Teatime Declarations

Bazball is over and a new era for English cricket beckons. But will Stephen Fleming be more Keir Starmer or Andy Burnham in his approach to leading England? In this episode, Teatime Declarations explores professionalism vs drinking culture, and pits centrist dads vs populism. Our new feature Cricket Around the World shines a spotlight on Japan, taking them from some violent beginnings to very nearly beating the world champions.

Counties vs Cities

Does The Hundred's city-based franchise model pose an existential threat to England's 18 First Class Counties or a potential cash cow to save them from financial misery? What does it mean for fans and for the national side? And is it evolution or revolution within the game we love?

Join Paul and Jonny for some early season throwdowns, some newspapers in the changing room while it rains, and a return to beige buffets after a winter of austerity. Teatime Declarations is your favourite cricket x geopolitics podcast that plays at everything and leaves nothing. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all the socials.

The Bharat Army

Fresh on the heels of India's test victory over England, bang in the middle of the IPL, and just days ahead of the Indian elections, this episode looks at partition.

We consider Indian independence from the UK, its relationship with Pakistan, and its national identity, with a particular focus on how this has all been reflected in cricket in the subsequent 77 years.

We ask whether the IPL trumps the world cup in Modi's India? Whether its worth risking losing to Pakistan to try and engineer a win? And what the world would have been like with Virat Kohli and Babar Azam in the same side?

Episode 12 - I Don't Like Cricket

This episode dives into the relationship between music and cricket, looking at the geopolitical implications: on national identity, international relations, and conservatism vs modernity. A desert island discs of willow and leather: from Taylor Swift to Calypso via England's Green and Pleasant Land.

Teatime Declarations is a biweekly podcast on cricket and geopolitics brought to you by Jonathan Russell and Paul Seligman. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to be reminded of future episodes, and listen back to the ones you missed.

First-Class or Nothing

This episode unpacks the finding of the The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) that cricket in England is elitist and exclusionary. We question why 77% of English test batters who have debuted since 2011 have been privately educated. And we explore the history of the Gentleman vs Players fixture as we unpick the relationship between the class system and cricket.

Teatime Declarations is a podcast that looks at cricket through the lens of states, societies, and their interactions. Jonny and Paul talk you through their reflections on the beautiful game, and the difficult questions it poses for our life and times.

Media Matters

This episode discusses the symbiotic relationship between media and cricket. We consider the free-to-air debate, broadcast media investment in the game, and reflect on the sounds of summer. And we ask "have SkySports and Test Match Special been forces for good or bad?"

Teatime Declarations is a podcast that walks before being given out. It sounds like champagne corks being popped at 11:55 in St John's Wood. It brings cricket and politics together like an Ian Bell cover drive. And it is brought to you by Jonathan Russell and Paul Seligman. Follow us on X, Threads, or Blue Sky @TDeclarations.

Rebels For The Wrong Cause

This episode explores apartheid in South Africa, the international cricket boycott and its impact. We discuss the D'Oliveira Affair, the English rebel tours, and whether a similar boycott would work on Taliban Afghanistan.

Teatime Declarations is a podcast that fiddles in the corridor of uncertainty between cricket and geopolitics. Jonathan Russell is your opening batter and Paul Seligman is your lethal wicket taker. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on whichever social media is likely to replace X.

Teatime Declarations is a new podcast that plays in the corridor of uncertainty between cricket and geopolitics.

We take you on an indulgent journey through history and international affairs through the lens of cricket.

And an even more indulgent discovery of cricket through the lens of states and societies, empire and underdogs, diplomacy and war, money and scandal.

So far we’ve looked at match fixers and bookmakers, religion and populism in India and Pakistan, and national identity in Australia.

We’ve speculated about Saudi and Chinese investment in cricket, unearthed some unlikely stories of Jewish impact on the sport, and uncovered an unexpected benefit of Brexit.

But we’ve also had a great natter about The Ashes, England’s World Cup failures, and The Hundred.

So join Jonathan Russell and Paul Seligman, and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

Teatime Declarations looks at the intersection between cricket and geopolitics, whether war, international relations, human rights, or societal tensions.

The Christmas Special reviews 2023 with the 12 Days of Christmas. On Days 1-6, this includes the spirit of cricket, the women's T20 world cup, and the culmination of the Yorkshire racism inquiry, amongst other things.

Part 2 will be out on New Year's Day. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Threads to see our up-to-the-minute punditry on the latest test match, or to catch the next episode.

Teatime Declarations explores cricket through the lens of geopolitics. We discuss current affairs, history, politics, war, finance, and philosophy, but mostly cricket.

This episode concludes our Christmas Special review of 2023 and touches on The Ashes, Bazball, and Brexit.

Teatime Declarations is brought to you by Paul Seligman and Jonathan Russell. Like, subscribe, and share with your friends!