In this episode, we sit down with England legend, 2005 Ashes hero, and the “King of Spain” himself, Ashley Giles, for an honest, reflective, and insightful conversation about life at the very top of the game.

From the transition of being a young left-arm seamer to a frontline international spinner, to the weight of expectation as a player and later Managing Director of England Cricket, Ashley opens up on a career defined by resilience and adaptation. This is a conversation packed with perspective on leadership, the realities of the modern game, and the grit required to move from the pitch to the boardroom.

We talk openly about the technical shift from pace to spin, the intense pressure of the Ashes, and the evolution of leadership styles — from stick vs carrot to handing responsibility back to the players.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Birth of a Spinner — How a back injury at age 14 transformed a promising left-arm seamer into a 21-wicket-in-four-weeks spin sensation. • Tactics and Resilience — Dealing with the criticism of “not spinning it enough” and why having a solid technical base is your best protection under pressure. • The 2005 Ashes & Tino Best — A look back at the iconic “mind the windows” moment and the reality of the post-series celebrations. • Leadership from the Boardroom — Managing the England setup during the challenges of the COVID era and why adaptability is everything in elite teams. • The Warwickshire Transition — Ashley reflects on evolving from a disciplined coaching style to watching his squad take ownership of their success. • The “Shining Light” Philosophy — Why ego has no place in the game and the responsibility every player and leader carries for those who come next.

Whether you’re a young bowler navigating changes in your action, an aspiring leader, or simply love the tactical side of the game, this episode delivers high-level insight with Ashley’s trademark humility and humour.

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If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean a lot if you left a 5★ review and shared it with someone serious about their cricket.

@lifeofchriswright | @k13bkr | @thebowlersunion

All the best, Wrighty & Barks

In this episode of The Bowlers Union, we "unpick" the tactical reality of the Wide Yorker. We look at why this delivery has dominated the game over the last decade and evaluate the trade-offs between its benefits and its risks in the modern era.

We talk through:

• The Clarity Advantage: How choosing a wide line can simplify a bowler's mental state and block out conflicting advice.

• Tactical Shutdowns: The effectiveness of using the wide hole to shut down the leg side and force the batter away from their power zone.

• The Predictability Trap: Analyzing the "no-win" situation where a bowler is criticized for being too predictable if they stick to a plan, or for "changing too much" if they don't.

• The Ivan Toney & Chess Analogies: Why having a "pre-loaded" Plan B is essential for when a batter makes an early move across the stumps.

• Modern Execution Risks: How improved bat technology and creative shots like the ramp have increased the penalty for a missed yorker.

It’s a practical, experience-led discussion based on years of trying to hit that four-inch target under pressure.

Whether you are a seamer looking for a clearer plan at the death or a coach helping players navigate the pressures of T20 cricket, this episode offers a balanced look at the art of the wide yorker.

🎧 A detailed listen for players, coaches, and cricket fans who enjoy the technical and mental side of the game.

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world if you left us a 5★ review and shared it with someone who loves their cricket as much as we do!

All the best,

Wrighty & Barks @lifeofchriswright • @k13bkr • @thebowlersunion

This episode is brought to you by Gray-Nicolls. We’re buzzing to be working with them — and you can grab a discount on their gear. Visit: www.gray-nicolls.co.uk Use code: A_TBUP20 at checkout.

If you play or watch county cricket, coach, or spend long days travelling with the game, this episode will feel very familiar.

In this episode of The Bowlers Union, we put together an unofficial guide to food and coffee on the cricket circuit! The places you stop, the habits you fall into, and the simple choices that make away trips better.

This isn’t about nutrition plans or performance theory. It’s about what actually works when you’re on the road.

We talk through:

• Reliable coffee stops players gravitate towards

• Go-to food options on away trips

• The routines that develop over seasons of travelling

• Which town only has a Pizza Express!

• How food and coffee fit naturally into cricket life

It’s practical, experience-led, and based on years of travelling the country playing and coaching — the sort of stuff you only really learn by doing it.

Whether you’re new to the circuit or have been around it for years, this episode works as a light, honest guide to eating and caffeinating your way through the season.

🎧 A relaxed listen for players, coaches, and cricket fans who enjoy the behind-the-scenes reality of life on the road.

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world if you left us a 5★ review and shared it with someone who loves their cricket as much as we do!

All the best, Wrighty & Barks @lifeofchriswright • @k13bkr • @thebowlersunion

This episode is brought to you by Gray-Nicolls. We’re buzzing to be working with them — and you can grab a discount on their gear. Visit: www.gray-nicolls.co.uk Use code: A_TBUP20 at checkout.