Test Match Special - No Balls: The Cricket Podcast - Kate's in the Ashes Test squad AND she's met Coldplay man

Episode Date: June 12, 2023

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley bring news of the upcoming live show, there's reaction to England Women's Test squad, and Coldplay man has been asked if he's really a listener...

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. The Dakar Rally is the ultimate off-road challenge. Perfect for the ultimate defender. The high-performance Defender Octa, 626 horsepower twin turbo V8 engine and intelligent 6D dynamics air suspension. Learn more at landrover.ca. Jill Scott's Coffee Club. We are back.

I'm so excited for the second series, Ben. He's going to be so excited. bigger and better this year. We've got the Lioness as England manager, Sabrina. Wow. As if we've got Serena. I'm happy that I've seen her a couple of times after the Euros. More on TV than in life.

You can see her now here. Let's not forget as well Jill. We've got to hear about all your antics in the jungle too. Every now and then, there'd just be a tannoy going, Jill, you are not allowed to leave coffee that way. So I was constantly getting in trouble. Jill Scott's Coffee Club. Listen on BBC

Sounds. BBC sounds, music, radio, podcasts. Hi, everyone. The BBC have told us that we've got to issue a warning. We swear too much. Henry does beep it out for us because he's a good man. It is actually so that your family can all listen. Your kids can listen. But we will say...

Sugar. That's not a really bad one. and cross strikes in the first over it's what England we're looking for partly balls down the track comes scoring this time she connects it's either six or out it's six

hello and welcome back to no bullshit cricket podcast with me Kate Croft Sorry, I'm doing it wrong because you Alex Harley. You've been told to put a sock on it and hold it down by your chest. And I've put a sock on it and I've got it by my mouth. Yeah, so lower it. Lower it. Okay. You just keep telling me if it gets too high. Yeah, I will. I will.

Welcome back to Nobles. Welcome back. How are you? I'm all right, thank you. How are you? Oh, you're smiling. I know, I know. I've got a great smile on my face. I think I might be back to my best. I love that. I absolutely love that.

I think I've seen it slowly creeping in. You've been threatening for about 10 days now since you decided to take a break from cricket. Yeah. And I'm loving it. Yeah, I had a bad, bad, bad day yesterday. But you were busy, so I didn't really speak to you about it. Yesterday I turned up to work and Adam asked me if I was okay and I burst into tears.

And I was like, what's up? I was like, I'd feel really overwhelmed and I don't know why. But that was my first time I'd cried since stepping away from cricket, so I was buzzing. You messaged me probably two days ago saying it's been a week since you've cried now, and I was like, amazing. Like, genuinely amazing, like, because you don't want to be crying every day. I'm really sorry that I was busy yesterday and did not know that that happened.

Are you okay? Yeah, I'm fine. Do you know what it was? So the girls were in the final of the Charlotte Edwards Cup. And there was a little bit of FOMO as in, like, did I want to be there? and I made the right decision not being there for me. But then it was like one of my friends' 30th and all the girls were there as well and I was at work and I was like, oh no, like I'm missing out and just got in my own head.

And then last night I was thinking about potentially like when I'm going to train again, if I'm going to train again, I've got a charity game Friday. And I was like, oh, and I just couldn't sleep last night thinking about cricket. Oh, bless you. I know. But I've woken up this morning and I just go on the flow for another few days. nice just I mean it's so easy to sit here and say just relax about it because it's a big thing isn't it and you think about I'm about to cricket but

just relax about it I know I know and I text Tammy yesterday captain of Welsh fire and I was like look this is my thinking I'm going to try and train before it and she's like Alex just get well I don't care I want you to be well which was nice and that's been everyone's message to you hasn't it like everyone's well they've not even been directed at me but I've been overwhelmed by how much by how many people have messaged you about being well. Yeah, I guess I should say thank you to everyone. I guess I should say thanks to everyone.

Thank you. Thanks for all your nice messages. I did turn my phone off for two days because my word, there was so many. I've read every single one of them, but obviously I haven't replied to them also thank you. It means the world. And you're feeling better. Feeling better. How are you?

I am. Parasite-free, Al. Yeah, baby! So Tuesday last week was 10 days post-medication, symptom-free. So me and the doc sent each other a little celebratory message being like, I think we can officially say that it's gone now. Oh my God, you're parasite-free.

