Raf Nicholson
@rafnicholson.bsky.social
Women’s cricket historian & journalist. Sports Journalism lecturer at Bournemouth University & writer for Guardian Sport.
I've just clocked that there is an entire day of women's Blast fixtures scheduled on the day of the World Cup final.
Surely that's utter madness? In 2017 everyone from Alice Capsey to Lauren Bell went to Lord's. Now we're effectively saying that no young players can go & be inspired??
Surely that's utter madness? In 2017 everyone from Alice Capsey to Lauren Bell went to Lord's. Now we're effectively saying that no young players can go & be inspired??
November 26, 2025 at 11:52 AM
I've just clocked that there is an entire day of women's Blast fixtures scheduled on the day of the World Cup final.
Surely that's utter madness? In 2017 everyone from Alice Capsey to Lauren Bell went to Lord's. Now we're effectively saying that no young players can go & be inspired??
Surely that's utter madness? In 2017 everyone from Alice Capsey to Lauren Bell went to Lord's. Now we're effectively saying that no young players can go & be inspired??
Reposted by Raf Nicholson
We’ve opened registration for our annual conference! 🥳
📅 26 Feb 2026
⏰ 9.30am to 5pm
🏫 Hughes Hall, Cambridge
🏏 We’re looking forward to a day of presentations & discussion, plus a Q&A on the 2026 ICC World Cup. Book your place now:
📅 26 Feb 2026
⏰ 9.30am to 5pm
🏫 Hughes Hall, Cambridge
🏏 We’re looking forward to a day of presentations & discussion, plus a Q&A on the 2026 ICC World Cup. Book your place now:
Cricket Research Network, Annual Conference, Cambridge, Thu 26 Feb, 9.30am
Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, 9.30am to 5.00pm
www.cricketsociety.org.uk
November 24, 2025 at 6:04 PM
We’ve opened registration for our annual conference! 🥳
📅 26 Feb 2026
⏰ 9.30am to 5pm
🏫 Hughes Hall, Cambridge
🏏 We’re looking forward to a day of presentations & discussion, plus a Q&A on the 2026 ICC World Cup. Book your place now:
📅 26 Feb 2026
⏰ 9.30am to 5pm
🏫 Hughes Hall, Cambridge
🏏 We’re looking forward to a day of presentations & discussion, plus a Q&A on the 2026 ICC World Cup. Book your place now:
I’m a few weeks behind in The Archers but how much did the ICC pay for a mention of the 2026 World Cup on air?! 😁
It sounds like we might be building up to a full on “characters attend a match” storyline next year…!
It sounds like we might be building up to a full on “characters attend a match” storyline next year…!
November 13, 2025 at 8:31 AM
I’m a few weeks behind in The Archers but how much did the ICC pay for a mention of the 2026 World Cup on air?! 😁
It sounds like we might be building up to a full on “characters attend a match” storyline next year…!
It sounds like we might be building up to a full on “characters attend a match” storyline next year…!
Trouble is that no one will want to come because of our terrible weather.
(Sorry… couldn’t resist 😬)
(Sorry… couldn’t resist 😬)
Gloucestershire looking to overseas and loan markets to ease their seamer shortage for next summer. Also keen to explore a season-long loan - used so well by Leicestershire, but weirdly not by many else.
Gloucestershire looking at loan and overseas markets to solve seamer exodus | The Cricketer
Jon Lewis, who took 1,078 wickets for Gloucestershire, has returned as director of cricket after his sacking as England Women's head coach with a challenging job on his hands
www.thecricketer.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Trouble is that no one will want to come because of our terrible weather.
(Sorry… couldn’t resist 😬)
(Sorry… couldn’t resist 😬)
Reposted by Raf Nicholson
I think they're referring to different allegations, the ones described as "baseless" ones are against Joty, while the ones they're "investigating" are against a former selector. Jahanara also talked about them in separate interviews.
November 7, 2025 at 9:01 AM
I think they're referring to different allegations, the ones described as "baseless" ones are against Joty, while the ones they're "investigating" are against a former selector. Jahanara also talked about them in separate interviews.
Two days ago they said Jahanara’s allegations were “baseless and devoid of truth”. Now the BCB are “investigating” them. That’s quite the turnaround in 48 hours…
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bcb-to...
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bcb-to...
BCB to investigate Jahanara Alam's allegations of inappropriate behaviour by former selector
Bangladesh seamer claimed that a former selector approached her inappropriately during the 2022 ODI World Cup
www.espncricinfo.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Two days ago they said Jahanara’s allegations were “baseless and devoid of truth”. Now the BCB are “investigating” them. That’s quite the turnaround in 48 hours…
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bcb-to...
