay Murthy sits down with  Jason Warne  for a powerful, honest and often funny conversation about life growing up with Shane Warne, the competitive battles that shaped their childhood, and the emotional creation of the  Shane Warne Legacy . Jason shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories—from backyard cricket wars to the Gatting ball, to navigating fame, media scrutiny and the truth behind Au...

England lose by eight wickets and fall 2–0 behind in the Ashes — but the headlines were dominated by rare honesty from  Ben Stokes  and  Brendon McCullum , who admitted England must change both their mindset and approach. In today’s Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England international  Geraint Jones  unpack a huge day for English cricket: • Stokes calling out his own dressing room • McCul...

On Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England international  Geraint Jones  break down a bruising Day 3 in the second Ashes Test, where England’s tactics unravelled. Geraint gives a brutally honest assessment of: • England’s baffling tactics • Australia's excellemt reading of the maych situation • Time's up for Ollie Pope • The lack of acceptance by England of failed plans Plus Geraint’s 100%...

On Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy and former England international  Geraint Jones  dissect a tough Day 2 for England in the second Ashes Test. Australia finish  378–6 , and England’s tactics come under serious scrutiny. Geraint breaks down why England’s bowlers failed to adjust, how Stokes’ emotional leadership affects the team, why bowling pairs matter, and gives a detailed keeper’s insight into  J...

In this conversation, Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones discuss the recent changes in the England cricket team, particularly the selection of Will Jacks to replace Mark Wood and the implications for Shoaib Bashir. They analyse the team's strategy and the pressures on young players like Zak Crawley. The discussion then shifts to the sad news of Robin Smith's passing, reflecting on his contributions t...

After England’s two-day defeat in Perth, are the fans starting to turn? Former England wicketkeeper  Geraint Jones  joins Sanjay to dissect a bruising week for English cricket. We discuss: • Why supporters feel “hurt and disappointed” rather than furious  • Whether McCullum and Stokes have misjudged their Ashes prep • Khawaja’s three days of golf — harmless or careless? • How Travis Head’s measure...

Day Two in Perth delivered one of the wildest swings you’ll ever see in an Ashes Test. Geraint Jones and I break down how England went from total control at lunch to total chaos by stumps — and why Travis Head’s extraordinary counterattack flipped the match on its head. We get into: • The genius behind sending Travis Head in to open • England’s batting problems: flat-footed drives, hard hands, no...

An absolutely mad Day One of the Ashes — and Geraint Jones joins Sanjay to unpack the chaos. England were bowled out in 32.5 overs, Mitch Starc tore through the order, and Australia seized control inside a single session. And then Ben came to the party, We cover: How England collapsed so quickly The significance of Starc’s 7-58 Momentum moments that defined the day What England must do to push on...

His catch to dismiss Michael Kasprowicz remains one of the iconic moments of the 2005 Ashes. Geraint recalls that, and also the first ball of the 2006/7 series, that was equally iconic for different reasons. We also talk about Perth, line ups and what England will need to do to bring the urn home

In this episode of Close of Play, Sanjay Murthy is joined by Gavin Scovell, the ICC’s Senior Cricket TV Director and the man behind some of the most unforgettable moments in modern cricket. From Carlos Brathwaite’s four sixes in the 2016 T20 World Cup Final, to the chaos of the 2019 Men’s World Cup Super Over, to Anya Shrubsole’s match-winning spell in the 2017 Women’s World Cup — Gavin has direct...

In this episode of  Close of Play , Sanjay Murthy sits down with  Jarrod Kimber  - writer, filmmaker, and one of cricket’s most original voices , to explore  what makes Australian sport so consistently successful . From the grassroots to the global stage, Jarrod breaks down the  structures, systems, and mindset  that have made Australia a powerhouse across multiple sports. It’s not just about tale...

In this episode of  Close of Play , Sanjay Murthy is joined by  Shachi Pai  — broadcaster, cricket commentator, and passionate voice for the women’s game — to break down one of the standout moments of the tournament:  England’s victory over India at the Women’s World Cup. Together, they explore how  England’s consistency and structure  continue to set the standard, and how  India’s growing depth a...

In this episode of  Close of Play , Sanjay Murthy is joined by  Patrick Kidd  — long-time  Times  journalist, cricket writer, and chronicler of the English game — for a conversation that blends humour, nostalgia, and pure love of the sport. Patrick shares what it’s like to  follow the England team around the world , from the quirks of press boxes to the late-night stories that never make it into p...

In this episode of  Close of Play , Sanjay Murthy is joined by former Australian international and West Indies coach  Stuart Law  to unpack one of cricket’s great underdog stories - Nepal’s first-ever victory over a full ICC member nation . With insight, humour, and a coach’s eye for detail, Law reflects on what this result means not just for Nepal, but for the future of the global game. How does...