Nick Friend
@nickfriend.bsky.social
Journalist at The Cricketer. Ex-Cricket Argentina coach. CMJ Young Journalist of the Year, 2020. Views my own.
The demise of Birmingham Bears ends the most radical rebrand of the Blast era.
Interview with Warwickshire CEO Stuart Cain about how a wholly popular decision was taken.
Interview with Warwickshire CEO Stuart Cain about how a wholly popular decision was taken.
Goodbye, the Birmingham Bears: We are Warwickshire, so why not just call us Warwickshire? | The Cricketer
Eleven years after Warwickshire first played a T20 Blast match as Birmingham Bears, chief executive Stuart Cain explains why now was time to reverse a controversial decision that was never accepted
www.thecricketer.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:57 AM
The demise of Birmingham Bears ends the most radical rebrand of the Blast era.
Interview with Warwickshire CEO Stuart Cain about how a wholly popular decision was taken.
Interview with Warwickshire CEO Stuart Cain about how a wholly popular decision was taken.
Gloucestershire have signed Dawid Malan on a two-year Blast deal:
Gloucstershire interested in signing former England batter | The Cricketer
Gloucestershire are in the running to sign Dawid Malan after the former England batter left Yorkshire
www.thecricketer.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Gloucestershire have signed Dawid Malan on a two-year Blast deal:
Interview with Jon Lewis about how his England Women's tenure unravelled, regrets from his time in charge and "inspire and entertain".
Jon Lewis: We dropped so many balls there that you don't deserve to win | The Cricketer
The former England Women's head coach reflects on his time in charge of the national side, which ended after last winter's T20 World Cup disappointment and the subsequent Ashes whitewash
www.thecricketer.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Interview with Jon Lewis about how his England Women's tenure unravelled, regrets from his time in charge and "inspire and entertain".
Along this theme, Middlesex's training session on Tuesday - football and teamwork-based - was led by Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen.
November 25, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Along this theme, Middlesex's training session on Tuesday - football and teamwork-based - was led by Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen.
International schedule (men's Test, women's Test, Women's T20WC) means Lord's is hosting just two Blast matchdays in 2026.
Middlesex returning to Richmond for the first time since 2019, though Sussex 2s made 324-7 (in a T20) there a couple of years ago.
Middlesex returning to Richmond for the first time since 2019, though Sussex 2s made 324-7 (in a T20) there a couple of years ago.
Lord's to host just two T20 Blast matchdays in 2026 | The Cricketer
Middlesex will play just two of their six men's T20 Blast fixtures at Lord's in 2026, with the county returning to Richmond for the first time in seven years
www.thecricketer.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:23 AM
International schedule (men's Test, women's Test, Women's T20WC) means Lord's is hosting just two Blast matchdays in 2026.
Middlesex returning to Richmond for the first time since 2019, though Sussex 2s made 324-7 (in a T20) there a couple of years ago.
Middlesex returning to Richmond for the first time since 2019, though Sussex 2s made 324-7 (in a T20) there a couple of years ago.
Students at Leeds-Bradford have set up a GoFundMe page as part of efforts to keep their UCCE programme alive.
Piece on the uncertainty around the scheme's future across the board after ECB pulled £200,000 in funding, which equates to about £35k per UCCE.
Piece on the uncertainty around the scheme's future across the board after ECB pulled £200,000 in funding, which equates to about £35k per UCCE.
UCCE scheme faces uncertain future after ECB pulls funding | The Cricketer
The decision to reallocate close to £200,000 previously given to universities has left a significant hole in tight budgets, risking the longevity of a programme that has produced hundreds of players
www.thecricketer.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Students at Leeds-Bradford have set up a GoFundMe page as part of efforts to keep their UCCE programme alive.
Piece on the uncertainty around the scheme's future across the board after ECB pulled £200,000 in funding, which equates to about £35k per UCCE.
Piece on the uncertainty around the scheme's future across the board after ECB pulled £200,000 in funding, which equates to about £35k per UCCE.