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bcb-to...
Reposted by Raf Nicholson
Here’s the recording of our latest webinar panel - The Men’s Ashes and the Future of Test Cricket.
Tim Wigmore and @jarrodkimber.bsky.social covered a LOT of ground - and the event was expertly chaired by @russinthezone.bsky.social 👏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtt6...
Tim Wigmore and @jarrodkimber.bsky.social covered a LOT of ground - and the event was expertly chaired by @russinthezone.bsky.social 👏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtt6...
Panel: The Men’s Ashes and the Future of Test Cricket
YouTube video by Cricket Research Network
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Here’s the recording of our latest webinar panel - The Men’s Ashes and the Future of Test Cricket.
Tim Wigmore and @jarrodkimber.bsky.social covered a LOT of ground - and the event was expertly chaired by @russinthezone.bsky.social 👏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtt6...
Tim Wigmore and @jarrodkimber.bsky.social covered a LOT of ground - and the event was expertly chaired by @russinthezone.bsky.social 👏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtt6...
Reposted by Raf Nicholson
CfP open for @cricketacademic.bsky.social Conference @hugheshall.bsky.social @cam.ac.uk!
@rafnicholson.bsky.social @drcricket.bsky.social @bayfirth.bsky.social @bssh.bsky.social @sportinhistorypod.bsky.social @jeremylonsdale.bsky.social @russinthezone.bsky.social
idrottsforum.org/call-for-pap...
@rafnicholson.bsky.social @drcricket.bsky.social @bayfirth.bsky.social @bssh.bsky.social @sportinhistorypod.bsky.social @jeremylonsdale.bsky.social @russinthezone.bsky.social
idrottsforum.org/call-for-pap...
Call for Papers | Cricket Research Network Annual Conference | Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge (overlooking Fenner’s Cricket Ground), February 26, 2026. Call ends November 21, 2025
What looms on the horizon for cricket in 2026? In England & Wales we are contending with new ownership of The Hundred teams and the threat of player strikes in the Men’s County Championship, while loo...
idrottsforum.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Hopes and dreams from India's World Cup victory.
Me for The Guardian:
Me for The Guardian:
India’s World Cup win can set a new world order in women’s cricket – if it spends money wisely
India would do well to remember that Australia’s domination was based on building from the grassroots up
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Hopes and dreams from India's World Cup victory.
Me for The Guardian:
Me for The Guardian:
What a day!
Congratulations India 🏆
Congratulations India 🏆
India rejoice in first Women’s World Cup triumph as South Africa fall short
India won their first Women’s World Cup as the hosts held off South Africa by 52 runs in the final, sparking scenes of joy in Navi Mumbai
www.theguardian.com
November 2, 2025 at 9:11 PM
What a day!
Congratulations India 🏆
Congratulations India 🏆
Laura Wolvaardt at the post-match, speaking about Kapp:
“She’s been absolutely phenomenal for so many editions of this tournament. I’m really sad that it’s possibly her last one.”
👀
“She’s been absolutely phenomenal for so many editions of this tournament. I’m really sad that it’s possibly her last one.”
👀
Just got an inkling that Marizanne Kapp might be going to retire from South Africa after this game. #CWC25 🏏
November 2, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Laura Wolvaardt at the post-match, speaking about Kapp:
“She’s been absolutely phenomenal for so many editions of this tournament. I’m really sad that it’s possibly her last one.”
👀
“She’s been absolutely phenomenal for so many editions of this tournament. I’m really sad that it’s possibly her last one.”
👀
Not keen on everyone banging on about Sachin Tendulkar. Pretty sure he wasn't banging down the BCCI's door demanding contracts for the Indian women's team. Today couldn't be more NOT about him if it tried.
November 2, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Not keen on everyone banging on about Sachin Tendulkar. Pretty sure he wasn't banging down the BCCI's door demanding contracts for the Indian women's team. Today couldn't be more NOT about him if it tried.
Reposted by Raf Nicholson
“Weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
My preview of tomorrow’s #CWC25 final between India and South Africa:
My preview of tomorrow’s #CWC25 final between India and South Africa:
India search for perfect end in historic Women’s Cricket World Cup final against South Africa
Hosts have golden chance after years of grind against institutional misogyny but epic, tiring semi-final makes it a big ask
www.theguardian.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:03 AM
“Weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
My preview of tomorrow’s #CWC25 final between India and South Africa:
My preview of tomorrow’s #CWC25 final between India and South Africa:
“Weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
My preview of tomorrow’s #CWC25 final between India and South Africa:
My preview of tomorrow’s #CWC25 final between India and South Africa:
India search for perfect end in historic Women’s Cricket World Cup final against South Africa
Hosts have golden chance after years of grind against institutional misogyny but epic, tiring semi-final makes it a big ask
www.theguardian.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:03 AM
“Weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
My preview of tomorrow’s #CWC25 final between India and South Africa:
My preview of tomorrow’s #CWC25 final between India and South Africa:
Reposted by Raf Nicholson
The Ashes is nearly here, but what’s next for Test cricket? 🏏
Join @jarrodkimber.bsky.social & Tim Wigmore as they talk the Ashes, historic rivalries & future pressures.
