The Greatest XI Cricket Podcast

Will is joined by the cricket journalist, commentator and author David Townsend - who has recently published "Do They Play Cricket in Ireland? The 25-year Journey to a Test Match at Lord's" - to discuss his life in cricket, and travels covering Ireland on their road from rank amateurs to gaining Test status.

David tells us about his exploits as he travelled the world with the boys in green - including the role he played in Irish legend Ed Joyce getting his first county opportunity, and giving captain Trent Johnston the tactic that helped seal Ireland's first major international trophy. He also gives his thoughts on the state of cricket in general, and why the powers that be are wrong to treat the game as a business, not a sport.

DT also goes on to pick his 'Greatest XI' of players he has most enjoyed watching over the years - with his side enjoying a distinct Ireland and Middlesex flavour.

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This week, Will is joined by BBC London's Kevin Hand, who has been the live online ball-by-ball commentator of Middlesex CCC matches since 2006.

Kevin tells us about his life in cricket, from taking hat-tricks on Ham Common in South London and playing Ian Botham's Test Match on the Spectrum ZX, through to commentating on matches at Lord's.

He also gives us an insight into the perks and pitfalls of following a county throughout the cricket season, as well as assessing Middlesex's fortunes since he has been behind the mic.

Kevin also picks a 'Greatest XI' with a twist - some of the best overseas players that have made the biggest impact on him in his time as a commentator. 

BBC Test Match Special commentator and co-host on Zero Ducks Given, Daniel Norcross, is the latest guest on The Greatest XI Cricket Podcast.

Dan joins Will to tell the story of his lifelong love of cricket, and his journey from starting Test Match Sofa in his south London flat, to becoming a much-loved fixture on BBC's Test Match Special at international matches around the world - as well as the iconic players and broadcasters that helped shape him along the way.

Dan also selects his 'Greatest XI' of his favourite cricketers through the ages - filled with some of the sport's greatest players, and characters. 

The first episode of The Greatest XI Cricket Podcast sees Will joined by former England Lions, Middlesex and Sussex all-rounder Ollie Rayner, to talk through his life in cricket, and select his Greatest XI.

Ollie discusses his career in county cricket - from the highs of scoring a century on debut for Sussex and winning the County Championship with Middlesex in 2016, to the lows of missing out on England selection, and the disappointment in his final years at Lord's.

The former spinner also gives his view on the state of spin bowling in this country, and what can be done to improve it - as well as choosing his teamsheet of eleven players that he has most admired, or enjoyed playing alongside.