Being Outside Cricket
@outsidecricket.bsky.social
A few grumpy gits and their friends. Don't agree with each other, unlikely to agree with you.
While Sir Andrew Strauss uses England's failures to tout his 2022 High Performance Review, he doesn't say that Rob Key was a co-author of that review.
Key has also implemented parts of that review, which we did a point-by-point critique of at the time: beingoutsidecricket.com/2022/11/02/t...
Key has also implemented parts of that review, which we did a point-by-point critique of at the time: beingoutsidecricket.com/2022/11/02/t...
December 22, 2025 at 6:12 PM
While Sir Andrew Strauss uses England's failures to tout his 2022 High Performance Review, he doesn't say that Rob Key was a co-author of that review.
Key has also implemented parts of that review, which we did a point-by-point critique of at the time: beingoutsidecricket.com/2022/11/02/t...
Key has also implemented parts of that review, which we did a point-by-point critique of at the time: beingoutsidecricket.com/2022/11/02/t...
Famously, Olympic athletes prepare for the biggest sporting event of their lives by going on a week-long bender a few days beforehand.
It really puts them in the physical and mental state required to reach the very pinnacle of their abilities.
It really puts them in the physical and mental state required to reach the very pinnacle of their abilities.
December 21, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Famously, Olympic athletes prepare for the biggest sporting event of their lives by going on a week-long bender a few days beforehand.
It really puts them in the physical and mental state required to reach the very pinnacle of their abilities.
It really puts them in the physical and mental state required to reach the very pinnacle of their abilities.
McCullum was right. If anything, England overprepared for this series.
After all, they could have lost 3-0 without practicing at all...
After all, they could have lost 3-0 without practicing at all...
December 21, 2025 at 4:14 AM
McCullum was right. If anything, England overprepared for this series.
After all, they could have lost 3-0 without practicing at all...
After all, they could have lost 3-0 without practicing at all...
Balls taken to lose an Ashes series in Australia:
2010/11: 10,010*
2006/07: 7,022
2017/18: 6,623
2013/14: 6,443
2001/02: 5,380
2021/22: 5,115
This series is now at 4,480, which is 105.5 overs less. The only way this isn't the quickest loss this century is if England win or draw.
2010/11: 10,010*
2006/07: 7,022
2017/18: 6,623
2013/14: 6,443
2001/02: 5,380
2021/22: 5,115
This series is now at 4,480, which is 105.5 overs less. The only way this isn't the quickest loss this century is if England win or draw.
December 20, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Balls taken to lose an Ashes series in Australia:
2010/11: 10,010*
2006/07: 7,022
2017/18: 6,623
2013/14: 6,443
2001/02: 5,380
2021/22: 5,115
This series is now at 4,480, which is 105.5 overs less. The only way this isn't the quickest loss this century is if England win or draw.
2010/11: 10,010*
2006/07: 7,022
2017/18: 6,623
2013/14: 6,443
2001/02: 5,380
2021/22: 5,115
This series is now at 4,480, which is 105.5 overs less. The only way this isn't the quickest loss this century is if England win or draw.
Ben Stokes didn't bowl at all today, which is especially worrying considering that he has England's best bowling average in this series and the must-win nature of the match.
Whatever the issue, it must be serious.
Whatever the issue, it must be serious.
December 19, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Ben Stokes didn't bowl at all today, which is especially worrying considering that he has England's best bowling average in this series and the must-win nature of the match.
Whatever the issue, it must be serious.
Whatever the issue, it must be serious.
As it stands overnight, while he is not out, Jofra Archer has the second-highest batting average for England in this Ashes.
Even if he was dismissed without scoring another run, he would still be ahead of Crawley, Jacks, Pope, Duckett and Smith, halfway through the series.
Even if he was dismissed without scoring another run, he would still be ahead of Crawley, Jacks, Pope, Duckett and Smith, halfway through the series.
Jofra Archer:
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
December 18, 2025 at 10:21 AM
As it stands overnight, while he is not out, Jofra Archer has the second-highest batting average for England in this Ashes.
Even if he was dismissed without scoring another run, he would still be ahead of Crawley, Jacks, Pope, Duckett and Smith, halfway through the series.
Even if he was dismissed without scoring another run, he would still be ahead of Crawley, Jacks, Pope, Duckett and Smith, halfway through the series.
Matthew Fisher has taken two wickets for 259 runs in four innings during the Lions tour of Australia, which is an average of 129.50.
By comparison, Nathan Gilchrist has taken nine wickets at an average of 32.56 for the Lions.
By comparison, Nathan Gilchrist has taken nine wickets at an average of 32.56 for the Lions.
December 9, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Matthew Fisher has taken two wickets for 259 runs in four innings during the Lions tour of Australia, which is an average of 129.50.
