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New 53 min

Jimmy Anderson Sacked By Lancashire

Does cricket owe its greats a better goodbye? Lancashire’s decision not to renew Jimmy Anderson’s contract divides Sanjay Murthy and Ashes winner Geraint Jones. Jonesy backs Stuart Broad’s criticism and argues there was room for a compromise. Sanjay says the club’s future must come first. They discuss rebuilding, dressing-room insecurity and why county cricket finds honest conversations so difficult, before considering where Jimmy might play next. Plus, Who Am I? and a £5 million Would You Rather spark memories of six-hitting, fast bowling and Jonesy’s painful final Test. Chapters 00:00 Jimmy Anderson: Did Lancashire Get It Wrong? 31:20 Who Am I? 37:18 Would You Rather: The £5 Million Cricket Challenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1 hr 14 min

Who’s In Your Dream Beach Cricket Team?

Who makes your perfect beach cricket team? Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones plan their dream day, featuring Shane Warne, Freddie Flintoff, Tiger Woods and Jennifer Aniston. There are clown gloves, celebrity DJs, beach barbecues, and an umpire Jonesy won’t let anywhere near the sand. Charlie Hartley’s Would You Rather asks: county legend or one-cap wonder? We also debate England’s World Cup prospects, Jonesy defends Nic Maddinson, and Who Am I tests your cricket knowledge. Pick your team and tell us who’s invited - and who’s banned. Chapters 00:00 Life’s A Beach03:41 Our Dream Teams09:35 The Rules12:14 The Soundtrack16:50 Food And Drink18:29 Unwanted Guests21:13 The Final Ball And The Umpires26:49 County Legend Or One-Cap Wonder?36:36 England’s World Cup Prospects50:34 Geraint’s Goat: Nic Maddinson57:37 Marnus Labuschagne1:02:21 Who Am I? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1 hr 2 min

England Central Contracts: The Snubs & Surprises.

No room for Rew — but which brother? Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones debate England’s central contracts, from James Rew and Craig Overton missing out to Henry Crocombe’s rise. Jonesy explains how franchise money shapes the negotiations and shares his thoughts on England’s next generation. Travis Head’s response to Australia’s former greats sparks a discussion about fair criticism, personal attacks and Geraint’s own experience under scrutiny. There’s also Usman Khawaja’s forthcoming book and what a revealing autobiography can do to a player’s legacy. Plus Who Am I?, an Ashes Would You Rather and What’s Got Geraint’s Goat: why are we still walking off for bad light? Chapters 00:00 Coming up00:38 No room for Rew?05:46 England Lions and future stars08:30 Mitch Stanley and the pace pipeline10:19 Henry Crocombe’s rise12:02 England’s contract decisions15:11 Contracts and franchise money16:39 Coaching changes and Ashes prospects21:02 Who Am I?24:44 Travis Head and cricket’s critics30:40 Geraint on unfair criticism32:05 Imposter syndrome and Ashes pressure33:50 Khawaja’s book and dressing-room trust38:39 Would You Rather: The Ashes dilemma45:07 What’s Got Geraint’s Goat?52:24 Pink balls for all Tests?55:11 Cricket dinners and a magic mishap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1 hr 6 min

Geraint. Jones Loves Canterbury. But Does Canterbury Love Him?

Geraint Jones loves Canterbury. But they’ve taken his photo down. Not that he’s bitter… Jonesy picks his five favourite cricket grounds, sharing stories of Ashes catches, a Test hundred and moonwalking in spikes. Sanjay adds an unexpected ambulance trip in Bangalore. Plus: What’s Got Geraint’s Goat, Would You Rather and Who Am I? We round up the county season, discuss England’s summer and ask what more Craig Overton needs to do to earn another England opportunity. Which ground would top your list? Tell us in the comments. CHAPTERS00:00:00 Geraint’s Five Favourite Grounds00:15:55 Who Am I?00:21:23 What’s Got Geraint’s Goat?00:31:12 Would You Rather?00:36:37 County Cricket Season Round-Up00:53:05 England and International Round-Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

About Close of Play

Close of Play is the cricket show that treats the game seriously, but never itself. Hosted by broadcaster Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones, each episode mixes dodgy analysis, strong opinions, behind-the-scenes stories and the sort of cricket chat you'd hear after a long day at the ground. From England's latest selection headaches and Ashes talking points to county cricket, world cricket and the characters who make the game unforgettable, nothing is off limits. Expect debate, laughs, occasional disagreements and the odd tale that probably shouldn't be repeated.

Show details

Creator
Zed Alpha Ltd
Hosted by
Sanjay Murthy, Geraint Jones
Years active
2026 - 2025
Episodes
69
Copyright
Zed Alpha Ltd

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