Three batty hosts. The biggest personalities from the world of cricket. Produced by the Barmy Army. The Shackles Are Off.
As we ramp up the brilliant catalogue of star names in the game of cricket... one of the best blokes we've ever had on the podcast, former West Indies skipper Jason Holder joins us on The Shackles Are Off... discussing everything from the IPL to Amsterdam, Northants to sledging.
He gives us his favourite cricket tea, too.
Remember to get in touch with us info@barmyarmy.com
Back on the trail...
We're here on a new run of episodes talking to (now friend of the pod?!) and exciting young Lancashire quick Saqib Mahmood... who's loved his first experience of playing abroad with England in the whites in front of the Barmy Army. Saq talks IPL, playing for England, sledging.... and having the best batting average of any England player at the moment. FACT.
Get in touch with us as ever info@barmyarmy.com
AND AS MENTIONED IN THE INTRO....
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We pay tribute to the legendary Shane Keith Warne.
Rest in Peace.
We only wished you were English.
Don't know how we've not had Harmy on before.... he basically does the podcast for us... we could talk to him all day every day about everything...!!
'05 Ashes winner, legend... football manager.... we cover a lot of ground here!
Get stuck in, and enjoy!
249 Test wickets... 20+ years in the commentary box for Sky Sports. Michael Holding though, the all-conquering, fearsome and dominant fast-bowler and brilliant silky broadcaster, is a lot more than that. He, alongside Ebony Rainford-Brent, drew praise from around the globe... not just in cricket... but all sports... for their powerful words on their experiences of racism and strong endorsement of the BLM movement.
Mikey's gone on to write a book, which is the topic of much of this episode, before hanging up his mic last year.
When Michael Holding speaks... you listen.
A legend of the game... multiple Ashes, World Cups, IPL star... and one of the most destructive wicket-keeper batsmen ever to grace a field... Adam Gilchrist giving up an hour of his time to talk on the podcast was very bloody welcome indeed.
He chats about everything from playing in the posh suburbs of South London, to that famous 05 Ashes series... to how his media career has given him a bit of an awakening when it comes to folk asking for selfies.
Remember to share, subscribe and rate the podcast. Enjoy!
So... December... right through to now... Izzy Wetbury's got a good job hasn't she? She's been in Australia since the start of the cricketing winter got under way, and she's still there!
And that job she's got.... she's not half bad at it either... whether it be writing columns, podcasting, appearing on BT Sport or mugging the Aussies off on Triple M - she nails it. We tear her away from the St Kilda sunshine for a chat about all things Ashes, women's and mens, The Hundred and plenty more.
Whilst the West Indies T20 five match series is on going... it marks the first time we've had England fans flying anywhere to watch England play cricket for over 2 years.... how bloody exciting!! We're chuffed to be out there... well... one member of the podcast team is..... Chris is one lucky get....
Plus, NordVPN allows you to access UK content abroad - One of our BT travel clients signed up to make sure he didn't miss the big local derby for his football team back home!
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Matt Smith has been all over our TV's for years and years across BBC, ITV and more recently he's become our friend in the middle of the night... anchoring BT Sports' coverage of the Ashes.
He talks teething problems for the coverage, sleep patterns.... and THAT little bit of beef between Sir Alistair Cook and Moeen Ali last week.
Plus hear what he does when he's not on air!
Chris and Greggy reflect on the drawn Test match... and also another staggering amount of money raised for Jane McGrath Foundation at the Pink Test.
When the legendary Glenn McGrath rolled his ankle at Edgbaston in 2005... it changed the whole series, and perhaps English cricket forever... and that in itself speaks volumes about the impact that the great man had on his sport spearheading that exceptional Australian attack in the late 90's and early 00's. In his career he's experienced incredible highs, tragic lows, and has been a great role model for young cricketers all around the globe for the best part of 3 decades.
