Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review England's chaotic defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge, resulting in England's first series loss at home since 2012. The old school New Zealand approach is celebrated. The retiring Ben Stokes declares support for his vice captain Harry Brook to take over and Matt Prior acclaims Stokes brilliant career but also suggests that he now leaves England in some disarray. #cricket #england #stokes #engvnz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Stokes, one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, announed his international retirement today. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann pay tribute to a remarkable cricketer, remember his highights, ask 'why now' and consider how England replace the irreplaceable. Oh, also, there's still a Test match going on whch New Zealand will probably go on to win and clinch the series. What will that mean for Bazball and the England heirarchy? To read Simon Hughes' piece on Substack predicting this eventuality 2 weeks ago click this link #cricket #england #stokes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A fluctuating day on a capricious pitch which in the end the New Zealanders are in control of. Nagging seam bowling and some prodigious movement earned them an 84 run lead which they boosted to 204 by the close. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann assess the passages of play dominated by New Zealander's bowlers and their keeper stood up to the stumps. tough match for England to win from here #cricket #england Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Stokes ignites a remarkable turnaround in the Trent Bridge test, hustling New Zealand to 438 all out (after being 317-0) with a spell of irrepressible bowling which brought him is 250th Test wicket. Simon Hughes and Matt Prior marvel at his unbridled passion and stamina and applaud England's batsmen for - so far - capitalizing on the opportunity he has secured. #cricket #england #englandcricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mother cricket decreed that England, after the shenanigans of the last fortnight, would have to field first in baking hot conditions on a flat pitch for the final Test. And for the first two sessions they failed to take a single wicket. But they kept at it, and in the final session got at least a hint of a reward with a couple of late wickets. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior review a day when the one thing you could not accuse England of was lack of commitment. #cricket #englandcricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices