We are joined for a great chat by Wisden editor, cricket correspondent and Northants fan Lawrence Booth.    Miles and Woody also decide to make this the hardest to date podcast in the world! Sponsored by Vitality. For special offers, cricket competitions and discounts, head to www.vitalitycricket.co.uk Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2025 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our esteemed guest is Alan Davies, star of Jonathan Creek, stand-up comedian, author and cricket fan.  Miles talks us through his long-awaited cricketing comeback whilst Woody reveals his unusual coaching inspirations from the natural world.  Sponsored by Vitality. For special offers, cricket competitions and discounts, head to www.vitalitycricket.co.uk Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2025 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We welcome the lead singer of Sports Team, Alex Rice, to share his cricket passions with us.  Meanwhile Woody makes a passionate defence of team mate Zak Crawley, whilst Miles discusses the perils of early season nets at Monmouth. You can win 2 tickets for England v India this summer just by getting a quote for health insurance at www.vitality.co.uk/middlepleaseumpire/ Sponsored by Vitality www.vitality.co.uk Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2025 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We resume play at last; with Woody in the spare room recovering from a knee operation but determined to return stronger. Miles has been netting for his own return to Monmouth 4ths this summer, while we talk to Malith Madurasinghe about the Over-50s World Cup.  You can also have a chance to win 2 tickets for England v India this summer just by getting a quote for health insurance at www.vitality.co.uk/middlepleaseumpire/ Sponsored by Vitality www.vitality.co.uk Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media. Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2025 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most fascinating interviews we have done as we’re joined by the brilliant WW2 historian, and cricket nut, James Holland. We also get a training update from Woody. Sponsored by Vitality www.vitality.co.uk Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire Email middleplease@hotmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another belter of a guest as Chris Woakes gives us the lowdown on playing and touring with Woody. It’s definitely unusual! Meanwhile Miles considers his options as a franchise cricketer, a fun mailbag, and lots more in a packed episode. Sponsored by Vitality www.vitality.co.uk Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An absolutely first class guest joins us in the shape of England pace legend Devon Malcolm. We have a very memorable chat, uncover some amazing stuff in the Super Over and get some pace bowling advice for Woody. An episode not to miss  Sponsored by Vitality www.vitality.co.uk Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 We’re back with a guest! The amazing Izzy Westbury takes time out from RAF duty to discuss her cricket life, commentary experience and amazing CV, while Woody and Miles review the 2024 blackberry picking season. Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the back of Woody’s stellar performances we have brought forward the first episode of our new run! More to come soon, but the guys catch up on matters from breakfasts to some of the more weighty cricketing matters; plus trial a new Super Over for season 7. Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire Email middleplease@hotmail.com Podcast Sponsored by Spond, Mindful Chef & Step One Listener offers below (time limited): Spond - download for free here https://spond.sng.link/D472x/3nti/ukqi Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last one of our current season, as Miles gets the inside track from Woody about his recent honour as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year, as well as his preparation for the summer. A lovely mailbag rounds off our series. Back soon! Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Spond, Mindful Chef & Step One Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Spond - download for free here https://spond.sng.link/D472x/3nti/ukqi Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keane lead singer Tom Chaplin is a brilliant guest as he shares tales from his cricketing youth and general love of the game. We also unveil some alternate Mark Wood namesakes across the UK. Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Spond, Mindful Chef & Step One Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Spond - download for free here https://spond.sng.link/D472x/3nti/ukqi Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An extended episode as West Indies pace legend, and cricket commentator par excellence, Michael Holding joins us to talk about his career and influence on Woody’s career. Mark and Miles also catch up following the first Test in India.  Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Spond, Mindful Chef & Step One Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Spond - download for free here https://spond.sng.link/D472x/3nti/ukqi Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We get a fascinating glimpse into the backroom of elite cricket as Ben Langley, the man Woody credits with saving his career as England physio, and now Mumbai Indians’ head of sports science, joins for a chat. Miles and Woody catch up, plus another strong mailbag.  Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Spond, Mindful Chef & Step One Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Spond - download for free here https://spond.sng.link/D472x/3nti/ukqi Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are all Isa Guha fans, and she storms in as our very special guest. With the guys now both on tour, Woody explains the importance of gravy to Miles. A memorable mailbag letter drops onto the mat as well.  Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Spond, Mindful Chef & Step One Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Spond - download for free here https://spond.sng.link/D472x/3nti/ukqi Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a hiatus, we are back to resume season 6. We’re joined by England bowler and Step One ambassador Tash Farrant. Woody and Miles discuss the raging controversy around Phil Salt’s dog! Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Spond, Mindful Chef & Step One Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Spond - download for free here https://spond.sng.link/D472x/3nti/ukqi Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Brearley; England’s legendary captain and cricket mind, joins us as our special guest for a brilliant chat. Meanwhile Woody and Miles discuss the important issues of the day, including the World Cup, cuddly toy dogs and Indian savoury snacks.  Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Spond, Mindful Chef & Step One Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Spond - download for free here https://spond.sng.link/D472x/3nti/ukqi Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2023 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are back with a new season, releasing episodes as regularly as cricket schedules allow. This week our hosts catch up as Woody prepares for the World Cup, while Miles gets some hugs on the boundary at Cardiff. Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Spond, Mindful Chef & Step One Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2023 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A hotly requested mini pod, as Miles has a catch-up with co-host and hero of the 3rd Test, our own Mark Wood.  Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Step One & Mindful Chef. Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2023 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our second ever live recording as we journey to Woody’s home club at Ashington CC on the eve of the Ashes. We look at what’s ahead this summer while Miles learns a whole new language!  With thanks to Ashington CC and our live sponsor www.Spond.com/ Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Step One & Mindful Chef. Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2023 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Woody’s IPL bowling coach and pace legend Morné Morkel joins the guys to discuss his chaotic debut for South Africa amongst a range of topics from his career. Meanwhile the mailbag is not to be missed as we bring Season 5 to a close…for now. Twitter @middleplease Instagram @middlepleaseumpire  Email middleplease@hotmail.com  Podcast Sponsored by Step One & Mindful Chef. Listener offers below (time limited):  www.stepone.life - For a 15% discount, just use the code MP15  MindfulChef.com/middleplease - for 25% off your first four boxes. Produced by Nathan Kosky with Playback Media Engineered by Leon Gorman  Copyright 2023 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices