Neville Scott
@nevillescott.bsky.social
Freelance journalist (Times of London mainly). Writing about cricket and culture/history. Have wandered the uplands of 77 countries.
https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/neville-scott/an-evasion-of-capture/paperback/product-1897k5z.html?page=1&pageSize=4
https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/neville-scott/an-evasion-of-capture/paperback/product-1897k5z.html?page=1&pageSize=4
Can anyone seriously doubt any longer that, win or lose the 2028 Presidential election, the Republicans will retain power by whatever means they deem necessary? They are not going to concede. Best pal Putin never does, after all.
December 11, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Can anyone seriously doubt any longer that, win or lose the 2028 Presidential election, the Republicans will retain power by whatever means they deem necessary? They are not going to concede. Best pal Putin never does, after all.
The Basin Reserve Test building to a good finish - W Indies 41 behind with eight standing in second innings at end of Day Two but New Zealand to bat last, one man short following Tickner's injury. No series win for WI since Feb 2023 in Zim. 0-0 at present with this Test and one more to come.
December 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM
The Basin Reserve Test building to a good finish - W Indies 41 behind with eight standing in second innings at end of Day Two but New Zealand to bat last, one man short following Tickner's injury. No series win for WI since Feb 2023 in Zim. 0-0 at present with this Test and one more to come.
Bloody hell, Kiwi fast bowlers seem deep in strife. Five were ruled out by injury before the second Test at the Basin only for the latest man summoned, Blair Tickner, to take 4 wkts but then dislocate his shoulder during WI's fall from 153-3 to 205ao. NZ will be recalling Sir Richard next.
December 10, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Bloody hell, Kiwi fast bowlers seem deep in strife. Five were ruled out by injury before the second Test at the Basin only for the latest man summoned, Blair Tickner, to take 4 wkts but then dislocate his shoulder during WI's fall from 153-3 to 205ao. NZ will be recalling Sir Richard next.
The way every past player from Butch, through Prior to Athers and Vaughan, has pilloried England almost awakes sympathy for the team. Unfortunately, alas, their venom is justified. If that instagram version of cricket dubbed Bazball doesn't quickly grow up, the consequences for our game may be dire.
December 9, 2025 at 5:06 PM
The way every past player from Butch, through Prior to Athers and Vaughan, has pilloried England almost awakes sympathy for the team. Unfortunately, alas, their venom is justified. If that instagram version of cricket dubbed Bazball doesn't quickly grow up, the consequences for our game may be dire.
So far, English batting of substance in Aus has amounted to a not-out ton from Saint Joe, about to turn 35, and a fine 114* from a bespectacled 21 year old out of Jersey. Praise be, young Asa Tribe, after Eng Lions' first 4 batters fell to Fergus O'Neill's tight seam. But bounding hope this ain't.
December 7, 2025 at 6:29 PM
So far, English batting of substance in Aus has amounted to a not-out ton from Saint Joe, about to turn 35, and a fine 114* from a bespectacled 21 year old out of Jersey. Praise be, young Asa Tribe, after Eng Lions' first 4 batters fell to Fergus O'Neill's tight seam. But bounding hope this ain't.
As 35yo seamer Neser took 5-42 v England, 3 Shield games featured 7 all-out inns between 92 and 260 including 5-33 for medium pace Sam Elliott, 5-47 for a 37yo and Stobo's maiden 5-wkt bag aged 30. Aus pitches have become almost English in recent years. The Key/Stokes plan prepared for the wrong war
December 7, 2025 at 5:07 PM
As 35yo seamer Neser took 5-42 v England, 3 Shield games featured 7 all-out inns between 92 and 260 including 5-33 for medium pace Sam Elliott, 5-47 for a 37yo and Stobo's maiden 5-wkt bag aged 30. Aus pitches have become almost English in recent years. The Key/Stokes plan prepared for the wrong war
They don't even grasp it's pure pantomime. A man implausibly named "Infantino" (recipient of a Frendship Medal from 'Villainous Vlad' Putin and cheerleader for the World Cup in Saudi 2034) awards a shiny homemade Peace Prize to that perfect infantino, little pouting Donny himself. O how we hissed.
December 5, 2025 at 10:39 PM
They don't even grasp it's pure pantomime. A man implausibly named "Infantino" (recipient of a Frendship Medal from 'Villainous Vlad' Putin and cheerleader for the World Cup in Saudi 2034) awards a shiny homemade Peace Prize to that perfect infantino, little pouting Donny himself. O how we hissed.