Chaired by @russinthezone.bsky.social
💻 Free Zoom panel | 4 Nov, 7pm GMT | 🔗DM for the link
Join @jarrodkimber.bsky.social & Tim Wigmore as they talk the Ashes, historic rivalries & future pressures.
Chaired by @russinthezone.bsky.social
💻 Free Zoom panel | 4 Nov, 7pm GMT | 🔗DM for the link
October 31, 2025 at 4:03 PM
The Ashes is nearly here, but what’s next for Test cricket? 🏏
Join @jarrodkimber.bsky.social & Tim Wigmore as they talk the Ashes, historic rivalries & future pressures.
Chaired by @russinthezone.bsky.social
💻 Free Zoom panel | 4 Nov, 7pm GMT | 🔗DM for the link
Join @jarrodkimber.bsky.social & Tim Wigmore as they talk the Ashes, historic rivalries & future pressures.
Chaired by @russinthezone.bsky.social
💻 Free Zoom panel | 4 Nov, 7pm GMT | 🔗DM for the link
Hilarious that there are Indian fans below the line in The Guardian telling me that I OBVIOUSLY wanted Australia to win yesterday.
A mark of how little they have previously engaged with my work is that many of them are referring to Raf Nicholson as "he".
A mark of how little they have previously engaged with my work is that many of them are referring to Raf Nicholson as "he".
India chase down record total to stun champions Australia and reach World Cup final
Jemimah Rodrigues’ century helped hosts India chase down a record 339 for a five-wicket victory that humbled champions Australia
www.theguardian.com
October 31, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Hilarious that there are Indian fans below the line in The Guardian telling me that I OBVIOUSLY wanted Australia to win yesterday.
A mark of how little they have previously engaged with my work is that many of them are referring to Raf Nicholson as "he".
A mark of how little they have previously engaged with my work is that many of them are referring to Raf Nicholson as "he".
"Stagnation and complacency were the dual enemies on which the Ashes whitewash was built – time for Edwards to signal that she is serious about preventing their return."
My #CWC25 post-mortem:
My #CWC25 post-mortem:
England’s Ashes debacle and review was meant to change everything. Did it? | Raf Nicholson
A change of approach is imminent, as Charlotte Edwards hinted at. The nagging worry is that it might already be too late
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:26 PM
"Stagnation and complacency were the dual enemies on which the Ashes whitewash was built – time for Edwards to signal that she is serious about preventing their return."
My #CWC25 post-mortem:
My #CWC25 post-mortem:
FWIW, here was my takeaway from what Charlotte Edwards said on Sky last night - she IS looking to move on:
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/o...
‘This will hurt’: Edwards looks to next generation after England’s World Cup drubbing
The England head coach, Charlotte Edwards, has hinted strongly that she will look to a new generation of England players for the next World Cup cycle
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:30 AM
FWIW, here was my takeaway from what Charlotte Edwards said on Sky last night - she IS looking to move on:
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/o...
Lottie in the post-match presser: "We’ve got a number of left-handers in our Performance Squad back home who we will be looking at and working very hard with over the next 6 months.”
@syd-e13.bsky.social 👀
@syd-e13.bsky.social 👀
October 29, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Lottie in the post-match presser: "We’ve got a number of left-handers in our Performance Squad back home who we will be looking at and working very hard with over the next 6 months.”
@syd-e13.bsky.social 👀
@syd-e13.bsky.social 👀
History made. Laura Wolvaardt, take a bow. #CWC25
South Africa claim historic World Cup final spot as Wolvaardt blows England away
South Africa have made history after a phenomenal innings from captain Laura Wolvaardt helped them to their first ever 50-over World Cup final
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:39 PM
History made. Laura Wolvaardt, take a bow. #CWC25
I think South Africa are going to win this now. I simply don't think England have the batting depth, or the confidence in their middle-order, to chase over 300 in a semi-final. #CWC25
October 29, 2025 at 12:50 PM
I think South Africa are going to win this now. I simply don't think England have the batting depth, or the confidence in their middle-order, to chase over 300 in a semi-final. #CWC25
