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Danny
@dafrankland.bsky.social
· Nov 15
To introduce myself to a new audience, I have written over a hundred blog posts at @outsidecricket.bsky.social.
In particular, I have published a series of popular posts on the topic of The Hundred. This is a thread of those posts:
In particular, I have published a series of popular posts on the topic of The Hundred. This is a thread of those posts:
People like Strauss rely on people not remembering or rereading the things they wrote at the time, like his 2022 review.
He explicitly recommended an aggressive playing style, prioritising player happiness and using metrics such as release height for selection. HE IS RESPONSIBLE.
He explicitly recommended an aggressive playing style, prioritising player happiness and using metrics such as release height for selection. HE IS RESPONSIBLE.
While Sir Andrew Strauss uses England's failures to tout his 2022 High Performance Review, he doesn't say that Rob Key was a co-author of that review.
Key has also implemented parts of that review, which we did a point-by-point critique of at the time: beingoutsidecricket.com/2022/11/02/t...
Key has also implemented parts of that review, which we did a point-by-point critique of at the time: beingoutsidecricket.com/2022/11/02/t...
December 23, 2025 at 6:47 AM
People like Strauss rely on people not remembering or rereading the things they wrote at the time, like his 2022 review.
He explicitly recommended an aggressive playing style, prioritising player happiness and using metrics such as release height for selection. HE IS RESPONSIBLE.
He explicitly recommended an aggressive playing style, prioritising player happiness and using metrics such as release height for selection. HE IS RESPONSIBLE.
Reposted by Danny
Recommendation 14 from the review mandated a implementing a single, 'exciting' style of cricket for the team, whilst also prioritising both this style and the players' morale over results.
"Letting the results look after themselves."
Sounds familiar...
"Letting the results look after themselves."
Sounds familiar...
December 22, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Recommendation 14 from the review mandated a implementing a single, 'exciting' style of cricket for the team, whilst also prioritising both this style and the players' morale over results.
"Letting the results look after themselves."
Sounds familiar...
"Letting the results look after themselves."
Sounds familiar...
Reposted by Danny
For example: The 2022 review's second recommendation is to identify key factors which can be measured by ball tracking in county cricket and used for team selection.
Rob Key has done this in relation to 'release height' and bowler speed, without success.
Rob Key has done this in relation to 'release height' and bowler speed, without success.
December 22, 2025 at 6:57 PM
For example: The 2022 review's second recommendation is to identify key factors which can be measured by ball tracking in county cricket and used for team selection.
Rob Key has done this in relation to 'release height' and bowler speed, without success.
Rob Key has done this in relation to 'release height' and bowler speed, without success.
Reposted by Danny
While Sir Andrew Strauss uses England's failures to tout his 2022 High Performance Review, he doesn't say that Rob Key was a co-author of that review.
Key has also implemented parts of that review, which we did a point-by-point critique of at the time: beingoutsidecricket.com/2022/11/02/t...
Key has also implemented parts of that review, which we did a point-by-point critique of at the time: beingoutsidecricket.com/2022/11/02/t...
December 22, 2025 at 6:12 PM
While Sir Andrew Strauss uses England's failures to tout his 2022 High Performance Review, he doesn't say that Rob Key was a co-author of that review.
Key has also implemented parts of that review, which we did a point-by-point critique of at the time: beingoutsidecricket.com/2022/11/02/t...
Key has also implemented parts of that review, which we did a point-by-point critique of at the time: beingoutsidecricket.com/2022/11/02/t...
Reposted by Danny
Famously, Olympic athletes prepare for the biggest sporting event of their lives by going on a week-long bender a few days beforehand.
It really puts them in the physical and mental state required to reach the very pinnacle of their abilities.
It really puts them in the physical and mental state required to reach the very pinnacle of their abilities.
December 21, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Famously, Olympic athletes prepare for the biggest sporting event of their lives by going on a week-long bender a few days beforehand.
It really puts them in the physical and mental state required to reach the very pinnacle of their abilities.
It really puts them in the physical and mental state required to reach the very pinnacle of their abilities.
Reposted by Danny
McCullum was right. If anything, England overprepared for this series.
After all, they could have lost 3-0 without practicing at all...
After all, they could have lost 3-0 without practicing at all...
December 21, 2025 at 4:14 AM
McCullum was right. If anything, England overprepared for this series.
After all, they could have lost 3-0 without practicing at all...
After all, they could have lost 3-0 without practicing at all...
Reposted by Danny
As it stands overnight, while he is not out, Jofra Archer has the second-highest batting average for England in this Ashes.
Even if he was dismissed without scoring another run, he would still be ahead of Crawley, Jacks, Pope, Duckett and Smith, halfway through the series.
Even if he was dismissed without scoring another run, he would still be ahead of Crawley, Jacks, Pope, Duckett and Smith, halfway through the series.
Jofra Archer:
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
December 18, 2025 at 10:21 AM
As it stands overnight, while he is not out, Jofra Archer has the second-highest batting average for England in this Ashes.
Even if he was dismissed without scoring another run, he would still be ahead of Crawley, Jacks, Pope, Duckett and Smith, halfway through the series.
