Slogging It

Join us this week as we chat with English cricket icon Mike Gatting OBE. From his early passion for cricket to his celebrated captaincy, Mike offers a rare glimpse into the mental and emotional aspects of the sport, the importance of team camaraderie, and mental health support. Mike discusses his involvement with the Lord's Taverners, the UK's leading youth cricket and disability sports charity. He shares how the charity aligns with his passion for cricket and the goal to make the sport accessible and inclusive for disadvantaged and disabled young people. The Lord's Taverners not only offer opportunities to play but also focus on personal development, self-esteem, and fostering a sense of belonging. The conversation also explores Mike's commitment to promoting cricket globally, particularly in Asia, reflecting on the impact of initiatives like those of the Lord's Taverners and the role community clubs play in nurturing talent. This episode is a celebration of cricket's rich heritage and expansive potential.

00:59 Early Love for Cricket

01:40 Influence of Parents and Early Exposure to Sports

03:41 The Role of Club Cricket in Skill Development

06:48 Transition from Club Cricket to Professional Cricket

16:09 Leadership in Cricket: Personal Journey

18:10 Taking Over as Captain: Challenges and Approach

27:53 Playing for the Lord's Taverners

29:01 The Role of the Lord's Taverners in Supporting Cricket

30:11 The Impact of Cricket on Personal Development

36:34 The Role of Cricket in Southeast Asia

44:13 The Future of Cricket in Middlesex

48:12 The Importance of Cricket in State Schools

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In this rip-roaring episode, our trio of sports enthusiasts dive headfirst into the world of cricket. The discussions oscillate seamlessly between reviews of previous matches and their implications, assessments of pitches, the role of the ICC, alongside hilarious banter interludes. Tune in as they probe the realities of cricket politics, speculate on future games, and passionately dissect the current state of the game. It's a must-listen for any cricket fan!

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In this debut episode of 2024, the team at Slogging It dives into a comprehensive review of England's cricket performance in the past year. The episode includes a discussion on the highs and lows of the Ashes Series, appreciation for various retirements in the cricketing world, and an overview of the upcoming changes expected in the England cricket setup. There are also various nostalgic moments, humour, and references to key cricketing highlights. The episode concludes with a message from Mark Curtin, the CEO of the Lord's Taverners, thanking the team and listeners for their support.

00:08 Introduction and New Year's Eve Stories

02:23 Reflecting on Personal Struggles and Mental Health

05:17 Discussing the South Africa vs India Test Series

11:55 Reviewing England's Performance in the Ashes

16:10 Looking Back at England's Year in Cricket

18:42 Positives and Players to Watch

18:59 Tom Curran's Controversial Actions

19:56 The Impact of Player Behavior on Team Image

20:37 Debate on Cricket Rules

21:52 Technical Interruption and Corrections

21:52 Resuming Discussion on Tom Curran

24:40 Looking Forward: England's Cricket Future

29:27 Retirements and Farewells in Cricket

32:24 Upcoming Interviews and Announcements

33:15 Message from the CEO of the Lord's Tavern

34:21 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

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In this week’s episodes, Eugene and Johnno chat with Dane Vilas, the South African-born English cricketer, for a candid chat. We call Dane the red-rose royalty, an international standout, and a county circuit mainstay, Dane dives into his cricket journey, his passion for the game, and the path that led him to success. We get a firsthand account of his experiences in various cricket formats, his take on 'The Hundred,' and the transformations witnessed in cricket during his impressive 17-year career. From sharing insights on donning the Lancashire colours in Manchester to contemplating post-retirement plans, Dane gives us an authentic peek into the life and thoughts of a seasoned cricketer

00:09 Introduction: Dane Vilas

01:02 Dane's Early Cricketing Experiences

02:05 Moving to England and Playing County Cricket

02:36 Reflections on South Africa and England

05:26 The Challenges and Rewards of English Cricket

07:26 Thoughts on the County First Class Season

09:09 Career Highlights and Reflections

11:15 The Importance of Team Comradery

17:01 The Experience of Being a Captain

19:01 Bowling Experiences and Challenges

24:12 The Dynamics of Team Interactions

24:52 Experiences in the Hundred Tournament

25:36 The Evolution of Cricket Players

28:24 Changes in Cricket Over the Years

29:29 The Impact of Modern Cricket on Players

33:56 Reflections on a Cricket Career

41:25 The Influence of Professional Cricket on Amateur Cricket

43:27 Looking Forward to Post-Professional Life

46:35 Advice for Aspiring Cricketers

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This week, Ian Martin, an icon of cricket and disability cricket, speaks about his personal journey, the challenges he encountered, and his subsequent involvement in disability cricket. He reflects on the transition from his early connection with the sport, through his career in the Navy, to his lower limb disability that led him to give up playing. Martin also recounts his determination to remain involved in the sport led him to start using a wheelchair to play, get involved with the ECB as head of disability Cricket, and eventually pen down his experiences in his book 'How Cricket Saved My Life'. The conversation further delves into the landscape of disability cricket, the success it has achieved, and the innovations and potential changes in the future. Martin expresses his hopes for more inclusiveness, equal opportunities, and acceptance for players with disabilities, revealing his aspiration for the first centrally contracted disability cricketer by 2030.

