Hit For Six artwork

Hit For Six

66 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago -

From Richmond-upon-Thames to Barking and Dagenham: a lanky medium pacer and a leg-spinning all-rounder give their two cents on all things cricket.

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Episodes

S5 E1 - CWC2023 #Pod2

October 26, 2023 05:48 - 43 minutes - 35.6 MB

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! The World Cup has not gone to plan for England thus far. Michael and Rob catch up with their friend Dom to discuss where it's all gone wrong, and also to contemplate the future of 50-over cricket as a whole!

S5 E1 - CWC2023 #Pod1

October 20, 2023 13:29 - 24 minutes - 20.8 MB

Michael and Rob catch up to discuss the opening rounds of the Cricket World Cup.

S4 E9 - Ashes Review

August 04, 2023 08:26 - 1 hour - 67 MB

Was it a moral victory for England? Is Zak Crawley one of the all times greats? Should they ever play Test cricket in Manchester again? When will Jimmy call it a day? Is the Foakes-Bairstow debate over? There is so much for Michale, Rob and their Aussie mate Alex to dissect following this all time classic Ashes series! 

S4 E8 - “The view from Down Under”

July 17, 2023 17:58 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MB

3 down, 2 to go. Australia may lead 2-1 but could it be that England are about to complete one of the greatest cricketing comebacks ever? Michael and Rob are joined by Melbourne's own Alex Brebner-Griffin to get an Australian perspective on the Ashes so far. Was stumping-gate out of order? How popular is Pat Cummins? Why are we called "Whingeing Poms"? All this and more as we preview the final two Tests.

S4 E7 - ”Same old Aussies, always cheating?”

July 05, 2023 08:29 - 47 minutes - 45.1 MB

It’s been a while since their last pod… but the Hit for Six boys are back to discuss that stumping, that Long Room altercation and that Ben Stokes innings. Were Australia fair enough to claim the wicket? Or was it just not cricket? There’s also plenty more to discuss from the opening two tests. Should England really be 2-0 down? Can they come back or have the Ashes gone? Plenty to discuss and there’s still three tests to go!

S4 E6 - Cricket’s the Winner!

March 04, 2023 07:57 - 34 minutes - 27.5 MB

Michael and Rob reflect on a sensational finish to the second and final Test of England's tour in New Zealand. Did England bottle it? Where New Zealand worthy winners? Or was it simply that "cricket was the winner"?

S4 E5 - Jofra’s back!

February 11, 2023 11:27 - 32 minutes - 22 MB

Another bi-lateral ODI series, another defeat for England. Have England lost their touch or are they saving their best from for the World Cup? Michael and Rob discuss who played well, who didn't and how Jofra being back good be a game changer! They also look ahead to the Test series in New Zealand

S4 E4 - Bazball goes on tour!

December 18, 2022 10:30 - 35 minutes - 27.7 MB

Wow! What a series victory for England in Pakistan... There is plenty for Michael and Rob to discuss as they dissect two remarkable Test Matches. How good is England's middle order now? Will Jimmy Anderson play forever? And just how old is Rehan Ahmed's Dad? Also, if you do want to know more about Rob's thoughts on the sacking of Eddie Jones, you can read about it here: https://robstileman.wordpress.com/2022/12/07/why-it-was-right-for-the-rfu-to-say-goodbye-to-eddie-jones/

S4 E3 - DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPIONS!

November 13, 2022 20:53 - 27 minutes - 21.6 MB

Double World Champions! Michael and Rob react to England's 5 wicket victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup Final and reflect on the fact we are now officially the best white ball side there is!

S4 E2 - We’re in the Semis and the Aussies out!

November 07, 2022 08:52 - 23 minutes - 18.4 MB

Michael and Rob catch-up to review the T20 World Cup group stages and look ahead to two evenly matched semi finals.

S4 E1 -T20 World Cup Preview

October 16, 2022 20:12 - 45 minutes - 35.9 MB

Rob and Michael are back after a 12 month hiatus with "Hit for Six Unfiltered"! In the first episode of this their 4th series, they're joined by Freddie Larkins and Dom Wood to preview the T20 World Cup in Australia. Who makes their England XI and which nation is going to claim the crown?