He joins the podcast to talk about the Pink Test, at the SCG.. and the reasons around why it's Pink, and how it came about... plus a nod to county cricket... and of course a nod back to Edgbaston.
What. A. Session. And no I'm not talking about the all-night party at Greenwood Sports Bar last night... we're talking purely in terms of what brilliant work that was from Rooty and Malan at the Gabba! In with a fighting chance of a result thanks to those two... up the lads.
Chris and Greggy chew the fat, whilst Producer Chuck gets stuck into Gladstone Small and some of the other punters from yet again another awesome night supporting the lads!
Welcome along to day 2 of the ashes here on the shackles are off.... daily.... we promised you daily, trying to bring you that ashes experience as best as we can through out this series.... now.... England still in with a fighting chance...?
We hear from fans at the second of our overnight party's, this time from Sixes in Manchester.
Join (lazy get) Greggy and star man Chris Millard.... who's pulling another all nighter.... speaking to fans... from Leeds Beckett men's cricket.... Finchy our legendary trumpeter.... another legend in Abbie who was doing her dissertation whilst it was the lunchbreak at the overnight party..... and Ashley.... who is a top top top man..... the only Englishman to have flown over from the UK for the Ashes!
IT IS FINALLY HERE!!! The Ashes got off to a start..... (a tricky one).... AND here you can experience the full thing... behind the scenes with Ashes legend Monty Panesar, as well as a whole host of other guests who stayed up all night with the Barmy Army to watch Day 1 from the Gabba!
Unconditional support, and here Chris does a sterling job chatting to punters from across the country for their take!
To see how we're celebrating the start of the Ashes, head to our usual social channels.... and UP THE ENGLAND!
Matt Root. He was once quoted as being a farmer on Billy Root's Wikipedia page. He isn't a farmer by trade... we asked Billy about it...
'He farms cricketers.'
And boy does he! Not only that, he's a great man, who's done more touring away from home and mixing it with the Barmy Army than most... he joins the lads for a chat ahead of watching his son Joe captain for the second time Down Under.
Not long to go now! Remember to subscribe and tell your pals all about the pod...!
26 years ago a load of backpackers went on tour, armed with passion for watching cricket.... and not a lot else... and The Barmy Army was born!
A man right at the very forefront of that was Paul Burnham. He's on the pod with the lads (finally) to chat to the lads about touring, how it all started, and obviously... some belting tales!!
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The countdown to the Ashes is on!!!
The Shackles Are Off's Ashes coverage starts right here. With the aim of doing a podcast Daily throughout the Ashes... the lads start their journey in the best possible way... taking the p*ss out of the Aussies....
Join James Gregg, Chris Millard.... and the Crying Aussie and Tim Payne
As England march to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup to set up a dangerous last-four date with New Zealand on Wednesday (2pm UK time!), the lads look back on another week at the World Cup.... and use it as an excellent excuse to chat to all-round cricket badger, lovely lovely bloke, and global superstar.... Oliver Phelps!
Ollie's been on tours with the Barmy Army, shared one the most special moments of his life at Edgbaston with his grandma... and loves a charity game with the stars too!
A great listen.... plus the usual Chorus Corner, Legend Of The Week... and also a very familiar voice as our Shocker Of The Week!
The lads out in the UAE are 4 from 4.... with Sri Lanka posing the biggest threat to Morgan and the boys' rampant start. Oh and since the last podcast, Saq was right.... a comfortable victory over the Aussies on Saturday too. Absolutely love it.
Commentating on TMS for the Sri Lanka game was World Cup winner with England Alex Hartley who joins the lads to answer your questions from social media, talking about her own ambitions in the cricketing world and the media... and just generally putting a smile on everyone's face!
Remember to get in touch with us on socials, @englandsbarmyarmy on Insta, @TheBarmyArmy on Twitter... and info@barmyarmy.com for any other bant... and we'll read it out!
COME ON ENGLAND.