So good. I am. I am. I honestly, I don't think I've been that happy about something for such a long time. and I was talking to Harry the other day at show saying like how being better now I can really see how much the mental health side of it was linked to being ill and it was so like so I've been in situations where I've not felt good mentally and I've thought if I can remove myself from that situation

then I'll feel better and I haven't felt better when I have removed myself and so I was a bit worried that this might just be like a bad phase and being ill is not helping. Anyway, basically it was the whole thing was the bloody parasite and I feel great and I'm back to my best, I think. We're back, baby. We're back.

Yes. Back. High five. Hi-five. This is where I'm going to give you another high-five because congratulations on being picked for the test squad. Thank you very much.

Thank you. So you're picked, which is good because it might have been touch-it-go at one stage, had you of being parasites, parasited still. But you're free, you fit, you're healthy, you look great. Crossy, what a squad.

Yeah, well, how do you feel about it? I... What excites you the most about it? Because you text me and you were like, what a squad. Yeah. And I think from... New faces.

Yeah, yeah. I mean, there are a few... Lauren Filer, Danny Gibson. Like, so good. So we played a two-day game last week at, where were we, we repped in school. And do you know everyone was really buzzing about the fact that Olly Pope and Ben Duckett scored 100 in a session? And it was like, big news. Emma Lam scored 100 in the first session and then 98 in the second session.

She was 100. I tell her lie, she was 197. She was 197 off 199 balls. And we were 412 for 8 declared after 80 over. It's like, what is going on? Yeah, so I am buzzing. I am buzzing. I think it's really good to see new faces.

It shows that the domestic structure is working. Obviously, some players have missed out, which I think is obviously sad for the likes of Freya Davis and Charlie Dean. I'm actually gutted for Dino because I think, what do I think? I think only having one spinner puts a lot of pressure on Sof to do well. but I guess it's gone more down the route of like classic test cricket yeah and Trent Bridge notoriously isn't it's not like a spinning pitch is it so it's not like we're possibly going to need to but then you think you've got Heather Lammy if Alice Capsy plays Alice can bowl some spin like there's enough people who can bowl

spin but I'm really really intrigued to see what team they're going to go with we've got three day games starting against the Australia A's on Thursday so I don't know that might be a good indication I don't know they might play all 15 I don't know not got a clue but it really feels like I mean it is but it really feels like

the ashes is round the corner now well that's because it's sorry I'm just there I was sat on my washing bin I've just broken it so I'm going to Neil but yeah no it's really exciting and obviously Gibbo

has had such an amazing summer domestically and she's bowling so well that she deserves this opportunity i reckon yeah yeah i think now that i've thought about it because i think selfishly when you find out a squad you like you obviously look through it to see if your name's in it for a start i mean louis did ring us so i knew i was in the squad um but you look through it and then it's almost like a bit of a puzzle to work out who's missing who's in and yeah i think now that i've met up today and i feel like now that i'm here it's like we're we're ready to go like we're so up for this

It's starting so soon, isn't it? Starting so soon. Do you know what is really soon as well? What? Our live. Yes, it is. We're doing a nobles live, guys, and we've got all the details for you.

So, the night before the test match at Trent Bridge, at the ground, we can't be more specific than that yet because we don't know. It's going to be me, you, Henry, maybe Adam producer Adam going to be there I don't know actually anyway it doesn't matter

night before the test match and you can come and watch us live and we're going to do a live podcast that's going out on the radio and I'm shogging it yeah me too but I'm not thinking about that so come and watch us tickets are free

we will release more details on our socials over the next few days when we can finalise those details but yeah if you're already in the area come on down I'll bring all my family so it looks like people are there. Yeah, Emma Lam wants to come as well. Yes. Hen two fingers said that they'd be there. Perfect. So that's two guests. So that's six. That's six people, including your family. Yeah. So I'm buzzing for it. I'm buzzing for alive. I'm buzzing for your test

badge. I'm buzzing for the summer baby. So wash you start soon. Mashes start even sooner. Moeen Allie has come out of retirement to play in the Mashes. Like, what? I love it. I love it. I absolutely love it. I absolutely love it. And I was thinking, right, so I spoke to him last year, and we were watching, and he was like, God, this looks fun, doesn't it? I want to play in this. He's like, I'm actually thinking about playing. And then Baz actually asked him to play.

And he said, oh, only if you're desperate, somebody's injured. It's a home series. I don't want to travel anymore. And I can be at home. Edge Boston. Honey, you can be at home. Somebody's injured. And they need you.