S3 E6 - World T20 Preview with Hundred Star Jake Lintott

October 20, 2021 08:57 - 48 minutes - 55.5 MB

The World T20 is finally here - a year later than originally planned and in a different part of the world! Michael and Rob are joined by Southern Brave and Warwickshire's Jake Lintott - fresh off his breakthrough Summer - to discuss the tournament, who the star players will be and who may end up as Champions.

S3 E5 - England vs India Wrap-up

October 05, 2021 07:03 - 32 minutes - 27.5 MB

Did India forfeit the final Test because they wanted to stay COVID free for the IPL? Should the series be declared a 2-2 draw? Michael and Rob dissect the controversial ending to the England India series, as well as pay tribute to Moeen Ali and reflect on Warwickshire's victorious end to the County Championship season.

S3 E4 - England vs India - Midseries Review!

September 01, 2021 05:50 - 39 minutes - 33.4 MB

After a two month hiatus, Michael and Rob are back to discuss England's series with India so far. There have been highs, lows, an agonising defeat, a dominant victory and a few bits of controversy to boot! Plenty for the pair to get stuck into after a couple of months apart.

S3 E3 - Defeat to the Black Caps, Robinson Tweets and the WTC Final

June 20, 2021 20:44 - 31 minutes - 27.6 MB

After a temporary hiatus, Michael and Rob are back to continue Series 3. In this episode they review England's disappointing series defeat to New Zealand, discuss the controversy around Ollie Robinson's suspension and briefly look ahead to the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand.

S3 E2 - England Cricket and Olympic Chaplain: Rev Andrew Wingfield-Digby

April 30, 2021 20:41 - 53 minutes - 44.3 MB

This week Michael and Rob are joined by former England Cricket and Olympic Chaplain Rev Andrew Wingfield-Digby. A fine cricketer in his own right, Andrew played first class cricket for Oxford University and the Combined Universities XI, and also captained Dorset in the Minor Counties Championship. He later went on to be a chaplain for the England Cricket team, as well as chaplain at three Olympic Games! All of this and more is recounted in a wide ranging interview, as the trio speak about th...

S3 E1 - County Cricket Matters Editor: Annie Chave

April 11, 2021 16:10 - 57 minutes - 48.3 MB

Lockdown 3.0 is slowly coming to an end, the county cricket season has started and Hit for Six is back for a third series! To kick things off, Rob and Michael are joined by County Cricket Matters Editor Annie Chave as they discuss the merits of the 4 day game, watching cricket alone and the Hundred.

S2 E13 - India Test Series Review

March 13, 2021 07:25 - 49 minutes - 41.6 MB

It all started so well... but alas it wasn't to be... England succumbed to a chastening 3-1 series defeat at the hands of India! To review it all, and look ahead to the T20 Series, Michael and Rob are joined by friend (and Indian fan) Jaimin Patel.

S2 E12 - TMS Commentator Daniel Norcross

March 02, 2021 21:02 - 1 hour - 57.6 MB

This week Michael and Rob are joined by TMS commentator Daniel Norcross as they discuss England's ignominious defeat in Ahmedabad. Was it the pitch, the ball, good bowling or poor batting? How biased are the Indian commentators and is that a bad thing? Is the World Test Championship a worthy enterprise? And how did Daniel make it all the way from Test Match Sofa to Test Match Special? All this and much more is discussed in this wide-ranging conversation about the sport we all love.

S2 E11 - India vs England Mid-Series Review with Guardian Sports Writer Jonathan Liew

February 20, 2021 21:07 - 50 minutes - 43.3 MB

It's been an excellent series so far and with things evenly poised at 1-1, Michael and Rob are joined by Guardian Sports Writer and (Countdown Octochamp!) Jonathan Liew. They discuss who has shone for England, the dropping of Dom Bess, the poorly handled departure of Moeen Ali and much, much more! 

S2 E10 - India vs England Series Preview

February 03, 2021 22:23 - 34 minutes - 29.6 MB

Michael and Rob are joined by Indian fan Jaimin as they look ahead to the 4 match Test Series between India and England.

