The cricketing world was rocked with the sad news of the death of a true legend of the game, Sir Garfield Sobers. His dear friend Roland Butcher speaks about the life and times of one of the greatest names to play the game.

Closer to home, we get reports on the T20 Blast Finals Days; Dan Haggar was at Edgbaston for the Men's version and David Wright at The Oval for the Women. And Oliver Hawke takes a look at Leicestershire's T20 campaign and looks forward to better luck in the One Day Cup.

If you are interested in Roland Butcher's excellent book "Breaking Barriers: From Barbados to England...and Back!", you can get your copy here (or wherever you buy your books):

https://fairfieldbooks.co.uk/shop/breaking-barriers/

Maiden Cricket is a company specialising in kit and equipment designed especially for women and girls who play cricket. Here Mia Rogers and Cat Black explain the story of how it all came about and where they hope to take the brand over the next few years.

www.maiden-cricket.co.uk

As the T20 Blast reaches the quarter final stage, our regular panel of supporters give their views on the progress of their counties.

Dan Haggar wonders if Essex can do it, Craig Tranter predicts who will lift the trophy at Edgbaston, David Wright spots a possible problem, Barrie Funnell looks at non-host county finances and Oliver Hawke reviews Betty's Tea Rooms in Harrogate!

The games are coming thick and fast in the T20 Blast. Our panel of county cricket supporters are here to keep us up to speed!

Barrie Funnell and David Wright on Surrey

Oliver Hawke on Leicestershire Foxes

Harry Everett on Somerset

and Craig Tranter on Lancashire Lightning

Ben Stokes has retired from international cricket with immediate effect. The announcement was made mid-way through the afternoon session on day 4 of the third and deciding Test at Trent Bridge against New Zealand.

It triggered an astonishing sequence of events. Phil Walker, Editor-in-Chief on Wisden Cricket Monthly joins me to discuss the fall out.

Here's a catchup with Derbyshire stalwart David Griffin aka "Griff". We talk about Derbyshire's fortunes, a look back to the summer of '76 and Michael Holding's arrival on the cricketing world stage plus a look at where county cricket is headed and is demutualisation the answer to its problems?

There's a pattern this season of teams going top of the table Div 1 to be soundly beaten the next game. The latest example being leaders Essex getting thumped by Nottinghamshire, the current champions.

Our panel of county cricket supporters take a look at the latest action, before attention returns to The Blast, then the One Day Cup. No red ball games now until August 20th.

Oliver Hawke on Leicestershire v Yorkshire

Dan Haggar on Essex v Nottinghamshire

David Wight & Barrie Funnell on Glamorgan v Surrey

Harry Everett on Somerset v Warwickshire

Alex Gates on Kent v Middlesex

And remember, if you'd like to take part, just get in touch via the 98 Not Out social media messaging functions. All welcome!

We have reached the halfway point in the County Championship and Essex has assumed top spot after a superb win, featuring a double-ton from Jordan Cox, which earning him a call up to the England test team. Somerset also pulled off a stunning win, thrashing current champions Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. In Division 2, Middlesexpulled off a rare win and Kent look to be the side to watch.

Our panel of supporters take a look at the action from around the country:

Oliver Hawke on Leicestershire

Dan Haggar on Essex

Harry Everett on Somerset

Alex Gates on Middlesex

Craig Tranter on Lancashire.

Rob Key has just given a press conference on the latest disciplinary transgression from the England camp. George Dobell from "The Cricketer: was there....

We cover a lot of ground this week, with an avalanche of T20 Blast games to get through, the return of the County Championship; Essex's winning streak, Somerset's woes, clouds hanging over Lancashire and Surrey rubbing Middlesex's noses in it!

PLUS we ask if the in-form Dan Lawrence should have been given the nod over Jordan Cox for the Second Test at The Oval.

Contributors this week:

Dan Haggar

Oliver Hawke

Harry Everett

Alex Gates

Craig Tranter

Barrie Funnell

David Wright.