The Bowler’s Union Podcast

Chris Wright & Keith Barker
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Hosted by ex professional cricketer and now Derbyshire Bowling Lead Coach Chris Wright and Warwickshire's star left armer seamer Keith Barker, this is a podcast for bowlers who want to understand the game properly. From bowling tips you can actually use, to interviews with players who’ve lived it, plus honest insight into what really matters at the top level — this is cricket talk without the noise. If you love bowling and live for cricket, you’re in the right place.

  1. 5D AGO

    Wide Yorkers | The Pros & Cons Debate

    In this episode of The Bowlers Union, we "unpick" the tactical reality of the Wide Yorker. We look at why this delivery has dominated the game over the last decade and evaluate the trade-offs between its benefits and its risks in the modern era. We talk through: The Clarity Advantage: How choosing a wide line can simplify a bowler's mental state and block out conflicting advice. Tactical Shutdowns: The effectiveness of using the wide hole to shut down the leg side and force the batter away from their power zone. The Predictability Trap: Analyzing the "no-win" situation where a bowler is criticized for being too predictable if they stick to a plan, or for "changing too much" if they don't. The Ivan Toney & Chess Analogies: Why having a "pre-loaded" Plan B is essential for when a batter makes an early move across the stumps. Modern Execution Risks: How improved bat technology and creative shots like the ramp have increased the penalty for a missed yorker. It’s a practical, experience-led discussion based on years of trying to hit that four-inch target under pressure. Whether you are a seamer looking for a clearer plan at the death or a coach helping players navigate the pressures of T20 cricket, this episode offers a balanced look at the art of the wide yorker. 🎧 A detailed listen for players, coaches, and cricket fans who enjoy the technical and mental side of the game. If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world if you left us a 5★ review and shared it with someone who loves their cricket as much as we do! All the best, Wrighty & Barks @lifeofchriswright • @k13bkr • @thebowlersunion This episode is brought to you by Gray-Nicolls. We’re buzzing to be working with them — and you can grab a discount on their gear. Visit: www.gray-nicolls.co.uk Use code: A_TBUP20 at checkout.

    27 min

  2. FEB 5

    A Guide to Food & Coffee on the Cricket Circuit!

    If you play or watch county cricket, coach, or spend long days travelling with the game, this episode will feel very familiar. In this episode of The Bowlers Union, we put together an unofficial guide to food and coffee on the cricket circuit! The places you stop, the habits you fall into, and the simple choices that make away trips better. This isn’t about nutrition plans or performance theory. It’s about what actually works when you’re on the road. We talk through: Reliable coffee stops players gravitate towards Go-to food options on away trips The routines that develop over seasons of travelling Which town only has a Pizza Express! How food and coffee fit naturally into cricket life It’s practical, experience-led, and based on years of travelling the country playing and coaching — the sort of stuff you only really learn by doing it. Whether you’re new to the circuit or have been around it for years, this episode works as a light, honest guide to eating and caffeinating your way through the season. 🎧 A relaxed listen for players, coaches, and cricket fans who enjoy the behind-the-scenes reality of life on the road. If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world if you left us a 5★ review and shared it with someone who loves their cricket as much as we do! All the best, Wrighty & Barks @lifeofchriswright • @k13bkr • @thebowlersunion This episode is brought to you by Gray-Nicolls. We’re buzzing to be working with them — and you can grab a discount on their gear. Visit: www.gray-nicolls.co.uk Use code: A_TBUP20 at checkout.

    44 min

  3. JAN 29

    Want to Bowl Like Mitchell Starc? 5 Lessons from This Winter!

    In this episode, we break down five key lessons bowlers at any level can take from Starc’s Ashes series — not just what he did, but why it worked and how you can apply it this winter and into the season. We dig into: Why bowling fitness matters! How Starc’s rhythm and smoothness help him maintain pace across long spells The importance of constantly upskilling, even at the very top of the game Why Starc is so dangerous from ball one — and how bowlers can start better How to develop your own aura and presence as a bowler, regardless of level If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world if you left us a 5★ review and shared it with someone who loves their cricket as much as we do! All the best, Wrighty & Barks @lifeofchriswright • @k13bkr • @thebowlersunion This episode is brought to you by Gray-Nicolls. We’re buzzing to be working with them — and you can grab a discount on their gear. Visit: www.gray-nicolls.co.uk Use code: A_TBUP20 at checkout.

    41 min

  4. JAN 22

    TEST ATTACK BATTLE | Pakistan v Best of the Rest

    In a previous episode, we selected the greatest-ever Test bowling attacks from Pakistan and a Best of the Rest team made up of players from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh! Now, it’s time to put those attacks to the test. In this episode, we simulate a head-to-head clash in India, breaking down who would actually come out on top when conditions, pressure, and numbers really matter. We dive deep into the data — comparing combined bowling averages, strike rates, economy rates, and total wickets— before layering in context around Indian pitches, match situations, and how these attacks would function as a unit. This isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about evidence, balance, and suitability. So which talented attack takes 20 wickets in India? Who controls the game across five days? And which bowlers become the real difference makers? A proper cricket debate — backed by numbers, experience, and a bit of imagination. If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world if you left us a 5★ review and shared it with someone who loves their cricket as much as we do! All the best, Wrighty & Barks @lifeofchriswright • @k13bkr • @thebowlersunion This episode is brought to you by Gray-Nicolls. We’re buzzing to be working with them — and you can grab a discount on their gear. Visit: www.gray-nicolls.co.uk Use code: A_TBUP20 at checkout.

