Readings from the Pavilion End

S7 Ep3: Inside the Ashes Swing - a travesty of Test Cricket

Bill and Akshob discuss the latest Ashes action from the thrilling Tests in Adelaide to a disappointing Boxing Day match in Melbourne.
They discuss standout performances from Alex Carey, Travis Head and Nathan Lyon, critique selection choices and spin options for England, and reflect on the fine margins that decided matches.
The hosts also cover the financial and fan fallout from two short Tests and debate the controversial day-night pink‑ball plan for the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG in 2027.

S7 Ep 2: Scrooge's Christmas Miracle

A Christmas Carol in Prose: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens
Scrooge surprises everyone by changing his stingy ways after a transformative Christmas. He raises Bob Cratchit's salary, becomes a loving friend and second father to Tiny Tim, and commits to keeping Christmas in his heart forever.
May this christmas classic remind us to be joyful and generous; Merry Christmas everyone!

S7 Ep1: Christmas by John Betjeman

Today, Bill reads his favourite Christmas poem by John Betjeman. Find more Advent readings in the archives, such as this one published last year on Christmas Eve. 
 

Adelaide Oval Day 4: Ashes Drama, Crawley's Stand vs Australia's Dominance

Bill reports from Adelaide after day four of the Third Test as Australia post 349 and England mount a gritty response led by Zak Crawley and Joe Root. The target of 435 (never previously attained in Test history) was always going to be too much of a challenge but England can look back on the achievement (4 wickets) as some small positives. Travis Head's superb innings and Ben Stokes' bowling late in the Australian innings shaped the contest.
 

Adelaide Oval Day 3: Australia's total command

Bill and Colin review day three of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide where Travis Head's unbeaten 146 and disciplined Australian batting left England trailing. The hosts discuss England's poor bowling and fielding, Australia's total command, and what must change ahead of the Melbourne Test.

Adelaide Oval Day 2: England Stumble

On a scorching day at the Adelaide Oval Australia finished on 371 with Mitchell Starc making a vital fifty while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon ripped through England’s top order early after lunch. England slipped to 71 for 4, recovered partially thanks to Ben Stokes, but still trail by about 180 with three days to play.
The episode covers heated on-field controversies over DRS and reviews, concerns over Stokes’ fitness, and the bleak choices facing England’s selectors. Australia look comfortably placed to press for a result while England must find runs and resilience to keep the series alive.

Day 1 at the Adelaide Oval: Smith Out, Khawaja Delivers

Bill Riquier sits down with Colin Cohen after a fascinating day's play at the Adelaide Oval to recap day one of the Test: Steve Smith ruled out with concussion, Usman Khawaja stepping in with a strong 82, and Australia finishing 326 for 8 in punishing heat.
They discuss key moments — Khawaja's resilience, Carey's century, England's admirable performance at fielding and bowling, and the importance of England batting well tomorrow to give themselves a chance in the Test.

S6 Ep 7: Preview of the Ashes at Adelaide

Reporting from Barossa Valley ahead of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide, this episode previews uncertain England selection, likely returns of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for Australia, and the debate over Usman Khawaja opening with Travis Head possibly moving to number five.
It recalls Adelaide's rich Test history, recent series swings; stay tuned for daily competitive match reports.

S6 Ep 6: Perth Shock! High Speed England Crash To Chastening Defeat

The cricket world has been waiting with uncontrollable excitement for the first Ashes Test at Perth. No one predicted, or could have predicted, what would happen. The game started on the morning of Friday 21 November and it ended on the evening of Saturday 22 November. Bill and Akshobh discuss the extraordinary game, covering England's batting collapse, Travis Head's match-winning century, Ben Stokes's performance and the implications for the rest of the series as it moves to Adelaide and Brisbane. 

S6 Ep 5: The Golden Journey to Samarkand by James Elroy Flecker

Today we have an episode inspired by Bill's recent trip to Uzbekistan, a country full of history and culture. Reading from James Elroy Flecker's verse play, published posthumously, Hasan evokes vividly the splendours and charms of ancient Bagdad.