Even if he was dismissed without scoring another run, he would still be ahead of Crawley, Jacks, Pope, Duckett and Smith, halfway through the series.
This can't possibly be right.
I distinctly remember someone saying that doing more training was counterproductive, and that five days of golf at a beach resort was better preparation for Test cricket.
I distinctly remember someone saying that doing more training was counterproductive, and that five days of golf at a beach resort was better preparation for Test cricket.
December 8, 2025 at 9:44 AM
This can't possibly be right.
I distinctly remember someone saying that doing more training was counterproductive, and that five days of golf at a beach resort was better preparation for Test cricket.
I distinctly remember someone saying that doing more training was counterproductive, and that five days of golf at a beach resort was better preparation for Test cricket.
Reposted by Danny
Jofra Archer:
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
December 8, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Jofra Archer:
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
Has a higher batting average than Stokes, Duckett and Smith so far in this series.
Would have a much better bowling average if England could catch.
Has bowled more overs for England in this series than everyone bar Atkinson.
Gets clicks when he's in the headline.
Reposted by Danny
Everything for England to play for tomorrow.
Will they lose by an innings, or lose by a mere ten wickets? Wake up at 4am to find out!
Will they lose by an innings, or lose by a mere ten wickets? Wake up at 4am to find out!
December 6, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Everything for England to play for tomorrow.
Will they lose by an innings, or lose by a mere ten wickets? Wake up at 4am to find out!
Will they lose by an innings, or lose by a mere ten wickets? Wake up at 4am to find out!
It's interesting that there are no new two-year contracts being signed.
Perhaps it's an indication that they did not have the desired effect with the players who signed them last year, because there definitely seemed like there was some complacency in the squad.
Perhaps it's an indication that they did not have the desired effect with the players who signed them last year, because there definitely seemed like there was some complacency in the squad.
December 3, 2025 at 4:32 PM
It's interesting that there are no new two-year contracts being signed.
Perhaps it's an indication that they did not have the desired effect with the players who signed them last year, because there definitely seemed like there was some complacency in the squad.
Perhaps it's an indication that they did not have the desired effect with the players who signed them last year, because there definitely seemed like there was some complacency in the squad.
It's interesting that Heather Knight won't be playing in this year's Hundred, with England hosting the T20 World Cup a month beforehand.
It seems certain she's retiring, the question is if she will do so representing England once last time or won't be in the squad. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...
It seems certain she's retiring, the question is if she will do so representing England once last time or won't be in the squad. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...
The Hundred: Heather Knight named women's general manager of London Spirit
Former England captain Heather Knight has been appointed as general manager of London Spirit's women's team after opting out of playing in the 2026 edition of The Hundred.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 8:15 PM
It's interesting that Heather Knight won't be playing in this year's Hundred, with England hosting the T20 World Cup a month beforehand.
It seems certain she's retiring, the question is if she will do so representing England once last time or won't be in the squad. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...
It seems certain she's retiring, the question is if she will do so representing England once last time or won't be in the squad. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...
Reposted by Danny
More trouble at Middlesex.
Some questions members might want to ask at Tuesday's public meeting:
1) How much has Middlesex spent on legal fees and crisis management consultants during Cornish's tenure so far?
2) Will the club be funding Cornish's legal defense?
Some questions members might want to ask at Tuesday's public meeting:
1) How much has Middlesex spent on legal fees and crisis management consultants during Cornish's tenure so far?
2) Will the club be funding Cornish's legal defense?
Middlesex CCC chief executive investigated after complaint by staff member
Middlesex CCC chief executive investigated after complaint by staff member
*
Cricket Regulator launches investigation into claims
*
Andrew Cornish understood to deny misconduct
The Middlesex County Cricket Club chief executive, Andrew Cornish, has taken leave of absence from the club following an allegation of misconduct made by another member of staff.
The Guardian has learned that Middlesex have handed the complaint over to the Cricket Regulator, which has launched an investigation into the matter. Continue reading...
dlvr.it
December 1, 2025 at 7:35 AM
More trouble at Middlesex.
Some questions members might want to ask at Tuesday's public meeting:
1) How much has Middlesex spent on legal fees and crisis management consultants during Cornish's tenure so far?
2) Will the club be funding Cornish's legal defense?
Some questions members might want to ask at Tuesday's public meeting:
1) How much has Middlesex spent on legal fees and crisis management consultants during Cornish's tenure so far?
2) Will the club be funding Cornish's legal defense?
Reposted by Danny
Obviously it's not going to be a major topic of conversation, but the two teams were 16 overs short of the allotted overs today.
That's the equivalent of more than a full hours' play.
That's the equivalent of more than a full hours' play.
November 21, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Obviously it's not going to be a major topic of conversation, but the two teams were 16 overs short of the allotted overs today.
That's the equivalent of more than a full hours' play.
That's the equivalent of more than a full hours' play.
A reminder that umpires are supposed to prevent short bowling which might cause injuries, according to law 41.6.1. beingoutsidecricket.com/2021/01/19/s...
Should Bouncers Be Banned?