2 out of 2 baby! England have blown away the opposition going into the game with them lot from Down Under up next.
The lads reflect on that, and chat to ODI superstar and Lancs paceman Saqib Mahmood.... who talks everything from Ashes hopes... predictions for the Australia match and Liam Livingstone's hairline...
It's all coming up on the latest episode of the Barmy Army The Shackles Are Off T20 World Cup Daily Podcast.
"What a mouthful"
Remember to get in touch with us on socials, @englandsbarmyarmy on Insta, @TheBarmyArmy on Twitter... and info@barmyarmy.com for any other bant... and we'll read it out!
After a rampant win for England in their opener against the Windies.... maybe it shouldn't be "remember the name" any more??? And "remember the Rash!!"
Ahead of England's second game in the UAE, the lads catch up with someone who was in the stadium in Dubai for the opener, as well as hearing from England and now Lancashire batsman, Phil Salt!
Remember to get in touch with us on socials, @englandsbarmyarmy on Insta, @TheBarmyArmy on Twitter... and info@barmyarmy.com for any other bant... and we'll read it out!
COME ON ENGLAND.
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*kind of.
With the T20 World Cup in the UAE already underway... and England about to start their campaign on Saturday... have a listen to the T20 World Cup Shackles Are Off Daily podcast... where the lads will be putting a podcast out for each England game with different guests, Legend & Shocker of the week, and also Chorus Corner.
Our first guest during this Arabian adventure for Morgs and the boys is Radio X presenter and absolute cricket badger, Toby Tarrant. He talks about his PlayCricket stats, his love for the game, selling the weather conditions to Capital FM listeners and telling them to keep it in 'the V' and his desire to come and sit with the Barmy Army in the near future.
Remember to get in touch with us on socials, @englandsbarmyarmy on Insta, @TheBarmyArmy on Twitter... and info@barmyarmy.com for any other bant... and we'll read it out!
COME ON ENGLAND.
-----------------------------
Go to NordVPN.com/barmy or use code barmy to get up to 73% off your NordVPN plan plus 4 bonus months for free. Be quick because this offer is for a limited time only. There's a 30 day money back guarantee so it's risk free!
One of the most explosive top order batters in the women's game, Danni Wyatt has won World Cups, Ashes... become one of the most recognisable faces in the game and absolutely smashes it in T20 and short-form cricket. She's had a decade of playing at the top level....
And during the summer, just as she was about to embark on a scintillating campaign for Southern Brave in The Hundred... she joined the lads for a chat about all things Stoke, diet, nicknames... and why the banter in the women's game is 'too nice'.
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Remember to follow the Barmy Army on Twitter @TheBarmyArmy and on Instagram @englandsbarmyarmy
This guy is one of the coolest, steeliest, and most resilient characters we've had on The Shackles Are Off to date. A World Cup winning captain of the England disability XI - hear how trampolining led to the worst news of his life but some of the best experiences off the back of his hard work, determination and love for cricket.
Top man, Callum.
This man has had two of the best cricketing careers of any Englishman ever. One as a swashbuckling, freeflowing, freescoring legend of a batsman... and then a second one as a top quality Rolls Royce of a broadcaster who was the pioneer of commentary and hosting for Sky Sports alongside his good old mate Sir Ian Botham.
Enjoy an hour's chat with he, Chris Millard, James Gregg and Jack Brooks... whilst the lads also ask for your TOP RUN SCORER and TOP WICKET TAKER picks from the ongoing India series.
The second cricketing knight comes to the podcast to start our new series here on The Shackles Are Off, and what a legend he is too... Sir Andrew Strauss is a giant of the game, and was at the helm for arguably one of the best moments for England in cricketing history.
Here he talks 10/11 Ashes (obviously!!), as well as his own cricketing journey, tells a few great tales... and more importantly talks about the upcoming #RedForRuth day, which celebrates and raises money for the Foundation that was set up in memory of his late wife Ruth Strauss.