Literally perfect. When Jack, obviously, it's so crap when you get a bad injury like Jack's had, but I literally was like, like who's going to be the spent who they're going to pull up and then moen puts that Instagram picture out and I was like he's he's coming he's actually going to do it he's going so good and it's so good and he can't really fail can he because everyone will like well he's not played cricket for well red ball cricket for a while and no exactly if he does well then everyone's like he's a genius yeah I think it's great and I'm really excited although I'm a bit

nervous now crossy because I've been at the world test championship final and um they absolutely hammered India yeah they look good but there are weaknesses obviously but were India batting with the aggression that England bat with no

so that's that's going to be the big but I think I think Basball is going to shock the Aussies I hope so I really hope it's an amazing series for both of us like I just want I want it to capture the imagination that

like to match the excitement that is created so I want the cricket to match how everyone feels about it right now I'm not going to make you do your women's ashes prediction because that's not fair but what is your men's ashes prediction the mashes? I think it's going to be quite close I think there's going to be

I don't think there's going to be any draws I think it could literally be like 2-2 going into the final game that would be great yeah it'd be perfect wouldn't it? I really want them to win I really I know it's going to be tough to win, but I'm desperate for them to win. I've gone 3-1, a draw at Manchester, because it's going to rain.

Fair. What, 3-1, England? Yeah. She's backing them, baby? Yeah, I am. I love that. And I'm backing you to win the test match, so don't let me down. Okay.

I mean, there's going to be a result in our test match. I've been saying that for a while now, so... Yeah, there has to be it's five days. I know. Well, we don't know what to do on that fifth day. You're going to need a lot of energy missed. I know, I'm going to have to eat all the carbohydrates. Mm-hmm.

Have you got anything on your sticky note? Oh, I actually forgot about my sticky note. Yeah, of course. Podcast. No, I haven't. I've got three things that I have to talk about. Okay. So, let's do them.

Number one, I love our fans so much. Like, I think they're amazing. Henry's giving us some numbers. of the downloads that we've had since we joined the BBC. Basically, you're all great. However, I got to Old Trafford a couple of weeks ago and found some post that someone had sent me. And someone had sent me an adult-sized nappy.

Yeah, yeah. I mean, you were a bit like, really about it? I was a bit like, that's really funny because of the circumstances. But then I was also like, that's really, really weird. Did you wear it? Yeah, I've got it on now. Yeah, I'm symptom-free. Yeah, okay, nice.

It's really, it's been so handy, but so weird. Yeah, it was slightly weird, but it really made me laugh. You opened it post-game and we lost and you were like, right, you don't need that right now. Oh, no. Anyway, love you all, but please don't send me an adult-sized nappy. Yeah. So, you've done something really weird. It's a proper LBW.

What have I done now? We went out for dinner. I came over to Media City and we went out to dinner and you put some salad cream in a tiny Tupperware and took it with us to Pizza Express and ditch your pizza in it. And I've just never seen human behaviour like it. Yeah, yeah, that did happen because, right,

I love pizza and salad cream and I thought, well, it's better than taking the whole bottle. but there's a reason that restaurants don't give you salad cream as an option like they'll give you mayonnaise ketchup like salad cream isn't there because it's so wrong yeah I know but I just love it so I'm going to have to back myself and I can't deny it it did happen okay I mean me and Harry were both sat there like what on earth is going on yeah you were actually both mortified as well I was like oh god we're out in public with this person yeah um number three

my highlight of my life happened last weekend when the cold play man spoke to me and confirmed that he listens to the podcast holy f*** I forgot about that like Al it's legit

I text you and you weren't excited about it and I was like no because I already knew yeah but I knew but then to hear it literally from the horse's mouth well technically not from the horse's mouth because he doesn't speak after he's done a concert, he types on his phone. So I had to read his phone whilst he was talking to me.

You slipped your number in? I heard it. I tried. I tried to get him on the pod. I was like, just to let you know, you need to listen to this the next episode, because I'm obviously going to talk about this. And he was like, you don't need to mention it. I was like, no, no, no, I do.