    33 min

  5. JAN 15

    Icon Interview | Steve Harmison

    In this episode of The Bowler’s Union Podcast, we sit down with former England fast bowler Steve Harmison for an honest, reflective and insightful conversation about life at the very top of the game! From the intensity of Test cricket and Ashes pressure, to the realities of fast bowling, confidence, mental resilience and transitioning away from playing, Harmy opens up in a way you rarely hear. This is a conversation packed with perspective, humility, and lessons for bowlers at every level. We talk openly about the demands placed on fast bowlers, how confidence can shift careers, the mental side of performance, and why understanding yourself matters just as much as your action or your pace. In this episode, we cover: What it really feels like to bowl fast for England Handling pressure, expectation, and the Ashes spotlight Confidence, self-belief, and the mental side of fast bowling Managing form, criticism, and tough periods in a career Lessons Harmy wishes he’d known earlier Whether you’re a young bowler, an experienced pro, a coach, or simply a lover of cricket, this episode offers rare insight into the mindset of an elite fast bowler — delivered with honesty, humour, and perspective. If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world if you left us a 5★ review and shared it with someone who wants to take their bowling seriously. Follow us on Instagram for clips, breakdowns, and coaching insight: @lifeofchriswright • @k13bkr • @thebowlersunion All the best, Wrighty & Barks

    1h 21m

  6. JAN 8

    7 Non-Negotiables for Bowlers in 2026!

    In this episode, we lay down the fundamental principles every bowler needs to carry into 2026 — the non-negotiables that separate bowlers who drift from bowlers who are trusted under pressure. We get into: • Taking yourself seriously — and why the right kit actually matters • Training with purpose, not just getting the overs in • Mastering over and around the wicket and knowing when to use each • Developing a class, reliable slower ball you can trust • Using the bouncer effectively as a tactical weapon • Becoming a proactive bowler, not a reactive one • Why top of off is king — and always will be These are the standards that hold up at every level of the game, year after year. If you want to bowl with clarity, control, and confidence in 2026, this episode gives you the blueprint. If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world if you left us a 5★ review and shared it with someone who wants to take their bowling seriously. Follow us on Instagram for clips, breakdowns, and coaching insight: @lifeofchriswright • @k13bkr • @thebowlersunion All the best, Wrighty & Barks

    27 min

  7. JAN 1

    Our 2025 Reflections — Looking Ahead to 2026!

    In this episode, we sit down for our end-of-year debrief — reflecting honestly on 2025 and looking ahead to what 2026 has in store for us and The Bowler’s Union. We get into: Our 2025 reflections — what worked, what surprised us, and what challenged us Guest highlights from the year and why certain conversations really stood out Our lowest moments from 2025! The growth of the pod — including reaching over 9,000 FC wickets and 3,000+ international wickets represented on the show Favourite episodes and standout moments from 2025 Then we look forward to 2026 — what’s changing, what we’re tightening up, and where we want to take the podcast next. If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world if you left us a 5★ review and shared it with someone who loves fast bowling and the game as much as we do. All the best, Wrighty & Barks @lifeofchriswright • @k13bkr • @thebowlersunion

    44 min

  8. 12/21/2025

    3rd Test Day 5 | Australia Close It Out in Adelaide

    In today’s episode we break down the defining moments from Day 5 of the Ashes Test in Adelaide — the final twists, the pressure phases, and how Australia ultimately got the job done. We get into: • Stokes and McCullum speak • England’s final chase — belief, momentum and where it slipped away • Smith top innings and ropey dismissal! • Cummins’ straight back into it! • No matter what there's always a bowling change! Then we zoom out to the bigger picture — what this result means for the series, the lessons for England heading forward, and how Australia continue to win Tests through pressure, discipline and control rather than chaos. If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world if you left us a 5★ review and shared it with someone who loves their Ashes cricket as much as we do! All the best, Wrighty & Barks @lifeofchriswright • @k13bkr • @thebowlersunion This episode is brought to you by Gray-Nicolls. We’re buzzing to be working with them — and you can grab a discount on their gear. Visit: www.gray-nicolls.co.uk Use code: A_TBUP20 at checkout.

    25 min
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About

Hosted by ex professional cricketer and now Derbyshire Bowling Lead Coach Chris Wright and Warwickshire's star left armer seamer Keith Barker, this is a podcast for bowlers who want to understand the game properly. From bowling tips you can actually use, to interviews with players who’ve lived it, plus honest insight into what really matters at the top level — this is cricket talk without the noise. If you love bowling and live for cricket, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Wright & Keith Barker
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Bowler’s Union Podcast

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