The death of a parent can be one of the most traumatic events experienced by a child in their lifetime. Especially when children are unprepared and unaware of the impending death, this can negatively impact their psychosocial wellbeing.
Get involved and help us by spreading the word on social media. We are here to help families facing grief and you can help us, help them. Ready to turn #RedforRuth and for the families that need our support?
Our first Aussie (well, kind of) joins the podcast.... Nick Hockley is the head honcho for this winter's opposition in the Ashes.... but hails from the Birmingham area of the UK and the biggest question is 'who does he support this winter?!'..... listen to find out....
But seriously, a great man who's overseen some of the biggest and best sporting events the world has seen so far, and we get his thoughts on fans coming back....... as well as various other challenges he's faced since taking over as the CEO on a permanent basis last month.
It was one of the most comprehensive victories and magical few weeks that any cricket fan has ever seen. England's fine men smashed Australia in the final to win the ICC World T20 in the Caribbean eleven years ago TODAY.... and to mark the occasion Chris Millard and James Gregg are lucky enough to be joined by three of the heroes... Skipper Paul Collingwood, joint-high wicket taker Ryan Sidebottom and swashbuckling seamer Tim Bresnan.
For the next 42 minutes, strap in as they tell you the tale of how they did it... how Andy Flower had to just let the lads do what they wanted... and what the celebrations were like.
If you want to watch rather than listen, the full chat is available on our YouTube channel, England's Barmy Army.
We hope you enjoy!!
'an international standard player, playing county cricket'... that's how our Brooksy describes Dane Vilas. Adopted Lancastrian, former Protea and all round great bloke is loving his years playing at Old Trafford and skippering the side.
A great guest to end on with the county season just starting... we'll be back in 6 weeks or so!
Enjoy!
One of the most exciting and sought-after white-ball players in the world, Liam Livingstone joins the boys on the podcast to chat about everything from the IPL, to his T20I debut, to his world-record knock playing for Nantwich which thrust him into the public consciousness a few years ago.
Call of Duty gets a mention, as does his and Brooksy's days together as housemates during a winter in Perth.
Episode also includes a BELTING story in the intro. Not to be missed!
One of the best/worst nicknames in sport... wow. Warts and all, David Nash bares every single part of his brilliant self on this podcast where he joins The Shackles Are Off to discuss being the U19 Bradman, addiction, parading naked at Lord's, his foray into business and much more.
A great podcast well worth sharing with your friends, subscribing and leaving a review too!
Remember to get in touch info@barmyarmy.com
Rapid. That's what Tymal Mills bowls.
He's got a great story, and lots more to give not only in franchise cricket and for his beloved Sussex.... but also for England too.
He joins the lads for a chat about his journey, his million-pound contract in the IPL a few years back, injuries and England white-ball aspirations.
Remember to follow and subscribe - or head to our social channels.... or get involved in the correspondence with info@barmyarmy.com
Everyone dreams of being a sportsman, or working in the music industry... and this lad has done both. And not by halves either!!!
280 first-class wickets and now working in the music industry, Chris Millard, Jack Brooks and James Gregg sit down for a chat with Kyle Hogg and they absolutely love it!!
We hope you do too.
Remember to keep getting in touch with the podcast, info@barmyarmy.com, @TheBarmyArmy, or @englandsbarmyarmy
A brilliant bowler, a master entertainer, a keen Barmy Army song writer, all-round nice bloke and a World Cup winner.
Woody joins Brooksy, Millard and Greggy to discuss everything from his recent bath-time swimming to that day back at Lord's where he became a World Champion.
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BOLLOX!!!
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21 seasons. 500 + wickets and 11,000 + runs. England caps and trophies galore. Of course the man we're talking to this week is the legendary Rikki Clarke.