S2 E9 - The Analyst: Simon Hughes

January 31, 2021 17:39 - 36 minutes - 31.1 MB

This week Michael and Rob are joined by former Middlesex fast bowler and cricket broadcasting legend Simon Hughes. They discuss Simon's autobiography (and Michael's favourite ever cricket book) "A Lot of Hard Yakka", how he came to be "The Analyst" for Channel 4's cricket coverage and the virtual cricket club he's been involved in during lockdown. 

S2 E8 - An Australian’s take on India’s epic victory

January 24, 2021 20:47 - 32 minutes - 59.3 MB

It was one of the most remarkable Test Series victories of modern times. A depleted India side chasing over 300 on the final day at the Gabba to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But how has it gone down in Australia? Rob and Michael catch-up with Alex Brebner-Griffin, an Australian friend of theirs based in Melbourne, who gives his thoughts on it all.

S2 E7 - Middlesex Captain Steve Eskinazi (plus reaction to English and Indian wins at Galle and the Gabba!)

January 19, 2021 22:13 - 1 hour - 65.5 MB

This week Michael and Rob chat with Middlesex batsman and red-ball captain Steve Eskinazi who spoke very openly about his journey to becoming a pro-cricketer, the thrilling finale to the 2016 season, and Middlesex's struggles since then. Of course, after the events at the Gabba in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the pair also have a quick dig at the Aussies, before reviewing England's first test win vs Sri Lanka.

S2 E6 - Controversy Down Under & England in Sri Lanka

January 12, 2021 21:42 - 26 minutes - 22.6 MB

No guest this week but still plenty for Michael and Rob to get their teeth into. India batting out for a gallant draw vs Australia in a controversy-laden game and England's upcoming Test against Sri Lanka are the topics for discussion in this lockdown antidote of an episode. 

S2 E5 - BBC Cricket Journalist: Sam Sheringham

January 03, 2021 19:37 - 57 minutes - 107 MB

Michael and Rob are joined by current Stumped Podcast producer and former BBC Live Text writer Sam Sheringham. The trio chat about what makes the Live Text on BBC so successful, reminisce about the disastrous 2007 Cricket World Cup, and discuss the  challenges of balancing the international cricketing calendar in a world of franchise T20 leagues.

S2 E4 - Lewis Hatchett: County Cricket and Yoga

December 23, 2020 17:11 - 59 minutes - 50.6 MB

Injuries, nerves, cricket and yoga - four things this week's guest knows all about! Michael and Rob are joined by former Sussex seamer Lewis Hatchett to hear about his remarkable journey to becoming a professional cricketer, and to find out how he hopes to help current athletes tackle both the physical and mental challenges of sporting competition.

S2 E3 - England in South Africa, COVID-19 and T20 vs Tests with Vithushan Ehantharajah

December 13, 2020 17:01 - 1 hour - 61.8 MB

Michael and Rob chat with The Independent's sports writer Vithushan Ehantharajah. The death of print journalism, the hegemony of T20 franchise leagues, cricket's response to BLM and much, much more is covered in this fascinating discussion on Hit For Six.

S2 E2 - The TMS Producer: Adam Mountford

December 06, 2020 17:44 - 44 minutes - 37.6 MB

Episode 2 of the new series sees Michael and Rob speak to fellow University of Warwick alumni and TMS Producer Adam Mountford. Tales from the summer's International Cricket bubble, the lucky break that got him into broadcasting, and reflections on the free-to-air television debate are all served up in this lively and good-natured interview with the man who runs cricket radio broadcasting for the BBC!

S2 E1 - Paul Nixon

November 29, 2020 19:19 - 55 minutes - 47 MB

Hit for Six is BACK!! Michael and Rob catch-up with former England wicketkeeper and current Leicestershire CCC Head Coach Paul Nixon. They chat about Nico’s career, life as a county coach during lockdown and reflect on the future of the sport - including the challenges of match-fixing and corruption. Passionate about the game and always up for a laugh Nico also has a couple of cracking anecdotes to lift any mid-winter blues.

S1 E21 - Reflections on a unique summer of cricket

September 24, 2020 19:17 - 32 minutes - 27.1 MB

It certainly wasn't the summer we were expecting but, despite the Coronavirus pandemic, it's been a fine summer of cricket to reflect back on! In this penultimate episode of the season, Rob and Michael pick over England's disappointing series defeat to Australia before discussing their player and moment of the summer, and briefly previewing the Bob Willis Trophy Final between Somerset and Essex.