I really, really did. So talk me through it. You got, you got some special tickets for Coldplay. Yeah. So it's actually a really funny story. So I got us, I got us, I got me, Phoebe G, Fimo and Ellie Thrillx, some tickets to go see Coldplay. When we got there, went and picked them up from the box ticket office place, and in this envelope it was a little piece of paper that said, you're invited to the after party, no phones allowed,

find a security guard and they'll tell you where to go. So it was like all the bit, like, official but unofficial. So I was like, surely, it's not. not the real after-party. Like, surely it's not, it'll just be like people that have got these tickets that are just going to be

there having a drink. Anyway, it gets to the end of the concert, which was amazing, by the way. And... This is because it's the co-player man. He's class. He's very good at what he does.

He should, like, think about doing it professionally. He's quite good. I wonder if he would, like, sell out stadiums and that. I don't know. I don't know if he's there yet, but he was good.

I'll give him that. So we're like, let's just go, let's have a drink, see what happens. If we meet Chris Martin, amazing if not we've not lost anything so we're in this room when we ask the security people like is this where the band will come and they were like well it's the family and friends section so yeah they could do they might do they might not at this point fee Morris is like guys I'm

going to go home and I was like but if we meet chris martin what what are you going to do she was like I think I'll be okay so I'm okay see later fee because we had a game the next day at blackpool so you know athlete all that um yeah so 20 minutes later, a guy walks up into the room that we're in, and I was like, that's Chris Martin. But he had a hat on, a scarf on. He was quite like, low-key. So I was like, is it definitely him?

I don't want to go ahead and try to meet. Hat and a scarf is not low-key. No, but it was because he was, like, all bundled up. It was like winter, and I was like, it's definitely not winter. So you can tell he was trying to not, he was trying to be subtle, basically. So I'm then like, right, fuck it. We've got one opportunity to meet Chris Martin. in the same room as him, like, I'm not going to get this chance again.

So the girls are like, yes, go for it crossy. You've got this. Come on. So my ploy was, I'll go and thank the manager for giving us the tickets. So go over, try and find this lady. She's not around. So I was like, okay. And as he's getting up from the seat that had been sat talking someone on, he like walked straight to me. So I just put my hand out and I was like, hey, Chris, I just want to say, thank you so much for the ticket. It's part of the England Women's Cricket team. And you got all the girls to come, watch you. show at Wembley last year, so I was funny to say, thank you. That was just blurting words out.

And at this point, I'm a massive fan of you. Well, he actually, so we're shaking hands. And then he literally tells me to sh, sh, sh, sh, sh, sh. So I was like, oh, God, oh, God. What have I done? What have I said? Don't speak to royalty. And his security ladies are there and I'm like, oh my God, right, I'm going to get kicked

out of here now. He gets his phone out. So I was like, what's you doing? And he types on his phone, he goes, I recognize your voice. So I was like, off. No way. It's true. You listen to the podcast and he then was typing again and he's like, are you one of the girls from No Balls the podcast? So I was like, yes, yes, you know, you know. And then he deleted his message and he typed, was it your friend who wrote, I don't give a

if Coldplay listened to this podcast? I was like, that's my Al. That was me. To be fair, like the topics we talk about, I remember it really vividly. You're like, Al, you can't talk about that co-play man listens and I was like, I don't give a yeah. Well, yeah, so he's listened to it all. But then he was like, how are you feeling about your ashes? Bear in mind, all of this is on his phone so he's not said a word at this point other than shushing me. So I'm like, yeah, feeling confident, looking forward to it. And then he types, do you know Jimmy? So I was like, yeah, I know Jimmy. So he grabs my hand,

takes me over to introduce me to James Anderson. So Chris Martin introduced me to James Anderson and his friend. family. And then all the girls, bear in mind that Phoebe, Ellie and Fee are all watching this unfold. That's so funny. Loving it. Absolutely loving it. They all met him as well. They all got to shake his hands. So, sorry, Fee had come back. I forgot to tell you that Fee had come back. So we were like, Chris Martin's in this room. You need to come back. She was like, you're joking me. Next minute, Fee's there again. She'd come back. So, yeah, unbelievable. And he listens. So why is he not to speak?

To protect his voice. So I asked him that and he said, He put it into great context. He was like, if you had a game of cricket, would you rest the next day? And I was like, yeah, I would. So he typed something along the lines of, there's nothing scarier than going out in front of so many people and not being able to sing.

And I was like, that's fair. That's a real fear. Chris, I actually feel you right now because for me, there's nothing scary that going out and playing cricket and not being able to bowl. I was actually thinking that I should have made you just not speak and just type on your phone.

That's how the podcast will work. Yeah. Yeah, so cheers, Coldplay Man. Sorry I couldn't be there. I was working and absolutely devastated. I'll come to another show, invite me. Maybe, yeah, maybe they'll invite us again. Invite me and I'll be there.