The lads enjoy the company of one of the finest players to grace the County Championship in recent years - with a good natter about his career, his time with England... some of the greats in the Oval dressing room when he arrived all those years ago... and of course, his famed approach to sledging.
Recorded after England went 1-1 in the Test series against India in Chennai, the boys also take a look at that, plus Bumble chat and more!
A guest who lets be honest, doesn't need any introduction. A true legend of the game of cricket, and we're honoured that we managed to chat to the great man on The Shackles Are Off. Jack Brooks near passed out with excitement.
THAT over with Mike Atherton, THAT innings against Jack Russell and Athers in Joburg, his beginnings, his partnership with Pollock, coming back after apartheid, playing county cricket... we've got it all covered with Allan Donald.
Greggy, Brooksy and Chris all take a few moments to reflect on a stunning week for England in Chennai, too.
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Now we're not saying Chennai is hot... but when we spoke to Leachy and Bessy the other day the Hobbits were trying to drop a ring in their hotel room.
England are back in action and fresh off the back of a 2-nil series win in Sri Lanka they're buzzing to get going. Join Somerset seamer Jack Brooks, Barmy Army man Chris Millard and professional waffler James Gregg for their thoughts on the upcoming series, the Ferret Five quiz and also... YOUR PREDICTIONS ARE WELCOME for a chance to win Test tickets... this time FOUR up for grabs!
@TheBarmyArmy - Twitter
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info@barmyarmy.com - email
Fresh off the back of 5-fers, 22 wickets between them in two Tests and a 2-nil series win, Jack Leach and Dom Bess come on to The Shackles Are Off to chew the fat whilst in quarantine in India.
A nice long chat with Leachy includes:
- Just missing the honours' board at Lord's
- Playing a club game the week before The Ashes
- A-list status in Taunton
- And plenty of chat about the greatest 1* in cricket history
and Bessy jumps on at the end to talk about Sledging the Sri Lankans and his hopes for India... and how he's looking forward to joining Yorkshire.
Remember you can head to The Barmy Army youtube channel for more as ever, and even watch along and see how the magic happens when we make the podcast.
England pick up a 2-nil series win in Sri Lanka.... Joe Root scored a double-ton, a ton, and picked up a man of the series award... Dom Bess and Jack Leach took 24 wickets between them in 2 matches and Randy Caddick is the toast of the team.... join Somerset seamer Jack Brooks, barmy Army MD Chris Millard and radio presenter James Gregg for a fun look back on the series that was.
To view what Brooksy is showing everyone you can head to our YouTube channel where every episode is visualised!
England romped to a victory in the first Test of what could prove to be a simply ridiculous 2021 for them in Galle over Sri Lanka... here the lads round that up, plus get a half-way score update on some of your predictions with your chance to win two Test match tickets... oh and a little mention for what happened at the Gabba!!!
And a bumper episode as we talk to current Essex Head Coach Anthony McGrath about being a Yorkshire legend, making his Test debut at Lord's, nurturing Root and Bairstow, coaching Sir Alistair, and...... THE YORKSHIRE SNIPPER!
Remember to subscribe, download and tell your mates...!
Happy New Year to you all, and here's to a summer packed with cricket and watching from the terraces wherever that may be...
Unfortunately, not for the moment for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, but there's some special representation our in Galle, some amazing pronunciations, and a proper chance to win some Test match tickets.... simply by getting in touch!
Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Wasim Khan graces the podcast with his presence, to talk about the slow return of touring parties to the country, his own First Class career (where he won a County Championship and a NatWest Trophy) and how he even got there in the first place. Imagine being in charge of the number one sport for 220 MILLION people. That's Was's task. He also talks Jacques Kallis and meeting Imran Khan in a wide-ranging chat with Brooksy, Greggy and Millard.
Great to talk to him... and remember to get your funny cricketing tales sent into info@barmyarmy.com for your chance to win T20 Finals day tickets for next year!!
