The Full Toss
Welcome to TFT, one of the UK’s longest serving cricket blogs. We’ll be here throughout the year to debate, moan, and occasionally rejoice about the England cricket team. If something’s bothering you, whether it’s selection, governance, or the cost of a pint, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You don’t need to be a professional writer or copywriter, just a fan with something to say. Email james@thefulltoss.com for more info. Cheers.
The Big Why?
I was listening to LBC this morning when I heard cult broadcaster James O'Brien go on another Brexit rant. He's like a broken record. I don't blame him, as political passions are obviously running very high at the moment, but at least it got me thinking. The first thing I thought was "oh shit, I bet I sound just like [...]
Getting Shirty?
I sense this one is going to divide opinion like a John Bercow intervention. But unlike the political machinations at Westminster, The Full Toss is here to discuss matters that really, erm, matter. So let's debate the big issues of the day; the issues that really define nations and affect lives. I'm talking, of course, about whether players should have [...]
Free Hits In Tests A Miss?
The ICC are considering some radical changes to shake up test cricket. Well, some reports have used the word "radical" but really they're just tinkering around the edges. The truth is that test cricket doesn't need any radical changes because it's already the best game in the world by a distance. The proposed changes are therefore just ideas which won't [...]
Can England Realistically Expect To Win The ICC World Cup 2019?
While England has always produced excellent cricketers in every generation of the game, perhaps a stroke of misfortune and a case of nerves has stolen away their chances of winning the ICC Cricket World Cup thrice since the inception of the tournament. However, as England continues to be on top of the ICC ODI Rankings just before it’s time to [...]
Last Orders For 50 Overs After The World Cup?
More obituaries have been written about cricket than after a lively night at Passchendaele. The latest doom-monger, Vic Marks, mourns the death of the 50 overs format, proclaiming it has been gunned down by the ECB’s much-anticipated new speed thrash. Apparently many one-dayers will be consigned to outgrounds and also overseas players are banned. And these are bad developments? I [...]
T20 Series Review & Latest World Cup Odds
Congrats to England for winning the T20 series 3-0. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the Windies are reigning World T20 champions, so to beat them on their home turf is nothing to be sniffed at. Yes the Windies batting was pretty forgettable in the last two games, but you can only beat what’s in front of you. And [...]
Who Are The English Stars Heading To The IPL?
The twelfth season of the money-spinning IPL gets underway this month and as ever, the competition is set to be fierce. Last season’s two finalists the Sunrisers Hyderabad and eventual winners the Chennai Super Kings head the betting in the Indian Premier League and once again there will be a plethora of English stars heading to Asia. But who are [...]
T20 Scheduling and Player Wages
Apologies for our lack of output this week. I've been really busy with other stuff and, let's be honest, there's been very little to write about. England are playing a T20 series out in the Windies but it all seems a bit irrelevant to be honest. Yes the games are entertaining but I don't think anyone is too fussed who [...]
Are England Losing Momentum Ahead Of The World Cup?
Positivity. Positivity. Positivity. It's the MO of Eoin Morgan's team. When disaster strikes it's essential to brush yourself off, pretend it's an aberration, and get right back on that saddle. As a strategy this isn't the worst approach in the world. England would be daft to try something new with the World Cup just around the corner. Changing course at [...]
The Wednesday Wensleydale
Afternoon all. And welcome to the latest edition of the Wednesday Wensleydale - the weekly roundup that's mature, tasty, and tends to crumble on close analysis. We've chosen a Yorkshire cheese because the white rose county are very much in the news this week. They've signed 26 year old South Africa paceman Duanne Olivier - a man who's taken 48 [...]
The TFT Interviews
Talking Bats With Charlotte Surridge
I'm sure many readers will remember that well known cricketing brand called Stuart Surridge (SS). It was made famous by the likes of Graham Gooch and Sir Clive Rice back in the 80s. In fact, I bet a few of you owned an SS Jumbo or an SS Turbo back [...]
TFT Talks To Athers, Beefy, Nasser, and Bumble
I enjoy a good chinwag. I enjoy it even more when it's with four guys I idolised as a kid. It has always been an ambition of mine to chew the cricketing fat with Athers and Co - perhaps over a couple of beers in the pub - so when [...]
TFT Talks To Mark Butcher
Back in November 1998, a young Englishman fresh out of uni left these shores to travel around Australia. Obviously it was a complete coincidence that the Ashes was on. On the third day of the first test in Brisbane, he saw another young(ish) Englishman flay McGrath, Fleming, Kasprowicz and MacGill to all corners of the [...]
An Evening With Nasser Hussain
We arrived at the Grace Gate at Lord's. The ground was a hive of activity. Graham Gooch strolled by, shoulders rolling and head bowed in that familiar fashion, and then the penny dropped: it was corporate and media day ahead of the Royal London Cup final between Warwickshire and Surrey. [...]
The Full Toss Meets Devon Malcolm
At one point I didn’t think I’d live to tell this tale. The venue was the Lord’s Academy. The bowler was Devon 'you guys are history' Malcolm, and the batsman was, erm, little old me. And to think that I actually volunteered. The occasion was a promotional event for Play [...]
Ask Hoggy: 20 Questions With Matthew Hoggard
Last week I had the opportunity to ask the legendary Matthew Hoggard some questions. Some were serious and others were, well, not quite so serious. I think you'll enjoy his answers. Hoggy is currently plying his trade as an after dinner speaker. He's one of the leading cricket speakers on the circuit. I certainly beats running [...]
How To Save Cricket – Our Interview With Jarrod Kimber
You've seen him on Cricinfo's Polite Enquiries. You're about to see him in Death of a Gentleman. Now you can hear Jarrod Kimber's passionate and pertinent views on the future of cricket here on The Full Toss. The only drawback: you'll have to suffer my vapid tones at the same time. Sorry about that. [...]