Durham took on the Three Peaks Challenge last week, Kent have been doing Parkrun, the Parkinsons are running the Malaga marathon next month.
Piece about those not in Australia or franchising, but freezing in indoor schools.
Piece about those not in Australia or franchising, but freezing in indoor schools.
Three Peaks, Parkrun and the walls closing in on you: County cricket's winter training purgatory | The Cricketer
As with many aspects of the game over recent years, this is another that's changed, with winter opportunities ever-increasing and different players with distinct priorities
www.thecricketer.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Durham took on the Three Peaks Challenge last week, Kent have been doing Parkrun, the Parkinsons are running the Malaga marathon next month.
Piece about those not in Australia or franchising, but freezing in indoor schools.
Piece about those not in Australia or franchising, but freezing in indoor schools.
Last time Scott Borthwick went to the first Test of an away Ashes as a fan, he ended up playing the fifth Test.
He lands in Perth today, tickets supplied by close mate Ben Stokes.
"We both looked at each other and were like, 'Is it happening again?'"
He lands in Perth today, tickets supplied by close mate Ben Stokes.
"We both looked at each other and were like, 'Is it happening again?'"
Scott Borthwick: Last time I watched the first Test in Australia, I played the last one | The Cricketer
Fresh from being awarded a testimonial by Durham, Scott Borthwick is heading on holiday to Perth; during the 2013-14 winter, he went to the Gabba as a fan and was drafted in for his debut in Sydney
www.thecricketer.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Last time Scott Borthwick went to the first Test of an away Ashes as a fan, he ended up playing the fifth Test.
He lands in Perth today, tickets supplied by close mate Ben Stokes.
"We both looked at each other and were like, 'Is it happening again?'"
He lands in Perth today, tickets supplied by close mate Ben Stokes.
"We both looked at each other and were like, 'Is it happening again?'"
England Under-19s start their winter on Sunday in the Caribbean.
Nice to chat with Farhan Ahmed, Ben Dawkins and Isaac Mohammed - three of the best young players in the country - about handling the early days of promising careers.
Nice to chat with Farhan Ahmed, Ben Dawkins and Isaac Mohammed - three of the best young players in the country - about handling the early days of promising careers.
The best job ever: Meet England's next generation, ahead of the Young Lions' World Cup winter | The Cricketer
Ahead of their tour of the Caribbean, three of the most promising youngsters in the country – Farhan Ahmed, Isaac Mohammed and Ben Dawkins – reflect on the journey so far
www.thecricketer.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:13 AM
England Under-19s start their winter on Sunday in the Caribbean.
Nice to chat with Farhan Ahmed, Ben Dawkins and Isaac Mohammed - three of the best young players in the country - about handling the early days of promising careers.
Nice to chat with Farhan Ahmed, Ben Dawkins and Isaac Mohammed - three of the best young players in the country - about handling the early days of promising careers.
Gloucestershire looking to overseas and loan markets to ease their seamer shortage for next summer. Also keen to explore a season-long loan - used so well by Leicestershire, but weirdly not by many else.
Gloucestershire looking at loan and overseas markets to solve seamer exodus | The Cricketer
Jon Lewis, who took 1,078 wickets for Gloucestershire, has returned as director of cricket after his sacking as England Women's head coach with a challenging job on his hands
www.thecricketer.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Gloucestershire looking to overseas and loan markets to ease their seamer shortage for next summer. Also keen to explore a season-long loan - used so well by Leicestershire, but weirdly not by many else.
Nice to chat with Asa Tribe who, by the end of a crazy breakthrough year, could theoretically have played for Cardiff UCCE, Jersey, Glamorgan 2s, Glamorgan, England Lions and Paarl Royals.
Cardiff UCCE, Glamorgan, Jersey, England Lions and SA20: Asa Tribe's epic breakthrough year | The Cricketer
Brought up as a product of cricket in Jersey, Asa Tribe made a lasting impression during a remarkable summer, culminating in call-ups by England Lions and Paarl Royals for the winter
www.thecricketer.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Nice to chat with Asa Tribe who, by the end of a crazy breakthrough year, could theoretically have played for Cardiff UCCE, Jersey, Glamorgan 2s, Glamorgan, England Lions and Paarl Royals.