Two England sides are playing in Brisbane: the Lions face Aus A at the Allan Border Field. Improbably, both teams in that match boast a player called Kellaway. The name, derived from Norman French, is so unusual that, though neither may realise it, they are probably related. Albeit maybe distantly.
December 5, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Two England sides are playing in Brisbane: the Lions face Aus A at the Allan Border Field. Improbably, both teams in that match boast a player called Kellaway. The name, derived from Norman French, is so unusual that, though neither may realise it, they are probably related. Albeit maybe distantly.
At the key phase of the day at the Gabba, England have dropped four comfortable catches in 70 minutes. Pressure in a crucial game is telling on them - but apparently inspiring Aus. You fear that those over-hyped hopes of reclaiming Ashes are evaporating before your eyes.
December 5, 2025 at 11:24 AM
At the key phase of the day at the Gabba, England have dropped four comfortable catches in 70 minutes. Pressure in a crucial game is telling on them - but apparently inspiring Aus. You fear that those over-hyped hopes of reclaiming Ashes are evaporating before your eyes.
The latter was "man of series" last summer yet his charge down the pitch and swipe to mid off with 7 wkts in hand and 73 needed lost the 5th Test and let India draw 2-2. Gabba may prove the 2nd blown game in four months. Nuts - as in KP perhaps? "It's how I play" is always a self-regarding mantra.
There are two Englishmen in the top two ranked Test batters in the world. One in arguably the best English batter ever. The other appears to be a mega-talented clown.
December 4, 2025 at 3:34 PM
The latter was "man of series" last summer yet his charge down the pitch and swipe to mid off with 7 wkts in hand and 73 needed lost the 5th Test and let India draw 2-2. Gabba may prove the 2nd blown game in four months. Nuts - as in KP perhaps? "It's how I play" is always a self-regarding mantra.
An annual rite comes round: through the last year, the knackered little buggers on the right clocked 1673.5 miles (aided by my plates of meat) and climbed 71,140 metres (courtesy of my thighs). But Pyrenean summits beckon once more - and the usurping new buggers point to the shoe bank. Cruel world.
December 3, 2025 at 8:54 PM
An annual rite comes round: through the last year, the knackered little buggers on the right clocked 1673.5 miles (aided by my plates of meat) and climbed 71,140 metres (courtesy of my thighs). But Pyrenean summits beckon once more - and the usurping new buggers point to the shoe bank. Cruel world.
From first ever hearing Clue in 1974, with Humph, Rushton, Cryer, TBT and Graeme Garden (one of the most acute comic brains of our time), it has remained the one truly unmissable transmission on radio or TV. Twice saw recordings live. Whilst it survives, British culture just about retains its core.
I think this is brilliant from an outstanding radio programme which reminds me why I prefer radio over television
If not on FB take a listen to BBC Sounds
www.facebook.com/share/v/17Yc...
If not on FB take a listen to BBC Sounds
www.facebook.com/share/v/17Yc...
Redirecting...
www.facebook.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:34 PM
From first ever hearing Clue in 1974, with Humph, Rushton, Cryer, TBT and Graeme Garden (one of the most acute comic brains of our time), it has remained the one truly unmissable transmission on radio or TV. Twice saw recordings live. Whilst it survives, British culture just about retains its core.
This below looks like the clearest breakdown available of the full champo fixtures for 2026. Seven rounds in spring rain; six in autumn storms and (so generous) all of two in June. Bugger all real cricket between 23 June and 19 August inclusive. Mark your diaries now!
www.ecb.co.uk/news/4408073
www.ecb.co.uk/news/4408073
Rothesay County Championship fixtures 2026
www.ecb.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 1:54 PM
This below looks like the clearest breakdown available of the full champo fixtures for 2026. Seven rounds in spring rain; six in autumn storms and (so generous) all of two in June. Bugger all real cricket between 23 June and 19 August inclusive. Mark your diaries now!
www.ecb.co.uk/news/4408073
www.ecb.co.uk/news/4408073
Dear Viz, What's all this fuss about Rachel Reeves not knowing her mind? Donny Trump cries for soldiers one minute but wants people with no manners dismembered the next. He's head of the world - so hands off Rachel, I say.
November 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Dear Viz, What's all this fuss about Rachel Reeves not knowing her mind? Donny Trump cries for soldiers one minute but wants people with no manners dismembered the next. He's head of the world - so hands off Rachel, I say.
Dropping steeply into Wolfscote Dale yesterday and on to distant Ecton Hill. Brass monkeys in a north-westerly at 1000ft but superb after all the rain. A man in grey passes through the squeeze stile of a silver wall under blue winter skies.
