Close of Play is the cricket show that treats the game seriously, but never itself. Hosted by broadcaster Sanjay Murthy and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones, each episode mixes dodgy analysis, strong opinions, behind-the-scenes stories and the sort of cricket chat you'd hear after a long day at the ground.
From England's latest selection headaches and Ashes talking points to county cricket, world cricket and the characters who make the game unforgettable, nothing is off limits. Expect debate, laughs, occasional disagreements and the odd tale that probably shouldn't be repeated.
No room for Rew — but which brother?
Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones debate England’s central contracts, from James Rew and Craig Overton missing out to Henry Crocombe’s rise. Jonesy explains how franchise money shapes the negotiations and shares his thoughts on England’s next generation.
Travis Head’s response to Australia’s former greats sparks a discussion about fair criticism, personal attacks and Geraint’s own experience under scrutiny. There’s also Usman Khawaja’s forthcoming book and what a revealing autobiography can do to a player’s legacy.
Plus Who Am I?, an Ashes Would You Rather and What’s Got Geraint’s Goat: why are we still walking off for bad light?
Chapters
00:00 Coming up00:38 No room for Rew?05:46 England Lions and future stars08:30 Mitch Stanley and the pace pipeline10:19 Henry Crocombe’s rise12:02 England’s contract decisions15:11 Contracts and franchise money16:39 Coaching changes and Ashes prospects21:02 Who Am I?24:44 Travis Head and cricket’s critics30:40 Geraint on unfair criticism32:05 Imposter syndrome and Ashes pressure33:50 Khawaja’s book and dressing-room trust38:39 Would You Rather: The Ashes dilemma45:07 What’s Got Geraint’s Goat?52:24 Pink balls for all Tests?55:11 Cricket dinners and a magic mishap
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6 Oct 2026
Geraint. Jones Loves Canterbury. But Does Canterbury Love Him?
Geraint Jones loves Canterbury. But they’ve taken his photo down. Not that he’s bitter…
Jonesy picks his five favourite cricket grounds, sharing stories of Ashes catches, a Test hundred and moonwalking in spikes. Sanjay adds an unexpected ambulance trip in Bangalore.
Plus: What’s Got Geraint’s Goat, Would You Rather and Who Am I? We round up the county season, discuss England’s summer and ask what more Craig Overton needs to do to earn another England opportunity.
Which ground would top your list? Tell us in the comments.
CHAPTERS00:00:00 Geraint’s Five Favourite Grounds00:15:55 Who Am I?00:21:23 What’s Got Geraint’s Goat?00:31:12 Would You Rather?00:36:37 County Cricket Season Round-Up00:53:05 England and International Round-Up
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16 Sept 2026
England Take Big Step Towards Ashes Redemption
Sanjay Manjrekar and Geraint Jones discuss England's Ashes redemption, analyzing player performances and selection dilemmas in this interview episode.
Who has been a guest on Close of Play Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jordan Cox
Charlie Hartley
Roland Butcher
Jonty Rhodes
Sir Clive Lloyd
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Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Close of Play Podcast
Who hosts Close of Play Podcast?
Sanjay Murthy and Geraint Jones and Sanjay and Geraint host the show. Published by Zed Alpha Ltd.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Close of Play Podcast take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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