The Politics Of Sport - Why Do They Keep Getting Away With It?

By Shane Thomas

The point of a verdict in an inquiry, investigation, or legal proceedings is to act as a full stop. To clear the fog of questions surrounding an issue, remove the anxiety of indecision, and let us breathe because we now know where we stand.

The Women's World Cup - 5 Key Points

By Shane Thomas

At this point, I'd wager those who consider themselves progressive football fans are beginning to forget this summer's Women's World Cup. News of transfer rumours, and scrutinising the upcoming Premier League fixtures are at the forefront of one's mind, while the vicissitudes of the 24 teams in Canada are fading - like the remnants of a fever dream a few hours after waking up. Well, allow me to prolong the fever by enumerating five key take-aways from the tournament:

The Ashes 2015 Preview

By Shane Thomas

With the probable exception of the Summer Olympics, there's no sporting event I relish more than the Ashes. My dislike of the summer months is tempered by England versus Australia: five Test matches; a true and comprehensive examination of the cricketing strength of the two nations; cricket's oldest rivalry.

The Last Laugh

By Shane Thomas

"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." - Mike Tyson.

In the summer of 2013, Engand trounced Australia to win the 2nd Test by 347 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the 2013 Ashes series. In his post-match press conference at Lord's, Australia captain, Michael Clarke declared his belief that his Australia side could win the final three matches of the series to regain the Ashes. This statement elicited bouts of derisive laughter from the press, and likely many England cricket fans.

Episode 47 - 2011 in Review (Part 3)

No guest host, but still tons of sport to review on this episode. Our penultimate year in review show takes on Cycling, Cricket, Swimming, Darts and Golf.

The Greatest Events In Sporting History' is available from http://www.simplysyndicated.com/shows/sportinghistory/

Episode 44 - Basil D'Oliveira's Ashes Century in 1968

A big innings for the England cricket team, but an even more important one for the rest of the world. There was a time when South Africa's policy of apartheid was freely tolerated by many other countries. We talk about how one man swinging a cricket bat helped to change all that.

The Greatest Events In Sporting History' is available from http://www.simplysyndicated.com/shows/sportinghistory/

The Ashes Review - What England Did Right

By Shane Thomas

After years of disappointment and humiliation, England won an Ashes series in Australia for the first time in 24 years. Their 3-1 victory was a credit to the players and coaching staff, who all played their part in dominating the once mighty Australians and delighting those who stayed up at ungodly hours to watch and/or listen to the action. This has been one of English cricket's finest achievements, but what were the key factors that led to such a comprehensive success:

The Ashes - Series Ratings

By Shane Thomas

ENGLAND:

Andrew Strauss - Had a nightmare start after getting out to the third ball of the series. But recovered to have a solid time in Oz with the bat. His furious counter-attacking century was key to England's revival in the second innings in Brisbane. He wasn't at his best with the willow but never needed to be. His calm authority permeated through the side to allow them to perform at their best, particularly in the face of some fierce criticism after the heavy defeat in Perth - 8

Paul Collingwood - The Competition Winner

By Shane Thomas

Back in 2005, I was engaged in a slightly drunken discussion with a guy about cricket. It was clear that he was a fan of the game like I was. When I said I used to play a bit as a teenager, he asked me what kind of player I was. In this situation it's easy for one to make themselves sound better than they are, especially when alcohol is involved.

Cricket Australia - Now What?

By Shane Thomas

Defeat for the Australia cricket team is a concept that's new to their fans. But it's becoming an increasingly regular trend. After series losses to South Africa and India, losing to England was the nadir. The British tabloid press have a reputation for acerbity when it comes to their failing sports stars. But it seems that the one thing that Australia still do better than the British is for the press to skewer sportsman who fail to their exacting standards.

Halfway To Ashes Glory - Time To Finish The Job

By Shane Thomas

So far during this current Ashes series, the Australian press have lamented & the English press have delighted in the apparent role-reversals currently playing out between the two countries. Australia have been honest, mundane & uninspired while England have been incisive, dead-eyed & ruthless.

Birthday Boy Puts England On The Canvas

By Shane Thomas

Peter Siddle celebrated his 26th birthday with a hat-trick to give first blood to Australia on the opening day of the 2010/11 Ashes in Brisbane. An awesome display of seam bowling in the final session of the day broke the back of England's first innings.

The Ashes - Player by Player

By Shane Thomas

In a few hours time, the first ball of the 2010/11 Ashes series will be bowled at the GABBA in Brisbane. Like the World Cup, there will be a numerous posts on here about the contest as it progresses over the next five and a bit weeks. So to start with, here's a quick rundown on the players from both teams who will battle for one of cricket's most coveted prizes:

Episode 18 - Top 5 Ashes Moments

The latest episode of 'The Greatest Events In Sporting History' is now available for download.

Shane, Jonathan as well as special guests Tim & Jenni list their favourite five moments from Ashes series past.

Obvious choices such as Edgbaston 2005 and Shane Warne's 'Ball of the Century' are listed as well as a few personal choices. And secret crushes on both Andrew Flintoff & Ricky Ponting are revealed to all.

'The Greatest Events In Sporting History' is available from both http://sportsevents.libsyn.com/ or at www.simplysyndicated.com