And I did ask him if he'll come on the podcast and I didn't get a definite answer. So... That's a note. It was a bit rude, actually. Right, well, you don't need to listen ever again than actually, Coldplay, ma'am. Yeah, you're done now.

We don't need you anymore. We don't need you. We're on to bigger and better. Ed Shearin's better, I heard, anyway. Hi, I'm Ed. Should we go upstairs? I think we should, and I want to go upstairs with someone that we've not been upstairs with for ages because we boycotted them. Yeah? I want to go upstairs with Billy Bowden.

Wow, retired. Yeah. Throwback. Oh, quickly. Yeah. Lank's Thunder lost, a semi-final of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, but it was really great we got there and everyone was really happy, and Vipers have won and well-done Vipers, I don't. talk about the vipers. Bye.

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Alex and Kate, you pair of two times award-winning legends. Alex, how much trouble did you get in for adding into the cricketers' names that our body parts chat whilst on live commentary on TMS? Only you could go with Quintosh. Decoq crying live on TMS. You need to add to your notes. Is Kate here? No.

Then I am not on the no-balls podcast. Henry is not here to beat me out. Yeah, that did happen. So Josh Tong was playing for England against Ireland. We said, what about the body part? Crickettists? They were like, Josh Tong, head.

And I said, oh, there is somebody that plays South Africa. It's called Quinton de Cock. What power of you? not been cancelled yet. In all serious, nurse, you're both amazing. And listening to the pod reminds us that elite sportsmen and women are human too, with the same doubts that some of us deal with every day too. I've even adopted asking people in my life, how are you? No, really, how are you? It really does make a big difference. Back to Alex's commentary,

which regardless of when playing finishes, is definitely the viewers slash listeners gain. It was really interesting to Tuffers and Jack Leach TMS podcast. Alex's words had so much meaning with the benefit of hindsight of her announcement in the latest pod. We all wish you both well and hope to see you back on the cricket pitch with smiles on your faces no matter when or where that is. Best wishes, Dave from Bristol. And then says, why do people always add where they're from? Question mark.

Yeah, strange, but thanks Dave from Bristol. Hey, both. Love the pod and especially the last episode. What courage from Alex to step away and give herself time to figure out how you feel about playing cricket and was lovely to hear you on TMS on the opening day of the England Island test match. And Kate, I'm so glad you got rid of that pesky. persistent parasite.

Looking forward to seeing you in the Washes test match at Trent Bridge. Also, punctuation makes me be able to read things. Yeah, this is good. And really looking to the live podcast, of course. Yes, we've got an extra person coming.

You asked listeners to suggest guests. Well, I have one for you. Charlotte Edwards. Brilliant player, fantastic coach and has a cup, not a floodlight, named after her. I'd love to hear the roles of the player coach, how the roles of player and coaches are different.

for her and how she made the change. That's actually, how have we not had Lottie on the podcast yet? I don't know how we've avoided her, actually. We would definitely need to get her on. Yeah, that's weird from us. I forgot to tell you on the podcast, I told you in real life, but I told our CEO at Lancashire to listen to last week's episode

so that he could hear you ask him for a floodlight to be named after you at Old Trafford. He takes me saying I can do one better than a floodlight and didn't tell me what? And I said, no, seriously, I want a floodlight. I don't want a stand or anything or a bot. because I want a floodlight. So you don't know what the one better was?

No, I've not asked him what the one better is. He said, I'll do you one better than the floodlight, but I just want the floodlight. Which reminds me, I met a lovely girl down at the Oval this week whose mum is doing a cricket book, and it's a story about the ashes and two kids that lose the ashes, and then they have to go and find it. It's a great story.

But their daughter was there, and she'd made me a bookmark. for the book and it's called a bat mark and it's a bat and it's quotes that I've said have remember why you played the game love yourself and it's got a floodlight and it says that Alex Hartley floodlight on it says oh that's amazing put that on Instagram put picture of that on insta I will I'll put the book on also you were talking about applauding when the 50 comes up etc I'll always applaud a partnership milestone if the batters are doing it against the odds getting a 50 partnership battling down the order

to save a game for example I don't know if it's too oh I don't Don't if it's too openers on a flat pitch. Anyway, have a good summer. Stay well, keep going because we love you too. Kaz. I've been having to think about this, clapping batters and stuff. You never, ever, ever see batters clap bowlers. So why do fielders clap batters?

