The Forward Defensive Cricket Podcast

It was all about batting collapses this week in the Rothesay County Championship. They defined multiple games that twisted and turned.In this episode, Matt dives into Ryan Hadley's improbable 200 ball vigil as a night watcher, Ethan Bamber's England case, Somerset's title challenge already being over, AND just how wild Division 2's battle for promotion is. Get in touch with the show on social media @forwarddefpod or by email on [email protected]

Have Somerset already surrendered their title challenge? Their defeat to Yorkshire is the Game of the Week as Matt reviews week 5 of the Rothesay County Championship.This episode covers a range of topics:Did Lewis Gregory deserve more England caps?Ollie Robinson makes his England claim with the bat?Liam Patterson-White is the new Ashley GilesHapless Kent finally winWhat is going wrong at Derbyshire?Ben Sanderson's Brilliance The brilliant battle for promotion from Division 2Matt also talked about Ollie Robinson bowling to village cricketers in a recent Cricket District video, check that out here https://youtu.be/aOXD6f0vWgM?si=WL-CfpvYTe5faT2JWe have now seen every side play four matches. Who do you think will be promoted, and who do you think will win the title? You can get in touch with the show @forwarddefpod on social media or by email at [email protected] File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/Audio File Title:Lofi Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lofi-hip-hop-248665/

This week, Division 1 of the Rothesay County Championship served up a run fest, but luckily, Division 2 gave us plenty of action.In this episode, Matt goes through the options that might make teams try to win games and confirms his love of Emilio Gay as England's next Test Match opener.Get in touch with the show on social media @forwarddefpod or by email [email protected] File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

Just the eight sides in action this week in the Rothesay County Championship, so in this episode, Matt goes deep into the game of the week between Hampshire and Somerset.He discusses whether Tom Abell should have played for England next to Joe Root and whether Sonny Baker is closer to making a Test Match debut than expected.But before all of that, substitutes in cricket, good or bad? Let us know in the comments.Keith Barker vs James Anderson: Who is the better 40-year-old bowler?Will England Rew young James opening?Get in touch with the show @forwarddefpod on social media or for the over 30s, [email protected] File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

The Rothesay County Champion woke from its round 1 slumber for a brilliant round of matches. In this episode, Matt looks at the game of the week as Lancashire defeat Derbyshire, and two MORE options for England at the top of their order.James Anderson has still got itBen McKinney stakes his claimIs Asa Tribe the latest Ian Bell?Sonny Baker continues to burst with potentialWho stood out to you in this round of matches? Get in touch with the show @forwarddefpod on social media or via email @[email protected] File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

The Rothesay County Championship is back! And while Round 1 wasn't full of wins and losses, it did give players the chance to start staking their England Test Match claims.In this episode, Matt breaks down five players that he believes should be grabbing the attention of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.Who will replace Zak Crawley?How do you fit James Rew in the England team?Have England finally found a left-armer?Can Sonny Baker bounce back after two rough matches to start his international career?Is Matt Fisher the new Chris Woakes?Who is on your radar for England? Are there any uncapped players who HAVE to be in the squad against New Zealand? Let me know in the comments.You can get in touch with the show at [email protected] or @forwarddefpod on social media.Audio File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

Round six of the Rothesay County Championship is in the books, and all the sides have now played five matches. In this episode, Matt looks back at the last ball finish between Essex and Yorkshire, Surrey's continued struggles, and Lancashire's dramatic week.He also ponders if England has found not one but two potential all-rounders in Ben Kellaway and George Hill, and discusses Nottinghamshire's title credentials.You can get in touch with the show at [email protected] or @forwarddefpod on social media.Audio File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/Audio File Title:Lofi Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lofi-hip-hop-248665/

After a mostly dry start to the season, rain finally played a part (well, it is April after all), and only two matches did not finish in a draw. There was still plenty of quality cricket played in round 3 of the Rothesay County Championship.In this episode, Matt delves into Ethan Brookes doing his best Ben Stokes impression, highlights the farcical scene at Lord's, and asks, 'What is going on with Glamorgan?'.Get in touch with the show at [email protected] or @forwarddefpod on social media.Music from PixabayAudio File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

Round 2 of the Rothesay County Championship backed up a wonderful week 1 with another group of pulsating matches. In this episode, Matt goes through Warwickshire's one-wicket victory over Durham in the game of the week, talks about how Sussex have grabbed his attention and put themselves in dark-horse title contention before casting his eye on the historic defeat of Worcestershire at Headingley by Yorkshire.Get in touch with the show at [email protected] or @forwarddefpod on social media.Music from PixabayAudio File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

The Rothesay County Championship is back! In this episode, Matt recaps the brilliant battling display of Worcestershire against Somerset in the game of the week.He then dives into the performances that caught his attention and a couple that disappointed him. The episode starts with a brief discussion about Harry Brook's appointment as England Men's White Ball Captain.Read Andrew Miller's piece on Brook being named skipper: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/right-man-wrong-time-why-harry-brook-had-to-be-captain-too-soon-1480188Get in touch with the show at [email protected] or @forwarddefpod on social media.Music from PixabayAudio File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

In this episode, Matt is joined by Aaron of The County Cricket Podcast to discuss Division 1 of the County Championship in depth.They go team-by-team, breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, key players, and hot prospects. Will Surrey win their 4th title in a row? Or will Somerset finally break their duck?Get in touch with the show at [email protected] or @forwarddefpod on social media. Check out Aaron on The County Cricket Podcast.Music from PixabayAudio File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

