The Bowler’s Union Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with England legend, 2005 Ashes hero, and the “King of Spain” himself, Ashley Giles, for an honest, reflective, and insightful conversation about life at the very top of the game. From the transition of being a young left-arm seamer to a frontline international spinner, to the weight of expectation as a player and later Managing Director of England Cricket, Ashley open...

In this episode of The Bowlers Union, we "unpick" the tactical reality of the Wide Yorker. We look at why this delivery has dominated the game over the last decade and evaluate the trade-offs between its benefits and its risks in the modern era. We talk through: The Clarity Advantage: How choosing a wide line can simplify a bowler's mental state and block out conflicting advice. Tactical Shutdowns...

If you play or watch county cricket, coach, or spend long days travelling with the game, this episode will feel very familiar. In this episode of The Bowlers Union, we put together an unofficial guide to food and coffee on the cricket circuit! The places you stop, the habits you fall into, and the simple choices that make away trips better. This isn’t about nutrition plans or performance theory. I...

In this episode, we break down five key lessons bowlers at any level can take from Starc’s Ashes series — not just what he did, but why it worked and how you can apply it this winter and into the season. We dig into: Why bowling fitness matters! How Starc’s rhythm and smoothness help him maintain pace across long spells The importance of constantly upskilling, even at the very top of the game Why...

In a previous episode, we selected the greatest-ever Test bowling attacks from Pakistan and a Best of the Rest team made up of players from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh! Now, it’s time to put those attacks to the test. In this episode, we simulate a head-to-head clash in India, breaking down who would actually come out on top when conditions, pressure, and numbers reall...

In this episode of The Bowler’s Union Podcast, we sit down with former England fast bowler Steve Harmison for an honest, reflective and insightful conversation about life at the very top of the game! From the intensity of Test cricket and Ashes pressure, to the realities of fast bowling, confidence, mental resilience and transitioning away from playing, Harmy opens up in a way you rarely hear. Thi...

In this episode, we lay down the fundamental principles every bowler needs to carry into 2026 — the non-negotiables that separate bowlers who drift from bowlers who are trusted under pressure. We get into: • Taking yourself seriously — and why the right kit actually matters • Training with purpose, not just getting the overs in • Mastering over and around the wicket and knowing when to use each •...

In this episode, we sit down for our end-of-year debrief — reflecting honestly on 2025 and looking ahead to what 2026 has in store for us and The Bowler’s Union. We get into: Our 2025 reflections — what worked, what surprised us, and what challenged us Guest highlights from the year and why certain conversations really stood out Our lowest moments from 2025! The growth of the pod — including reach...

In today’s episode we break down the defining moments from Day 5 of the Ashes Test in Adelaide — the final twists, the pressure phases, and how Australia ultimately got the job done. We get into: • Stokes and McCullum speak • England’s final chase — belief, momentum and where it slipped away • Smith top innings and ropey dismissal! • Cummins’ straight back into it! • No matter what there's always...

In today’s episode we break down the key moments so far from the Ashes Test in Adelaide — a match shaped by control, class batting, disciplined bowling and Australia steadily tightening their grip. We get into: • Usman Khawaja’s 82 • Alex Carey’s home-ground 106 and how it shifted the game • The around-the-wicket inswing plan • Archers class spell (5–54) • Australia adding 50 crucial morning runs...

In a previous episode, we selected the greatest-ever Test bowling attacks from two iconic cricketing nations. South Africa and Australia! Now, it’s time to put those attacks to the test. In this episode, we simulate a head-to-head clash in India, breaking down who would actually come out on top when conditions, pressure, and numbers really matter. We dive deep into the data — comparing combined bo...

Australia have taken the 2nd Test in Brisbane with a convincing display across four days — disciplined batting, sharper execution, and the big moments falling their way when it mattered. England showed real promise at times… but dropped chances and missed opportunities ultimately told the story of the match. In today’s episode we break down: • How Australia controlled the game and closed it out •...