Oh, no, they do. Because, like, when you get a wicket, everyone comes and rubs your head and patch you on the bum and stuff. None of the batters do. They do? What? You're telling me when you get a wicket. Oh, no.

Oh, yeah, true. I thought you were saying, like, when you got a wicket, Tammy Bowman won't come to say, well done. No, I'm talking like if I got Meg Langing out, Alyssa Healy's not going to be stood at the non-strikers end, clapping. No, very true. I'll be so funny. I mean, it would be hilarious, but it's not going to happen. Very true, very true. Good afternoon, Alex and Kate.

So listening to your recent podcast, which was the 26th of May, you discussed clapping people on and off the field. And Alex is a very valid point about why would you clap them. It's their job to score runs. Anyway, this got me thinking. People who clap the pilots when they land an aeroplane. Why? They're literally doing their job. Nobody claps the air crew for pouring a perfectly...

for perfectly pouring a glass of wine or a brew. Oh, wait, I'm not finished. People who clap at the end of the cinema. Again, why? Please tell me I'm not alone by being aggravated by such acts of clapping. No, Elizabeth, you are not. How did you know her name? Because I'm on the email as well.

That is freaky. Yeah, maybe. Anyway, I love the pod. Keep up the great work. Alex, it was amazing to hear you laugh and sound so much happier this week. I really hope you find a love for the game again. And Kate, hope you didn't get yourself this week, much week, Elizabeth.

No, you didn't get yourself this week, but you did go on a date with the Deva. No, shh. The neighbour's housemates, mum, listens or knows that I play cricket. so I can't talk about this on the podcast but he did ask me he did ask me yesterday and he was like what's your podcast about I was like no no

doesn't matter don't need to know podcast is about you nothing to do with you it doesn't matter well goodbye anyway he's been doing some digging so he knows that I do a podcast so bad I hope he's listened to you saying fancy the neighbour and then you actually got a date with him

and be like, I'm just making it feel better. I'm moving on, moving on, moving on. I was batting the other week and got slightly foxed by a spinner. Hitting the ball in the air, I thought I'd hit it straight to mid-off, but I timed it quite well and just cleared him. However, Middorf thought it was coming straight to him, so leant back to catch it.

Leaning further and further back, eventually the ball cleared him, he fell over backwards, and when he hit the deck, his trousers fell down. His team showy, get the ball, get the ball, get the ball. So he stood up, trousers around his knees, started running, he fell over again. Oh no, you hate to see him, but you love to see at the same time. That's from Martin, nothing else. Love that.

Love it. Just throw a really random cricket story in there at us. Yeah, I love it. This one is not even saying hello to us, it's just a think of an angry email. It's a question. I know players may need the odd break, but are the ECB not overdoing it? We're in a 2020 league and people are paying to come and watch the best players, but you turn up expecting to see five international.

and they're all rested. The result is a low standard of play and do full-time pros really need resting from 2020. I saw Kate come back and she played two games back to back and ball really well and also did a bit of mentoring at mid-on. If the ECB wants to rest the play is fine

but don't take five out of one game. Your thoughts, Steve. Look, I get why the ECB have taken the likes of you, Lauren Bell, out of finals day because that's not important to you right now. Imagine if your workload spike had gone through the roof you'd play two back-to-back games, you'd got injured, you're out of the ashes.

And especially with you, you've been ill, your workloads are lower than they would have been. Yeah, I honestly think, yes, it's frustrating, but you're not paid to play cricket for Lank's Thundner. You're paid to play cricket for England. Yeah, I do get what this guy's saying, and especially when you're paying to go and watch players. But I think if you turned up to watch, say, Lancash, Lancash, play in a blast game, you're not guaranteed that Joss Butler's going to be there. No. So I think sometimes you've got to maybe see it as a bonus

when the England players are playing in that. And actually, this is probably the most regional cricket we've all played. This buildup has been quite significant. We've not normally done it as much of this. So I get what you're saying, Steve, but equally, the ashes has to be my priority at the minute. So that was the decision, the reason behind the decision. Wait, your priority is not to travel all the way to Ulster.