S1 E20 - England's Golden Era for ODIs and T20s

September 13, 2020 20:28 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MB

Following a highly entertaining series victory over Australia in the T20s and with the ODI series in full swing, Michael and Rob spent Saturday morning reviewing England's white ball success. From the outstanding form of David Malan to who should be picked for the T20 World Cup next year, and of course how good Adil Rashid really is, the pair cover the major talking points coming out of the limited-overs Summer!

S1 E19 - Our (Alternative) England XI (2000-2020)

August 24, 2020 21:59 - 59 minutes - 51.6 MB

Earlier this year, Rob and Michael selected their England Test XI of the 21st century. A team full of some of the biggest and best names English cricket has ever produced. But what about some of those lesser known and quickly forgotten players? Those one test wonders and stop-gap selections?  Joined by Nick Harris and Linus Pardoe, Rob and Michael go about selecting an alternative England XI made up of rogue characters, last-minute fill-ins, and statistical failures. The result is a side so...

A Famous Win! England go one up vs Pakistan

August 09, 2020 20:27 - 39 minutes - 32.5 MB

Michael and Rob are joined by cricket lover and Pakistan fan, Murtaza, to review a thrilling first test between England and Pakistan. The trio reflect on who played well, who underperformed, and how that leaves the rest of the series. Michael also finds time to make yet another plug for Adil Rashid to return to the test arena, and there is also a brief discussion on Ireland's victory in the final ODI.

S1 E18 - A Famous Win! England go one up vs Pakistan

August 09, 2020 20:27 - 39 minutes - 32.5 MB

Michael and Rob are joined by cricket lover and Pakistan fan, Murtaza, to review a thrilling first test between England and Pakistan. The trio reflect on who played well, who underperformed, and how that leaves the rest of the series. Michael also finds time to make yet another plug for Adil Rashid to return to the test arena, and there is also a brief discussion on Ireland's victory in the final ODI.

S1 E17 - Cricket in full swing!

August 03, 2020 22:03 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MB

It's safe to say that cricket in 2020 is now in full swing! Domestic cricket has returned in the form of the Bob Willis Trophy, recreational cricket is up and running, and England have finished one Test series and are about to start another. In this episode, Rob and Michael review England's 2-1 series win over the West Indies, briefly chat about the first Ireland ODI and discuss which Pakistan players they can't wait to see in action. All of this before Rob shares a little domestic project h...

S1 E16 - England vs West Indies: 2 down, 1 to play

July 21, 2020 23:17 - 32 minutes - 26.2 MB

Michael and Rob review the first two Test matches of the England-West Indies series and look ahead to the decide at Old Trafford on Friday. They discuss who has impressed, who has disappointed and who should England select going into the winner-takes-all final match of the series!

S1 E15 - Vic Marks (Extended Interview)

July 15, 2020 07:36 - 1 hour - 65.9 MB

This time around Rob and Michael are joined by cricket writing, playing and broadcasting legend Vic Marks! After a very successful playing career with Somerset and England, Vic became the cricket correspondent for the Observer, and has remained writing for both them and the Guardian ever since. A much-loved contributor to Test Match Special as well, it's safe to say that Vic is one of Michael and Rob's heroes. He came on the pod to discuss his recent book, Original Spin, and chat about his l...

S1 E14 - England vs West Indies: Series Preview

July 05, 2020 20:32 - 1 hour - 64.2 MB

In just a few days cricket will return as England take on the West Indies at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. In this episode, Rob and Michael are joined by a triumvirate of Dom Wood, Freddie Larkins and Henry Bowen to discuss England's chances and select their very own XI for the first Test of the series...

S1 E13 - Tim Curtis (Ex-England and Worcs CCC)

June 28, 2020 17:13 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MB

This week, Rob and Michael are joined by former England opener and Worcestershire legend Tim Curtis. Tim scored over 20,000 First Class runs in a hugely successful professional career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and until recently held the position of Vice President at Worcestershire CCC. Highlights and lowlights of his own career, and the state of domestic cricket in England are the topics up for discussion as the boys welcome their second former Test cricketer as a guest in as many ...