The series between Australia and India has been something of a bloodbath. India have had to field a team in the fourth Test consisting of many players who weren’t even in contention for a pla…
beingoutsidecricket.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:33 AM
A reminder that umpires are supposed to prevent short bowling which might cause injuries, according to law 41.6.1. beingoutsidecricket.com/2021/01/19/s...
I'm genuinely unsure of what the next couple of months will bring. It seems like Australia are as vulnerable as they have been in decades, having mismanaged an aging team, but this England team feels unconvincing to me too.
November 20, 2025 at 5:45 PM
I'm genuinely unsure of what the next couple of months will bring. It seems like Australia are as vulnerable as they have been in decades, having mismanaged an aging team, but this England team feels unconvincing to me too.
I have not read the full report yet, but it is amusing to note that the consultants which the ECB used to "assess" it wouldn't meet the ECB's own diversity criteria.
Zero Black or Asian executives or directors, according to their website and Companies House. www.ecb.co.uk/news/4400947
Zero Black or Asian executives or directors, according to their website and Companies House. www.ecb.co.uk/news/4400947
November 13, 2025 at 10:22 AM
I have not read the full report yet, but it is amusing to note that the consultants which the ECB used to "assess" it wouldn't meet the ECB's own diversity criteria.
Zero Black or Asian executives or directors, according to their website and Companies House. www.ecb.co.uk/news/4400947
Zero Black or Asian executives or directors, according to their website and Companies House. www.ecb.co.uk/news/4400947
Reposted by Danny
It should be 11.
The ECB have confirmed that for The Hundred next season, all 4 overseas players will be able to play in the starting XI.
cc @somuchcricket.bsky.social @womenscricblog.bsky.social
cc @somuchcricket.bsky.social @womenscricblog.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 11:11 AM
It should be 11.
Reposted by Danny
Ebony Rainford‑Brent: "the class barrier is the biggest barrier to entry into cricket".
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/o...
Syd:
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/o...
Syd:
October 31, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Ebony Rainford‑Brent: "the class barrier is the biggest barrier to entry into cricket".
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/o...
Syd:
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/o...
Syd:
It reminds me a little of the Monty Hall Problem in maths. Keeping the same players feels instinctively like the safest option, except those players haven't won a tournament or Ashes in over 8 years.
It would be better to 'gamble' on something that might work than stick with something that won't.
It would be better to 'gamble' on something that might work than stick with something that won't.
This is a really good point on what England need to do bringing through the next generation. #CWC25 🏏
October 30, 2025 at 8:37 AM
It reminds me a little of the Monty Hall Problem in maths. Keeping the same players feels instinctively like the safest option, except those players haven't won a tournament or Ashes in over 8 years.
It would be better to 'gamble' on something that might work than stick with something that won't.
It would be better to 'gamble' on something that might work than stick with something that won't.
One issue England's women team faces is that there aren't any bilateral series scheduled until May next year, less than a month before the T20 World Cup.
It would therefore be very easy for the selectors just to keep the same players in, even though they seem to wilt under pressure.
It would therefore be very easy for the selectors just to keep the same players in, even though they seem to wilt under pressure.
October 30, 2025 at 7:31 AM
One issue England's women team faces is that there aren't any bilateral series scheduled until May next year, less than a month before the T20 World Cup.
It would therefore be very easy for the selectors just to keep the same players in, even though they seem to wilt under pressure.
It would therefore be very easy for the selectors just to keep the same players in, even though they seem to wilt under pressure.
Reposted by Danny
Just kidding. Almost nothing will change.
We've currently just completed step 1 of the 4 step cycle.
We've currently just completed step 1 of the 4 step cycle.
October 29, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Just kidding. Almost nothing will change.
We've currently just completed step 1 of the 4 step cycle.
We've currently just completed step 1 of the 4 step cycle.
Reposted by Danny
Tammy Beaumont - 34
Amy Jones - 32
Heather Knight - 34
Nat Sciver-Brunt - 32
Linsey Smith - 30
Danni Wyatt-Hodge - 34
Two years until the next Ashes series. Four years until the next women's ODI World Cup. How many of these cricketers have played their last ODI for England?
Amy Jones - 32
Heather Knight - 34
Nat Sciver-Brunt - 32
Linsey Smith - 30
Danni Wyatt-Hodge - 34
Two years until the next Ashes series. Four years until the next women's ODI World Cup. How many of these cricketers have played their last ODI for England?
October 29, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Tammy Beaumont - 34
Amy Jones - 32
Heather Knight - 34
Nat Sciver-Brunt - 32
Linsey Smith - 30
Danni Wyatt-Hodge - 34
Two years until the next Ashes series. Four years until the next women's ODI World Cup. How many of these cricketers have played their last ODI for England?
Amy Jones - 32
Heather Knight - 34
Nat Sciver-Brunt - 32
Linsey Smith - 30
Danni Wyatt-Hodge - 34
Two years until the next Ashes series. Four years until the next women's ODI World Cup. How many of these cricketers have played their last ODI for England?
Plan A is still in effect.
October 29, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Plan A is still in effect.