Fixtures not out for a fortnight, but Surrey will definitely play Nottinghamshire twice in next year's County Championship.
Piece on the seeding system - which I didn't know existed until recently - that determines which Division One sides face each other twice.
Piece on the seeding system - which I didn't know existed until recently - that determines which Division One sides face each other twice.
How seedings and unique formula determine County Championship Division One fixtures | The Cricketer
Nottinghamshire and Surrey will face each other twice in next season's County Championship
www.thecricketer.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Fixtures not out for a fortnight, but Surrey will definitely play Nottinghamshire twice in next year's County Championship.
Piece on the seeding system - which I didn't know existed until recently - that determines which Division One sides face each other twice.
Piece on the seeding system - which I didn't know existed until recently - that determines which Division One sides face each other twice.
Middlesex taking their time over naming Richard Johnson's permanent successor as head coach. Application process imminent but not yet open, having been initially floated to begin in early October.
Middlesex head coach appointment not imminent, with process yet to begin | The Cricketer
The appointment of Richard Johnson's permanent successor as Middlesex's first-team coach is not believed to be imminent, The Cricketer understands
www.thecricketer.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Middlesex taking their time over naming Richard Johnson's permanent successor as head coach. Application process imminent but not yet open, having been initially floated to begin in early October.
Interview with Tom Lawes, who was handed an England development contract last week, is nearing 100 first-class wickets, has added a yard of pace and counts Andrew Flintoff as a big fan.
I know I have a quick spell in me: Rise of Tom Lawes continues with England deal | The Cricketer
The decision to hand Tom Lawes a development deal drifted under the radar amid an upcoming Ashes series, but it speaks to England's interest in a 22-year-old already nearing 100 first-class wickets
www.thecricketer.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Interview with Tom Lawes, who was handed an England development contract last week, is nearing 100 first-class wickets, has added a yard of pace and counts Andrew Flintoff as a big fan.
County CEOs being informed today that the Champo/Kookaburra experiment is officially over.
Kookaburra trial officially discontinued after three-year run | The Cricketer
The County Championship's experiment with the Kookaburra ball is officially over
www.thecricketer.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:07 AM
County CEOs being informed today that the Champo/Kookaburra experiment is officially over.
Nice to speak to Matt Fisher, Surrey's newly crowned clubman of the year. Full circle for him from four years ago, when his Lions performances in Australia led to a Test debut. Loads of bad luck since, but one of the best in the country when fit.
It's about maybe going to a place that I've not been before - The second coming of Matt Fisher | The Cricketer
A run of games after trading Yorkshire for Surrey has seen the seamer force his way back into the England picture with a Lions group who are bound for Australia
www.thecricketer.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Nice to speak to Matt Fisher, Surrey's newly crowned clubman of the year. Full circle for him from four years ago, when his Lions performances in Australia led to a Test debut. Loads of bad luck since, but one of the best in the country when fit.
Went to Loughborough earlier this week to learn from ECB performance director Ed Barney about what the England Lions programme has become and how it works.
Not a second team: Who – and what – are the England Lions? | The Cricketer
The Lions has has become a bespoke programme, established to ease the leap from domestic to international cricket; ECB performance director Ed Barney explains how it works
www.thecricketer.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Went to Loughborough earlier this week to learn from ECB performance director Ed Barney about what the England Lions programme has become and how it works.
Piece on a World Cup campaign as a microcosm of a far wider time period.
Scorecards are rarely onomatopoeic.
Scorecards are rarely onomatopoeic.
Semi-final humbling spells out England's place in world order | The Cricketer
World Cups are rarely won in vintage style, but if you muddle through the tournament – and England were admirably scrappy and spirited for large parts – you shouldn't be surprised if you come unstuck
www.thecricketer.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Piece on a World Cup campaign as a microcosm of a far wider time period.