S1 E12 - Michael Atherton Special! Our England XI (2000-2020) - Reviewed

June 21, 2020 09:21 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MB

Former England Test Captain, Sky Sports Pundit, and Times Cricket Correspondent. Our special guest for this week needs no introduction... He's watched every player we've selected in our XI on countless occasions and so was perfectly placed to review our dream England side from the past 20 years. In this episode, he gave his thoughts on our selection and threw a few of his own names into the mix as well!

S1 E11 - Our England XI (2000-2020) Part 8

June 18, 2020 23:13 - 41 minutes - 34.2 MB

Rob and Michael are joined once more by Freddie Larkins as they look to fill the final three spots in their dream England XI of the past 20 years. It's time to select the seamers. Who will be the three men chosen to lead England's attack? Will they play safe, or is an unexpected selection waiting just around the corner?

Lockdown (Episode 11) - Our England XI (2000-2020) Part 8

June 18, 2020 23:13 - 41 minutes - 34.2 MB

Rob and Michael are joined once more by Freddie Larkins as they look to fill the final three spots in their dream England XI of the past 20 years. It's time to select the seamers. Who will be the three men chosen to lead England's attack? Will they play safe, or is an unexpected selection waiting just around the corner?

S1 E10 - Our England XI (2000-2020) Part 7

June 06, 2020 21:51 - 42 minutes - 37.8 MB

"Behind every great side, there's a great...spin bowler", or something like that! Joined by spin wizard and former President of the University of Warwick Men's Cricket Club, Robert Kraus, Michael and Rob decide who will fill this pivotal position in their England XI of the past 20 years.

Lockdown (Episode 10) - Our England XI (2000-2020) Part 7

June 06, 2020 21:51 - 42 minutes - 37.8 MB

"Behind every great side, there's a great...spin bowler", or something like that! Joined by spin wizard and former President of the University of Warwick Men's Cricket Club, Robert Kraus, Michael and Rob decide who will fill this pivotal position in their England XI of the past 20 years.

S1 E9 - Our England XI (2000-2020) Part 6

June 01, 2020 20:42 - 37 minutes - 30.7 MB

The top 6 has been selected - Cook, Trescothick, Vaughan, Pietersen, Root and Stokes - and now it's time for the all-important position of wicketkeeper. England haven't been blessed with a glut of great glovemen over the past 20 years, so it's all up for grabs! Who will be the pairs' choice behind the stumps?

Lockdown (Episode 9) - Our England XI (2000-2020) Part 6

June 01, 2020 20:42 - 37 minutes - 30.7 MB

The top 6 has been selected - Cook, Trescothick, Vaughan, Pietersen, Root and Stokes - and now it's time for the all-important position of wicketkeeper. England haven't been blessed with a glut of great glovemen over the past 20 years, so it's all up for grabs! Who will be the pairs' choice behind the stumps?

S1 E8 - Our England XI (2000-2020) Part 5

May 25, 2020 10:12 - 29 minutes - 23.9 MB

This is the one you've all been waiting for! Rob and Michael are joined by their respective fathers, Anthony Stileman and David Kynaston, both lifelong cricket lovers and strongly opinionated on all matters relating to the English Test side. It's the middle-order up for discussion this time around, who will join Kevin Pietersen in the "Boiler Room" of our fantasy England XI from the past 20 years.

Lockdown (Episode 8) - Our England XI (2000-2020) Part 5

May 25, 2020 10:12 - 29 minutes - 23.9 MB

This is the one you've all been waiting for! Rob and Michael are joined by their respective fathers, Anthony Stileman and David Kynaston, both lifelong cricket lovers and strongly opinionated on all matters relating to the English Test side. It's the middle-order up for discussion this time around, who will join Kevin Pietersen in the "Boiler Room" of our fantasy England XI from the past 20 years.

S1 E7 - Our England XI (2000-2020) Part 4

May 23, 2020 18:06 - 35 minutes - 28.9 MB

Number 4, traditionally the place of the best batsman in a Test side, is the place up for discussion in this episode. Joined by Aldershot fan and Jonathan Trott enthusiast Sean, Rob and Michael have a number of potential candidates to weigh up. But there can only be one player selected in this most crucial of positions in their fantasy England side...