Orovers. How dare you? My priority is the neighbour. Dear Alex and Kate, great to see you back in the wickets yesterday, Kate. And Alex, your commentary stints on TMS really did brighten up and otherwise very dull couple of days at work. So thank you for that. With the news that Jack Leach has ruled out of the mashes, there is a very strong argument that Sophie Eccleston is clearly the next best

spinner in the country, with Eccleston's height control, Pacey's Bowls at the Royal. rev she gets. Her bowling style seems her bowling style seems I don't know what that word says. Let me find it. Uniquely.

Her bowling style seems uniquely suited to both the men's game as well as the women's game. How amazing would it be to see Jimmy Anderson and Sophie Eccleston bowling in tandem at Old Trafford. This is the stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. I'm stopping this right here. this isn't going to happen people need to stop it she could play men's cricket that's not the point but she's not playing our ashes to go and play in the men's ashes it's not going to happen so yeah it's just not going to happen not going to happen but fair um yeah fair next

i both just wanted to make sure that you dedicate a section on the next pod to talk about the new welsh fire kit and how al looks like some kind of hula hoops vitter in it other crisps are available i also personally feel an almost religious dedication to crisps. Crossy, I haven't seen you in the new Superchargers kit, so I can't really mock that one, unfortunately. Cheers for covering this important topic, Charlie P.S. So much love to Alex in her break from cricket. Looking forward to hearing you on the ashes. And congratulations to Crossie on getting rid of the parasite. You guys are the best. And they've attached a photo of you looking like a vicar in a hula hoops top. Yeah, so this is going to be my next Instagram because I've got a picture of me in the kit, look really nice, ready for cricket. I've got a picture of me a bucket hat looking ready for a festival.

Then I've got a picture of me praying, looking like I'm going to church. So very, very interesting kit. Don't like it. Don't like the white colour. Not that I'm not religious, but I'm not religious, but I just don't like it. I really like the Welsh kit this year. I think it's one of the better ones. Yeah, I do minus the colour.

Yeah, every team has done that, haven't they? They've got the panelling down the trousers and they've got the little block of colour, but yours is white, which obviously does look like a dog colour. But it's nice. The pink and the red are nice together. Yeah, it's really nice, isn't it? And you've not seen me in Supercharges Kit because I was poorly

when that was meant to happen, so yep. I'm not avoiding it. I'm not avoiding it, I promise. She is avoiding it. She's actually sent the contract back. I'm not. Yeah, I'm not playing in the 100 this year. False news, fake news, don't take the quote. No. Hi, Kate and Alex. I hope you're doing well. You guys are my idols.

I love you both so much. Alex, in the last pod, you said you used to cry a lot over cricket. I have been crying a lot since last year because I was the only person in my year group to pick GCSEP for my GCS next year but as I was the only one who picked it a teacher refused to let me get it in my timetable as I go to an only girl's school

I cry over it a lot I don't know why how do you manage to deal with this Emily Do you know what this is I can relate to this not because something like that happened to me but because I understand how it feels to be out of control of a situation and you can't influence it anymore. And that's basically what the teachers have done for this girl.

But it's just hard, isn't it? You've just got to try and move on and try and find something positive in a bit of a negative situation if you can. Yeah, maybe there's like, I don't know, maybe get your head down and then look to do it at A levels maybe. We always look for a solution because there will be plenty of opportunity at A levels.

realistically though you can't do P.E. on your own. No. It's not like maths. No. Well, you wouldn't want to do maths on your own either but you can't do P.E. on your own. But yeah, it's awful, isn't it,

when you're not in control of that situation and that decision's been taken out your hands? I think I can feel it because of like selections that I've had in the past who have not been picked and you think you should be able to do something, you can't. So I think maybe she needs to speak to people about it as well

and maybe see if the school can do anything to help I don't know always helps to talk as we've learned it always does couple more each one more each

okay one more good morning Kate and Alex or Alex and Kate I just wanted to thank you for all you do for the game

and also mental health on that everyone that's come up to me in the last week at the Oval someone stopped me on the tube today I miss my train

because of you not that I'm holding it against you it's really lovely to meet you. Thanks for listening. Actually, it's mad crossy, how much we're getting stopped now, in it? It is crazy.

Hen was at the CEC final today, and three people came up to them to talk to them about the podcast. I mean, I love it. I love it. Just wanted to thank you for all you do for the game and also for mental health. I'm not sure if this is an Ick or an LBW. I don't get why people shout,

catch it when the ball goes up in the air straight to a fielder. If the ball comes towards me, then the last thing I want to do is drop it. I noticed it more watching Western Storm versus Central Sparks. Am I overthinking or am I psycho? Take care, Bart's from Bristol. Is that the empire? I do that.