November 18, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Dropping steeply into Wolfscote Dale yesterday and on to distant Ecton Hill. Brass monkeys in a north-westerly at 1000ft but superb after all the rain. A man in grey passes through the squeeze stile of a silver wall under blue winter skies.
Gratifying S Africa victory in Calcutta. India's appalling pitch policy one again punished. That's 3 home losses to NZ plus this one (in overs equivalent of 7 sessions) in 13 months. The Test championship deems points penalties for poor over-rates; it badly needs to penalise sub-standard pitches too
November 18, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Gratifying S Africa victory in Calcutta. India's appalling pitch policy one again punished. That's 3 home losses to NZ plus this one (in overs equivalent of 7 sessions) in 13 months. The Test championship deems points penalties for poor over-rates; it badly needs to penalise sub-standard pitches too
441 runs for 27 wkts in Calcutta - i.e. just over 16 apiece. What is the point of these ridiculous 'Test' pitches now habitually prepared in both Pakistan and India? We can be sure, tho, that match ref won't complain. 'Fair contest between bat and ball'? You're joking. The concept's wholly lost
November 15, 2025 at 10:16 PM
441 runs for 27 wkts in Calcutta - i.e. just over 16 apiece. What is the point of these ridiculous 'Test' pitches now habitually prepared in both Pakistan and India? We can be sure, tho, that match ref won't complain. 'Fair contest between bat and ball'? You're joking. The concept's wholly lost
To meet both Notts and Surrey twice in 2025 carried a 50% chance of 2 defeats. Playing Worcs twice gave a 57% chance of a win. Alas poor Yorks: they met the top two twice but Worcs only once. Sussx met Worcs twice, Notts and Surrey just once. Until all sides are faced H&A, integrity is surrendered
November 14, 2025 at 3:43 PM
To meet both Notts and Surrey twice in 2025 carried a 50% chance of 2 defeats. Playing Worcs twice gave a 57% chance of a win. Alas poor Yorks: they met the top two twice but Worcs only once. Sussx met Worcs twice, Notts and Surrey just once. Until all sides are faced H&A, integrity is surrendered
The Div 1 fixture algorithm is driven by final standings in the previous year's table - every side's 5 H&A games is against teams carrying an assumed combined weighting from 2025 of 27 or 28. Bad luck being assigned Hants and Essex to play twice? Both are arguably better than 8th and 6th assumes?
November 14, 2025 at 3:21 PM
The Div 1 fixture algorithm is driven by final standings in the previous year's table - every side's 5 H&A games is against teams carrying an assumed combined weighting from 2025 of 27 or 28. Bad luck being assigned Hants and Essex to play twice? Both are arguably better than 8th and 6th assumes?
Outstanding piece of analysis. Rational exposition for once, of precision and rigour. This is what journalism periodically once provided, but rarely has the resources for today. Eight minutes of acuity and clarity: do listen.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfl0...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfl0...
How Nigel Farage Took Over British Politics.
YouTube video by Byline TV
www.youtube.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Outstanding piece of analysis. Rational exposition for once, of precision and rigour. This is what journalism periodically once provided, but rarely has the resources for today. Eight minutes of acuity and clarity: do listen.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfl0...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfl0...
Outstanding. Says it precisely. Shame these old One-Nation Tories have been so exiled by the Nasty Party.
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 11, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Outstanding. Says it precisely. Shame these old One-Nation Tories have been so exiled by the Nasty Party.
Newsweek carries this report www.newsweek.com/memorial-to-...
November 10, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Newsweek carries this report www.newsweek.com/memorial-to-...
Ever felt small?! Ever felt exposed?! It's a grand life
November 7, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Ever felt small?! Ever felt exposed?! It's a grand life
Climbed to this spot in spring and summer - and yesterday added the mists of autumn. Winter awaits. But, in forty days' time, we should be embracing that season in the Pyrenees once more - if only for the three months permitted by Brexit.
November 7, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Climbed to this spot in spring and summer - and yesterday added the mists of autumn. Winter awaits. But, in forty days' time, we should be embracing that season in the Pyrenees once more - if only for the three months permitted by Brexit.
BBC breaking news: "A rail worker credited with saving multiple lives during a mass stabbing on a train has been named as Samir Zitouni." From the name, I'd assume Mr Zitouni's antecedents were from the Maghreb. Presumably Reform etc will suggest this is fake news.
November 4, 2025 at 12:12 PM
BBC breaking news: "A rail worker credited with saving multiple lives during a mass stabbing on a train has been named as Samir Zitouni." From the name, I'd assume Mr Zitouni's antecedents were from the Maghreb. Presumably Reform etc will suggest this is fake news.