Johnny Barran is just back from Buenos Aires, where he has been covering the Americas qualifying rounds for the 2026 ICC World Cup, which is to be held in India, We talk about the rich heritage of cricket in Argentina, which stretches back even further than football. The dispute over the Falkland Islands (or "Malvinas", depending on your perspective) is ever present and Johnny gives a little background. However, the ex-pat roots with Britain are still strong!

2025 is the 75th anniversary of the Lord's Taverners and Johnny will be heavily involved in a busy year. He will also be involved as "The Voice of God" at Surrey, so he has plenty on his plate!

A conversation with the legendary David Lloyd that starts off on the pressures of being away at Christmas - whether playing cricket, coaching or commentating - then veers off into a very funny discussion about 80s gameshow "Bullseye" being rebooted under Freddie Flintoff. Classic Bumble!

For those of you who are too young to remember "Bullseye", take a look at this:

https://youtu.be/YlTsyaHh37M?si=YLODF8cO1aCE5-8X

Here are a few festive messages from some of our many friends that have appeared on the show.Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2025. Come on England!!!.

RICHARD CLARKE aka "The Grumbler" joins me to discuss whether England has been vindicated with the left-field selections of players such as Jacob Bethel and Josh Hull, who have very little first class experience, but "have something about them". What message does this send to players putting in the hard yards in the County Championship?

A great chat with Essex Chairman Anu Mohindru, who reflects on a turbulent last few years at the club, with off-field issues such as the Newton Report and "Batgate" - where the club was punished for Feroze Khushi's bat not meeting requirements in the game against Notts early last season. Add to that the departures of CEO John Stephenson and Director of Cricket Anthony McGrath, Anu has had a lot to deal with.

For all that, he has navigated the stormy waters well and with the support of his board and club staff, 2025 is looking a lot brighter. We talk about the return to the club of Chris Silverwood and also the great prospect of Essex having a Tier 1 Women's team. There's an update on the ground and also we chat about the issues affecting the domestic game.

DON TOPLEY has been in the Caribbean covering England's white ball tour of the West Indies. As the tour ends, Don joins us from Barbados to give his thoughts on a new-look England side, which has fallen a long way since they were T20 and ODI world champions only twelve months ago. We also get an update on his son Reece and also a few thoughts on the IPL Mega Auction which is taking place in Jeddah.

Here's the link for "Perfect Pub Walks With Bill Bailey":

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/perfect-pub-walks-with-bill-bailey

Editor of Wisden's Almanac Lawrence Booth joins me to talk about the weight of responsibility in ensuring the evolution and future of one of the game's great institutions. We talk about the impact of Bazball - Lawrence has written a great book on the subject, "Cricket, Lovely Cricket? Bazball".

Also, is The Hundred a bitter pill for the counties to swallow to ensure survival and we preview England's upcoming trip to New Zealand.

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Sussex Chair Jon Filby and Anne Chave from "County Cricket Matters" join me to discuss whether we should be optimistic or concerned about the future of county cricket.

The voice of the BBC's Test Match Special Jonathan Agnew joins us to reflect on his time in the commentary box after hanging up his bowling boots thirty three years ago. He talks of his love for Test cricket and why franchise cricket is not really his thing, but acknowledging it has been great for the game. We also remember some of the great names he has sat with in the TMS box and of course we mention the "Leg Over" moment. Aggers also talks about the famous names he has interviewed in "View From The Boundary" and reveals the players he has loved watching.

Huw Turbervill, editor of "The Cricketer" magazine, has some interesting views following England's defeat in the Third Test at Rawalpindi - is it time to find a "drop anchor" batter in the mould of Alastair Cook, Mike Atherton or Geoff Boycott, who can bat time? The current top seven may be entertaining, but results are everything and the team needs to demonstrate more responsibility for poor performances. Winning quickly or losing quickly, just so they can squeeze in a quick nine on the nearest golf course needs to change!