After the shambles of the last 10 days Ben Stokes is back to lead England in the 3rd and decisive Test at Trent Bridge. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior analyse the fallout and consider the rumours and ask how England will pick up the pieces, which they must or heads will roll. Also your questions answered including do England players need a curfew, do they take the World Test Championship seriously, and should Simon Hughes be their travel agent? Definitely not says everyone. #cricket. #englandcricket #engvnz #stokes

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After Englands humbling 253 run defeat, simon Mann and Simon Wilde discuss the imminent return of Ben Stokes, his relationship with Brendan McCullum and was England’s defeat an accident waiting to happen after the events of the previous fortnight.

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Simon and Nikki discuss play on Day 3. Very much New Zealands day with Henry Nicholls' unbeaten century helping them reach 252/3 in their second innings after England were bowled out for 291. New Zealand ended the day with a commanding lead of 352 runs, leaving England facing an uphill battle and in theory two days to bat.

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Nikki and Simon Mann catch up on day 2 and discuss what was very much a good day for New Zealand. A fabulous knock from Glenn Phillips alongside questionable tactics from England in the morning session. England end the day 7 wickets down and a long way to go, can debutant Cox show what he's worth?

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Nikki and Simon Mann reflect on Day 1 of the Test at The Oval, where England enjoyed the upper hand despite being without Ben Stokes. On a surface offering good pace and carry but fewer demons than Lord's, England's bowlers maintained pressure throughout the day, taking regular wickets and preventing New Zealand from establishing control. The pair discuss the key spells, standout performances, and what the balance of the match looks like heading into Day 2.

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The events of late Sunday night in London have again set the cat amongst the pigeons and placed Ben Stokes' position in jeopardy. Simon Hughes and Matt Prior debate the hiatus that the captain's off-field antics have caused and who is likely to take over the captaincy in the short term. They also consider Stokes' mental state after four arduous and stressful years in charge. They are joined by a live audience - members of the Worlds Best Cricket Club - to discuss this and other burning cricketing issues. #stokes #cricket #englandcricket #captaincy

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England seized an important, confidence boosting win over New Zealand on the fourth day at Lord's but it was achieved on an unsatisfactory pitch that made batting a lottery. The highest score in the match was 57 and 24 batsmen were out bowled or lbw, a Test match record. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the game, analyse what benefits have been gleaned and assess what the MCC can do about a pitch issue which has been a talking point for a couple of years, though Lord's is not the only major ground having problems. This podcast is supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit - https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/

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In the small amount of play on the third day at Lord's there were two significant moments. Another excellent dismissal achieved by Ollie Robinson and Jamie Smith moving up to the stumps to enhance Robinson's effectiveness which immdiately brought a wicket. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior reflect on the importance of that move and also reveal what cricketers do when it rains.

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The second day of the Lords Test was again a bowler-friendly day, and England ended it on top with New Zealand needing another 225 to win - to make the highest score of the match with only 7 wickets in hand. Star of the day debutant Emilio Gay who made the highest individual score of the match - 57 - to give England foundation and a handy lead. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior analyse the day, and forecast the outcome.

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An extraordinary bowler-dominated day at Lord's when 16 wickets fell for only 200 runs. England's reboot was scotched by excellent New Zealand seam bowling and an awkward first day pitch, not what the MCC would have wanted to celebrate the 150th Test match at the famous ground. But after England had been routed for 140, the recalled Ollie Robinson retorted with three wickets in his opening over - including Kane Williamson for a second ball duck and now England are on top with New Zealand reeling at 61-6. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann but former England star Matt Prior to try to make sense of a crazy day.

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