Imagine. That's why she's getting really eggy. No, I do that. If the ball goes in the air, I'd just like, I don't know, wired to shout catch it. Yeah, it really puts me off. Oh, if I shout that. If anyone does, I'm like, of course I'm going to try and catch it.

I think I do it straight off the bat, though. I wouldn't do it when it's like about to land in your hands. Don't drop it, jackass I've actually got one more email that got sent to us last week, midweek, and I think we should read it out because it's actually incredible. Okay. Hello, Alex and Kate, Kate and Alex. Long time, listener, second time emailer.

First, Kate, I hope that you haven't made history by being the first person who's parasite a resistant to that medication. It didn't happen. Alex and Kate, but Alex's right now, I fought depression and my entire life, so I definitely know what it's like to be down, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I want you to email to let you know that my daughter and I are coming to the test at Trent Bridge

all the way from South Dakota in the middle of the USA. Very near lower. Pardon? Very near lower. For comparison, South Dakota is a little bit bigger than England and Wales put together. I can't say enough how great your podcast is. It's just the right blend of cricket, friendship and important conversations about mental health and what a struggle it still is just to be born female in this world.

You talk a lot about how far the women's game has come in recent years, the ECB investment, but I think you are leaving out that the two of you and your guests and Henry et al are a huge driving force for getting people interested, not only in women's cricket, but in cricket itself. I'm sure the ECB and BBC know how great you are, but your tourism and sport minister should be informed. You are even a draw for international tourism from non-c cricket playing nations. This is mental, unbelievable. Being from South Dakota, being from South Dakota I've only ever met one other cricket fan

and he was from Bangalore and we have never seen a game of cricket so our first match ever will be the Saturday of the test match at Trent Bridge my daughter who's Aurora 13 years old is not at all sporty I'm afraid just like her father

but she follows you on the socials and is hoping to meet you and the team and maybe get an old squad or two oh my God right message us when you get to Trent Bridge email no balls slide into our DMs.

I'll definitely come and see you when I'm not on commentary. Crossy, I'm sure you'll bump into them at the end of the day. Yeah. That's incredible. They've added a question as well on some important notes. I very rarely wash the bread knife. I wonder consistently throughout the entire house while brushing my teeth, which I do in the morning before breakfast, Al.

And the question is, tail enders will know that how Jimmy Anderson makes his beans on toast. How about you both? I'm told we don't have the right type of beans in the state, so we're very much looking forward to real pub food, non-suggy tomatoes and beans and Sunday dinner. Any other English delicacies that we should sample will be in London most of the time

but also staying in Northumberland to experience a bit of the country life. Cheers, Royce. Fish chips, gravy, fish chips, curry sauce, fish, chips, mushy peas. Yeah, get chippy in, yeah. Sausage and mash. How'd you have your beans on toast? I've never been asked that before.

No, I put my toast in a toaster. I put some lurpack on. I do my beans in the pan. I put the beans on the toast and then I grate some cheese on top. cheese on top's good have you ever had um what's the brown um brown sauce brown sauce yeah hps do you ever put hp sauce on it it's called brown sauce isn't it yeah i've just had a brain part there always put brown sauce on it yeah yeah elite yeah but i'd always put beans on toast i wouldn't have beans next to toast no that's illegal yeah good i'm glad we're on

the same page you get about yeah um guys thank you so much for listening and some of you will see Wednesday before the live. No? Yes. For the live. Day before the test match. All the details will go out on social media, so keep your eyes peel for them. I'll be wearing something funny. You'll be wearing something funny and everyone will be there hopefully. The main thing is tickets are free. Yes. And you can, no-ballers on. No-ballspodcast at bbc.com.com.com.com. It's so good. It's so good. They said it twice. They said it. twice. Bye.

Bye everyone. Well done for the date with the neighbour. And cross strikes in the first over. It's what England we're looking for. Hartley falls down the track

comes scoring this time she connects. It's either six or out. It's six. Hello, it's Jason Manford here And I'm Steve Edge And this is Best Men The brand new podcast from Radio 4

All about being the best man We'll be meeting the people who succeeded And those that have failed What are the big no-noes? I'd see anything about X's Why do people do that? And crucially, having a bit of a laugh along the way You set fire to your speech?

There was tea lights everywhere, man Best Men, listen on BBC sounds. Can you hear that? Just. Just. Just wait for it to stop. B.