You might have forgotten about it but the ICC Champions Trophy is back. In this episode, Matt goes team by team breaking down their chances, key players, and their biggest weaknesses. The best eight ODI sides are battling for the title, and it looks incredibly even on paper... Except for India looming like the final boss of a video game.If you want to listen to your team then check out the time stamps below:Overview (00:28)Bangladesh (01:57)India (04:44)New Zealand (09:15)Pakistan (13:00)Afghanistan (17:58)Australia (22:24)England (27:39)South Africa (36:20)Winner (41:36)If you want to get in touch with the show do so on social media @forwarddefpod or [email protected] from PixabayAudio File Title:Chill Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/Lofi Hip HopAudio File URL:https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lofi-hip-hop-248665/

T20 World Champions India have continued their dominant run by brushing aside England at home. Is this the dawn of India's 20-over domination? Despite the change of coach, England's familiar failings against spin and inflexible fast bowling remain. In this episode, Matt looks at what changes they could have made and why they came up short. Get in touch with the show [email protected] or @forwarddefpod on social media. Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

The dust has settled on one of the most hyped and highly anticipated Test series of all time between Australia and India. Despite it coming down to the final game, is Indian Test cricket at a crossroads? The struggling form of their star batters, new talents failing to pick up the baton, and a bowling attack that relies on an all-world talent. That is the anatomy of a side heading for a rebuild or period of transition. Ben Wylie on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/plottheball.com Jasprit Bumrah is better than ever — but that’s not enough for India: https://www.plottheball.com/p/jasprit-bumrah-is-better-than-ever Follow the podcast on social media: @forwarddefpod or you can email ⁠[email protected]⁠ Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

England had already won their first series in New Zealand since 2008 and were looking to seal a 3-0 clean sweep but the Black Caps wanted to give Tim Southee a perfect send off. In this episode, Matt looks at how the tourists floundered to their second 400+ run Test Match defeat of 2024, asks is Southee gets the respect he deserves, and ponders what England do with Ben Stokes after his latest injury setback. Get in touch with the show @forwarddefpod on social media or you can email [email protected] Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

In this episode, Matt looks at how England have secured a first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008 as they hammered their hosts to win the second Test match. Brook, Bethell, and Duckett blasted away, while Root notched his 36th century. The bowlers blew the Black Caps away as Gus Atkinson claimed a hattrick and Brydon Carse continued his brilliant debut winter. Not even a counterattacking hundred from Tom Blundell could stop New Zealand from being defeated inside three days. Is a series clean sweep on the cards? Get in touch with the show and follow on social media; @forwarddefpod Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

Does England have a new superstar? Jacob Bethell made a debut 50 batting put of position as his stock continues to rise. In this episode, Matt analyses the first Test Match between New Zealand and England. The hosts look to continue their hot streak after winning in India, while the tourists aim to bounce back from their own trial by spin in Pakistan. Harry Brook and Brydon Carse gave England an emphatic victory against a sloppy Black Caps. Get in touch and follow the show; @forwarddefpod Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

England bounced back from their ODI series defeat by claiming the T20 series 3-1. In this episode, Matt runs through the impact of a coin toss, the stunning return of Saqib Mahmood, marvels at Jacob Bethell, and wonders what England's best T20 side would be. Get in touch with the show @forwarddefpod on social media. Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

An inexperienced England lost their 3rd successive One Day International series at the hands of the West Indies. Given all the key players missing how much did we learn? In this episode, Matt looks at how England's debutants fared, Liam Livingstone's key role, the West Indian pace attack, and more. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @forwarddefpod Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

When a batter with an average of 25 gets called up to the England Test squad, you have to ask, where are all the batters? In this episode, Matt looks at the inclusion of Jacob Bethell in the squad for the tour of New Zealand and if this means England has reached the bottom of the batting barrell. Will Ollie Pope be dropped? Will Zak Crawley continue to have the backing of Ben Stokes? Or are there just no other choices? Get in touch with the podcast: [email protected] Follow on social media: @forwarddefpod Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

In this episode, Matt analyses the deciding Test Match between Pakistan and England. The home side came from behind to win the series in Rawalpindi. Trial by spin exposed the same flaws for England as their batting lineup couldn't cope with Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. The tourists left this game with plenty of questions. Get in touch with the show; [email protected] Follow the show on social media; @forwarddefpod Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

In this episode, we are looking back at the 2nd Test Match between Pakistan and England, once again in Multan. For the first time in Test cricket, the pitch was being reused as the hosts hoped that trial by spin would be their way to get back into the series. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali shared all 20 English wickets to fall as Kamran Ghulam scored a brilliant debut century to hand Shan Masood his first victory as captain. Ben Duckett's fourth Test Match hundred was one of the lone bright spots for the tourists. Get in touch with the podcast: [email protected] @forwarddefpod on X, Instagram, and Threads Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/

For this episode, we delve into the Multan run-fest as England hoped to repeat their performance from two years ago. It was certainly one for the records books. Joe Root became England's leading run-scorer, Harry Brook swashbuckled his way to a triple hundred, and Pakistan threw in a collapse for good measure. Music from Pixabay Audio File Title: Chill Hip Hop Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chill-hip-hop-248170/