By comparison, Nathan Gilchrist has taken nine wickets at an average of 32.56 for the Lions.
By comparison, Nathan Gilchrist has taken nine wickets at an average of 32.56 for the Lions.
Jofra Archer:
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
December 8, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Jofra Archer:
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
The men's England cricket team is good at winning some things. They have won the toss in their last seven Tests.
In those matches, their record is won 2, lost 4, drew 1.
In those matches, their record is won 2, lost 4, drew 1.
December 7, 2025 at 7:57 PM
The men's England cricket team is good at winning some things. They have won the toss in their last seven Tests.
In those matches, their record is won 2, lost 4, drew 1.
In those matches, their record is won 2, lost 4, drew 1.
England survive a whole session without losing a wicket, but because they only scored at 2.46 runs per over it doesn't count and is in fact a moral victory for Australia.
December 7, 2025 at 6:05 AM
England survive a whole session without losing a wicket, but because they only scored at 2.46 runs per over it doesn't count and is in fact a moral victory for Australia.
Everything for England to play for tomorrow.
Will they lose by an innings, or lose by a mere ten wickets? Wake up at 4am to find out!
Will they lose by an innings, or lose by a mere ten wickets? Wake up at 4am to find out!
December 6, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Everything for England to play for tomorrow.
Will they lose by an innings, or lose by a mere ten wickets? Wake up at 4am to find out!
Will they lose by an innings, or lose by a mere ten wickets? Wake up at 4am to find out!
Australia are into the tail now...
December 6, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Australia are into the tail now...
'Only' 12 overs short today, a huge improvement on the 16 lost yesterday.
England will probably get hit with a points penalty in the World Test Championship though because, unlike Australia, they didn't take their chances in the field.
England will probably get hit with a points penalty in the World Test Championship though because, unlike Australia, they didn't take their chances in the field.
December 5, 2025 at 11:44 AM
'Only' 12 overs short today, a huge improvement on the 16 lost yesterday.
England will probably get hit with a points penalty in the World Test Championship though because, unlike Australia, they didn't take their chances in the field.
England will probably get hit with a points penalty in the World Test Championship though because, unlike Australia, they didn't take their chances in the field.
England have skipped directly to Step 4 in the cycle, renewing the contracts of everyone bar Kate Cross from the squad who lost the Ashes 16-0 and then limped out of the following ODI World Cup.
It doesn't look like anyone new will be in the T20 World Cup team next year.
It doesn't look like anyone new will be in the T20 World Cup team next year.
Just kidding. Almost nothing will change.
We've currently just completed step 1 of the 4 step cycle.
We've currently just completed step 1 of the 4 step cycle.
December 3, 2025 at 4:43 PM
England have skipped directly to Step 4 in the cycle, renewing the contracts of everyone bar Kate Cross from the squad who lost the Ashes 16-0 and then limped out of the following ODI World Cup.
It doesn't look like anyone new will be in the T20 World Cup team next year.
It doesn't look like anyone new will be in the T20 World Cup team next year.
More trouble at Middlesex.
Some questions members might want to ask at Tuesday's public meeting:
1) How much has Middlesex spent on legal fees and crisis management consultants during Cornish's tenure so far?
2) Will the club be funding Cornish's legal defense?
Some questions members might want to ask at Tuesday's public meeting:
1) How much has Middlesex spent on legal fees and crisis management consultants during Cornish's tenure so far?
2) Will the club be funding Cornish's legal defense?
Middlesex CCC chief executive investigated after complaint by staff member
Middlesex CCC chief executive investigated after complaint by staff member
*
Cricket Regulator launches investigation into claims
*
Andrew Cornish understood to deny misconduct
The Middlesex County Cricket Club chief executive, Andrew Cornish, has taken leave of absence from the club following an allegation of misconduct made by another member of staff.
The Guardian has learned that Middlesex have handed the complaint over to the Cricket Regulator, which has launched an investigation into the matter. Continue reading...
dlvr.it
December 1, 2025 at 7:35 AM
More trouble at Middlesex.
Some questions members might want to ask at Tuesday's public meeting:
1) How much has Middlesex spent on legal fees and crisis management consultants during Cornish's tenure so far?
2) Will the club be funding Cornish's legal defense?
Some questions members might want to ask at Tuesday's public meeting:
1) How much has Middlesex spent on legal fees and crisis management consultants during Cornish's tenure so far?
2) Will the club be funding Cornish's legal defense?
England have announced that they will be sending just three players from the senior squad to the pink ball warmup game this week: Bethell, Potts and Tongue.
The reaction if they lose the next Test could get extremely ugly.
www.ecb.co.uk/news/4408007
The reaction if they lose the next Test could get extremely ugly.
www.ecb.co.uk/news/4408007
Three Ashes squad players to join Lions for Prime Minister’s XI fixture
The day/night match will be played at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.
www.ecb.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
England have announced that they will be sending just three players from the senior squad to the pink ball warmup game this week: Bethell, Potts and Tongue.