Buy How Cricket Saved My Life here

00:08 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:39 Guest's Early Life and Introduction to Cricket

01:31 Joining the Navy and Experiences

04:17 Impact of Gulf War and Health Challenges

05:56 Dealing with Disability and Leaving the Navy

10:00 Rediscovering Cricket and Overcoming Challenges

14:52 Transition into Disability Cricket Management

18:20 Writing a Book and Sharing Personal Experiences

29:47 Discussing the Shift in Awareness and Attitudes Toward Disabilities

30:21 The Persistence of Prejudice and Bias

31:40 The Impact of Societal Pressure on Discrimination

32:05 The Role of 'Woke' Culture in Disability Discrimination

33:04 The Journey of Disability Cricket at the ECB

33:31 The Aspirations and Challenges of Disability Cricket

34:59 The Success of the Disability Premier League

35:34 Reflecting on the Progress of the England LD Setup

35:52 The Struggles and Triumphs of the Learning Disability Trier

38:16 The Potential for Global Scaling of Disability Cricket

40:06 The Importance of Inclusivity in Cricket

42:43 The Challenges and Opportunities in Growing Disability Cricket

46:37 Success Stories in Disability Cricket

54:37 The Future of Disability Cricket

58:14 Advice for Youngsters with Disabilities Interested in Cricket

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Eug, Robbo, and Johnno take a humorous and in-depth look at cricket's immediate topics and history. We discuss personal experiences and top stories, including the recent performances of Indian cricket players in a tournament and the indulgence in the 'holiday-like' conditions for the England team this Christmas. We also express frustration at the actions of the ICC, drawing attention to what they view as inefficient management of game growth and disciplinary actions. We finish off speak excitedly about their upcoming guests - the ECB's Head of Disability Cricket who will discuss the LD side's recent success

00:07 Introduction and Casual Banter

00:32 Recap of the Morning's Golf Game

01:24 Discussion on Sports and Personal Updates

03:13 Upcoming Cricket Events and Luncheons

06:31 Reflections on Personal Life and Christmas Plans

08:14 Analysis of the Indian T20 Cricket Team

18:58 Insights on the IPL and English Contingent

22:38 Discussing Injuries in Cricket

22:58 The Impact of Fitness on Cricket

23:37 Fast Bowling: A Deep Dive

25:43 The Evolution of Fast Bowling

26:30 The Mystery of Speed in Cricket

26:45 The Influence of Body Mechanics in Cricket

30:05 The State of English Cricket

30:13 The Future of the IPL

33:34 The Impact of the ICC on Cricket

41:07 The Future of Zimbabwe Cricket

42:26 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Guests

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We talk all things World Cup finals. We highlight the highs and lows of the tournament and emphasize how the host nation influence on the groundsman plays a significant role in the outcome of the games. We discuss their disagreements on certain plays and the overall declining quality of the World Cup, attributing it to a lack of interesting game tactics and a focus on playing safe rather than embracing the excitement of the sport. We also discuss the selections for our World Cup Elevens teams and share their views on the controversial pitch selection by India. A huge congratulations to England’s Learning Disability team for their unbeaten series. We finish up with the announcement of the winners of the SuperBru section!

00:27 Debate on the World Cup Final and Pitch Conditions

07:25 Analysis of the World Cup's Structure and Evolution

09:39 Critique of the BCCI and India's Performance

17:42 Reflection on Australia's Victory and Key Performances

24:30 Highlighting England's Learning Disability Team's Success

25:53 Discussing the Impact of Tavs on Cricket

26:48 The Importance of Community Support in Sports

27:29 Upcoming Guest and Disability Cricket

27:54 Debate on Team Selection

31:30 Analyzing Player Performance

36:48 World Cup Team Selections

37:07 Super Brew Winners Announcement

40:17 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

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We're back for a discussion around the exhilarating cricket semi-final matches that have taken place. Particularly impressed with the South African and Australian performance, we break down key highlights and player abilities. As we look forward to the final match, we take a moment to reflect on the iconic careers of players like Rac Coley and Sachin Tendulkar, debating their place in cricket history. You can get ready for an exciting finish to the tournament, and tune in to hear our predictions for the final showdown between India and Australia.

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In this episode Johnno, Simon, and Eugene discuss the upcoming Cricket World Cup semi-finals between India and New Zealand and South Africa and Australia. They also talk about the recent England squad announcement for the West Indies tour and the Sri Lankan cricket crisis. In addition, they share their thoughts on India's game strategy against the Netherlands, the announcement of central contracts midway through the tournament, and share their predictions for the Super Brew yellow cap holders.

00:07 Introduction and Overview

00:35 Personal Updates and Banter

01:56 Discussion on India vs Netherlands Game

02:27 Critique of India's Bowling Strategy

03:34 Predictions for the Semifinals

04:38 Reflections on the World Cup Format

07:59 Review of India's Batting Performance

11:54 Super Brew Predictions Recap

16:05 Discussion on Points and Rankings

17:27 Predictions for the Semi-Finals

17:33 Debate on India's Performance

18:08 Analysis of Australia's Chances

23:30 Controversy Surrounding Sri Lankan Cricket

28:17 Reflections on England's Squad Selection

36:19 Final Predictions and Closing Remarks

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In this episode, Johnno is back with Eugene discussing the two cricket matches - Bangladesh vs. Australia and England vs. Pakistan. They detail the key turning points, and player performances, and offer insights into the games' strategies and outcomes. They also look forward to the impending India vs. Netherlands match, speculating about potential outcomes and their impact on the rankings. In closing, they take a moment to acknowledge the career of David Willey. Tune in for an in-depth analysis on the latest in cricket

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