In today’s episode we break down Day 2 of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane — a day defined by control, missed chances, pressure moments and an Australian batting display that swung momentum firmly their way. We get into: • Australia's batters all get starts! • England’s dropped chances — the moments that hurt most • Pink-ball phases and why they still matter in this match • And the big question…...

In today’s episode we break down Day 1 of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane — a wild pink-ball ride that gave us drama, swing, momentum shifts… and one hell of a last-wicket fightback from England. We get into: • England post 323/9 after a huge 10th-wicket stand • The impact of Will Jacks’ inclusion & England’s tactical shift • Pink-ball conditions — movement, madness & moments under light...

In this episode we build the ultimate Test bowling competition. We each select the best Test bowling line-ups in cricket, choose their home venues, and then do a live knockout draw to see who plays who. Some outrageous match-ups. The rules of our picks are the following We pick a player based on their absolute peak We have to include at least one spinner We have to include a genuine all-rounder We...

In this episode, we dive into all the big talking points from a wild Day 2 in Perth — a day where England had a golden chance… and let it slip. We get into: • England spurn a great opportunity after a strong start. • Big drives and whether England’s intent tipped into chaos. • At what point does positive become reckless? • Travis Head: simply awesome. • England’s next move — selection, mentality,...

In this episode, we break down a chaotic opening day of the 2025/26 Ashes in Perth — a day where both sides dominated at different times and the series exploded into life instantly. We get into: • Mitchell Starc’s sensational 7-for — a career-best demolition job • England’s collapse from 105/4 to 172 all out • Ben Stokes’ captain’s spell, taking a brilliant 5 wickets to drag England back into the...

In this episode, we dive into our full Ashes predictions special — scorelines, big moments, star players, and all the chaos we think might unfold! 🇦🇺🇬🇧 We get into: • Our series score prediction (and why!) • Highest run-scorers for England and Australia • Each country’s leading wicket-taker • Will Joe Root finally get that Ashes hundred? • Bonus predictions… will anything wild happen this series?...

From pathway pressure to selection decisions, late development, club cricket, and what counties are really looking for, we break it all down honestly — with a few moments of complete pet-related chaos along the way. We get into: • Pets causing absolute carnage before we even get started 😅 • What the county pathway actually gets right • The problem with picking “big kids” who lack genuine skill or...

In this episode we pick the greatest lineup comprising bowlers from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Ireland! The best of the rest! The rules of our picks are the following We pick a player based on their absolute peak We have to include at least one spinner We have to include a genuine all-rounder We assume that our bowling attack will randomly play somewhere in the world and as s...

In this episode we try and pick India's greatest ever test bowling attack! The rules of our picks are the following We pick a player based on their absolute peak We have to include at least one spinner We have to include a genuine all-rounder We assume that our bowling attack will randomly play somewhere in the world and as such has to be balanced appropriately! Let us know your thoughts in the co...

In this pro episode we chat with England and Durham's Matt Potts! We catch up with Matt before he jets off to try and smash the Aussies down under! He is part of arguably the most exciting group of bowlers England have taken to Australia for some time!  We discuss His journey so far and exploding onto the scene! Matts attitude to training and preparation. His dream attack that has to include himse...

In this episode we have a good old rant about some mistakes people make with their training! We discuss Programme hopping! Staying in your comfort zone. The path of least resistance. Asking everybody for advice?! Biomechanics. And lots more! We hope you enjoy the podcast! If so please leave us a 5* review and share it with someone you think will also love it! All the best  Wrighty and Barks @lifeO...

In this episode we give you 6 tips to have your best off season ever! We discuss Taking a well earned break Reflecting properly on your bowling! Building your base Setting goals Building a plan and staying on track! And lots more! We hope you enjoy the podcast! If so please leave us a 5* review and share it with someone you think will also love it! All the best  Wrighty and Barks @lifeOfChrisWrigh...

In this episode we chat about the England Lions squad that has been announced to shadow the main side and take on Australia down under! We discuss The balance of the squad The seamers Notable omissions The size of these blokes! Division one v division two And lots more! We hope you enjoy the podcast! If so please leave us a 5* review and share it with someone you think will also love it! If you wa...