Scorecards are rarely onomatopoeic.
Scorecards are rarely onomatopoeic.
It genuinely feels like every ball has gone to the boundary in the last half hour. Extraordinary knock, this.
October 29, 2025 at 12:37 PM
It genuinely feels like every ball has gone to the boundary in the last half hour. Extraordinary knock, this.
Someone is going to have to explain South Africa's batting order to me.
October 29, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Someone is going to have to explain South Africa's batting order to me.
England simultaneously haven't won a knockout game in three years but also have beaten South Africa in the last two ODI World Cup semi-finals. Chance to reach a third straight final by beating a team that - at the same venue - they walloped by 10 wickets three weeks ago.
South Africa await as England chase first knockout win in three years | The Cricketer
England have beaten the Proteas in each of the last two 50-over World Cup semi-finals, but since winning at Hagley Oval in 2022, they've lost at this stage in the Commonwealth Games and T20 World Cup
www.thecricketer.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:52 AM
England simultaneously haven't won a knockout game in three years but also have beaten South Africa in the last two ODI World Cup semi-finals. Chance to reach a third straight final by beating a team that - at the same venue - they walloped by 10 wickets three weeks ago.
So pleased to see Sarah Taylor loving life as a coach.
Great to speak to her about working with England Lions, coaching in the men's game and how to bring through more female coaches. Just three women in head coach roles across tier 1 & 2 counties.
Great to speak to her about working with England Lions, coaching in the men's game and how to bring through more female coaches. Just three women in head coach roles across tier 1 & 2 counties.
Sarah Taylor: I want to be seen as a coach, but I'm extremely proud to be a female within that environment | The Cricketer
A trailblazer on the field, SarahTaylor is blazing another trail now, the highest-profile female coach working in the men's game, as she prepares to join up with England Lions in Australia
www.thecricketer.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:48 AM
So pleased to see Sarah Taylor loving life as a coach.
Great to speak to her about working with England Lions, coaching in the men's game and how to bring through more female coaches. Just three women in head coach roles across tier 1 & 2 counties.
Great to speak to her about working with England Lions, coaching in the men's game and how to bring through more female coaches. Just three women in head coach roles across tier 1 & 2 counties.
You can't control the weather, but you can control moving more than a third of the entire World Cup group stage to a city in monsoon season. Piece on a farce, evident to everyone months ago.
You can't control the weather, but you can control whether to play a World Cup in monsoon season | The Cricketer
In attempting to solve one problem, organisers effectively created another; they couldn't say they weren't warned
www.thecricketer.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:16 PM
You can't control the weather, but you can control moving more than a third of the entire World Cup group stage to a city in monsoon season. Piece on a farce, evident to everyone months ago.
As The Cricketer's FPL-meets-county-cricket correspondent, it falls on me to report that Adam Lyth will walk out as Whitby Town FC's mascot tomorrow - against Rushall Olympic at the Towbar Express Stadium - as a forfeit for finishing bottom in a Whitby CC league.
Ex-England opener to walk out as football mascot as Fantasy League forfeit | The Cricketer
Former England opening batter Adam Lyth will lead Whitby Town out as their mascot on Saturday as a Fantasy Premier League forfeit
www.thecricketer.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:15 PM
As The Cricketer's FPL-meets-county-cricket correspondent, it falls on me to report that Adam Lyth will walk out as Whitby Town FC's mascot tomorrow - against Rushall Olympic at the Towbar Express Stadium - as a forfeit for finishing bottom in a Whitby CC league.
Sarah Taylor once again part of the England Lions setup this winter. Among others, also joined by Glamorgan head coach Richard Dawson and former SA batter Neil McKenzie.
Sarah Taylor to work with England Lions in Perth | The Cricketer
Former England Women's wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor will once again be part of England Lions' coaching staff this winter, The Cricketer understands
www.thecricketer.com
October 24, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Sarah Taylor once again part of the England Lions setup this winter. Among others, also joined by Glamorgan head coach Richard Dawson and former SA batter Neil McKenzie.