The reaction if they lose the next Test could get extremely ugly.
www.ecb.co.uk/news/4408007
The reaction if they lose the next Test could get extremely ugly.
www.ecb.co.uk/news/4408007
Positives for England to take out of this Test:
The bowlers won't be tired.
Every time they get dismissed playing an attacking shot in this series they can say they were trying to emulate Travis Head.
The Lake Karrinyup golf course is open on Sundays.
The bowlers won't be tired.
Every time they get dismissed playing an attacking shot in this series they can say they were trying to emulate Travis Head.
The Lake Karrinyup golf course is open on Sundays.
November 22, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Positives for England to take out of this Test:
The bowlers won't be tired.
Every time they get dismissed playing an attacking shot in this series they can say they were trying to emulate Travis Head.
The Lake Karrinyup golf course is open on Sundays.
The bowlers won't be tired.
Every time they get dismissed playing an attacking shot in this series they can say they were trying to emulate Travis Head.
The Lake Karrinyup golf course is open on Sundays.
Obviously it's not going to be a major topic of conversation, but the two teams were 16 overs short of the allotted overs today.
That's the equivalent of more than a full hours' play.
That's the equivalent of more than a full hours' play.
November 21, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Obviously it's not going to be a major topic of conversation, but the two teams were 16 overs short of the allotted overs today.
That's the equivalent of more than a full hours' play.
That's the equivalent of more than a full hours' play.
Joe Root out now as well, just 100 short of his first century in Australia...
November 21, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Joe Root out now as well, just 100 short of his first century in Australia...
It's nice of Steve Smith to keep bowling Scott Boland at the other end to Starc, or this would seem a real horror show for England.
November 21, 2025 at 3:07 AM
It's nice of Steve Smith to keep bowling Scott Boland at the other end to Starc, or this would seem a real horror show for England.
If you can tell what's happening in an Ashes from the first ball, then Zak Crawley is going to play like Dom Sibley crossed with Sir Alastair Cook.
November 21, 2025 at 2:24 AM
If you can tell what's happening in an Ashes from the first ball, then Zak Crawley is going to play like Dom Sibley crossed with Sir Alastair Cook.
In the England v Lions match today:
Ben Stokes: 6/52
The other five England bowlers: 4/322
Maybe they do need more than one warmup match?
live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_s...
Ben Stokes: 6/52
The other five England bowlers: 4/322
Maybe they do need more than one warmup match?
live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_s...
Live scores, live streams, video highlights and schedules from ECB Play-Cricket | powered by NV Play
Comprehensive schedules, live scores, live streams, video highlights and match statistics from ECB Play-Cricket | powered by NV Play
live.nvplay.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:40 AM
In the England v Lions match today:
Ben Stokes: 6/52
The other five England bowlers: 4/322
Maybe they do need more than one warmup match?
live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_s...
Ben Stokes: 6/52
The other five England bowlers: 4/322
Maybe they do need more than one warmup match?
live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_s...
A bold move from the ECB, which increases the average pay gap between the men's and women's Hundred from roughly £50k per player to £70k per player. www.thehundred.com/news/4393081
The Hundred to move to an auction and increase salaries
The Hundred will hold the first auction in major UK sport.
www.thehundred.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:14 AM
A bold move from the ECB, which increases the average pay gap between the men's and women's Hundred from roughly £50k per player to £70k per player. www.thehundred.com/news/4393081
Tammy Beaumont - 34
Amy Jones - 32
Heather Knight - 34
Nat Sciver-Brunt - 32
Linsey Smith - 30
Danni Wyatt-Hodge - 34
Two years until the next Ashes series. Four years until the next women's ODI World Cup. How many of these cricketers have played their last ODI for England?
Amy Jones - 32
Heather Knight - 34
Nat Sciver-Brunt - 32
Linsey Smith - 30
Danni Wyatt-Hodge - 34
Two years until the next Ashes series. Four years until the next women's ODI World Cup. How many of these cricketers have played their last ODI for England?
October 29, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Tammy Beaumont - 34
Amy Jones - 32
Heather Knight - 34
Nat Sciver-Brunt - 32
Linsey Smith - 30
Danni Wyatt-Hodge - 34
Two years until the next Ashes series. Four years until the next women's ODI World Cup. How many of these cricketers have played their last ODI for England?
Amy Jones - 32
Heather Knight - 34
Nat Sciver-Brunt - 32
Linsey Smith - 30
Danni Wyatt-Hodge - 34
Two years until the next Ashes series. Four years until the next women's ODI World Cup. How many of these cricketers have played their last ODI for England?