Imagine standing there in the middle at Lord's having lost in THAT Super Over World Cup final at Lord's last summer... and hours later having the good grace to congratulate your opponents, whilst simultaneously taking the mickey out of yourself.... well... Jimmy Neesham has done just that. The New Zealand and franchise cricket star joins the lads as the first overseas guest on the podcast - and does not disappoint!!
Also... a special guest in the middle... a legend has been born!
Tell your pals, subscribe and check our full back catalogue out... and enjoy!
Memorable. That's how we here at Barmy Army HQ would describe Graham Onions' England career. From terrorising the Aussies to saving Test matches with the bat... newly-retired Graham Onions joins the lads to chat all things cricket and beyond on our latest episode.
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One of the poshest men in cricket (as well as being one of the most exciting and explosive) Sam Billings joins the lads to talk everything from his unusual route to the top of the sport, scoring a ton against the Aussies this summer, and his family's rich sporting heritage.
Captain of Kent and a formidable franchise player who's got plenty of years left yet to keep lifting us off our seats with his swashbuckling style gives the lads an hour of his busy schedule... an episode not to be missed!!
Download, subscribe and tell your pals!
Cricket writer Colin Bateman once wrote that Phil 'Daffy' DeFreitas was an explosive hitter when the mood took him, an aggressive pace bowler, inclined to pitch everything short and a spectacular fielder....
What we here at The Shackles Are Off are telling you though, is that he's a lovely bloke with a few tales to tell! A cricket career that spanned 3 different decades and lasted 20 years, playing in World Cups, rooming with Sir Ian Botham... as well as arriving to the UK in the 70's with a rather different background to most... all makes for a fascinating listen on the latest episode.
Get in touch with your cricketing stories to info@barmyarmy.com - and tell your pals!
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Ollie Pope is gonna be awesome... in fact, scrap that, he already is awesome. 22 years old at the time of recording, he's already scored a Test hundred and won a county championship... and shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Sat with his new pup, Greggy, Brooksy and Millard catch up with the Surrey batsman... and talk about everything from cricketing beginnings to what playing in the bubble was like... and discuss that ginger lid of his!
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Fresh out of the gym and enjoying a coffee at an Oxfordshire farmhouse eatery (!) we find Ben Duckett, the Notts batsman who's made his mark on the game in a huge way in 2020 after his heroics on T20 Finals Day. Still only 26, rewind back to 2016 and he was named the PCA and Cricket Writers' Club player of the year.... where he was rewarded with a call-up to the England Test side.
Ben sits down and reflects back on his 4 Tests and 3 ODI's.... and tells us he's doing everything he can do to get himself back playing in front of the Barmy Army having graduated as a 'Colt' way back when.
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Harmison.... Jones..... Bowden!!!!!!!
Another hero from 2005, Geraint Jones joins the pod to discuss everything from 'going with the flow' in Test cricket to his new job as a schoolteacher and part-time fireman.
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Once full-time King of the Swingers, Matthew Hoggard has turned his hand to being a professional BBQ-er. Yeah, don't ask.
Hoggy covers everything from Matthew Hayden turning from being a bit, er, rude, to being a nice bloke, to taking a hat-trick in the Caribbean and OBVIOUSLY '05, calling Tony Blair a 'knob' and so many other belting stories.
Meanwhile our resident county superstar Brooksy has been on form for Somerset as we record this (with bat and ball!), yet Hoggy brings him down a peg or two!
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The stats speak for themselves, the plaudits speak for themselves, but not we can let the man himself speak for himself, as the great Alec Stewart joins the podcast and has a good hour long natter with Somerset seamer Jack Brooks, Barmy Army's Chris Millard and BBC Radio's James Gregg.
Alec talks about everything from the boozy dressing rooms of the 80's to playing until he was in his 40's, along with the current crop of Surrey players breaking into the England side.
Remember to get in touch with the show, info@barmyarmy.com and remember to share with your mates!
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