Readings from the Pavilion End

Today's poem is apt for the day of rest - a cute poem by William Cowper (pronounced Cooper), one of the most popular English poets in the 18th century. In 'The Snail', Cowper meditates on the snail's solitary, hermit-like life whilst parodying its self-containment, pre-figuring today's anxieties about urban isolation. If Cowper were living today, perhaps he might write about 'The Screen'.   

After a long hiatus, we return with a love poem. Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 43 is a classic love poem from the Victorian era. The penultimate poem in her series of 44 sonnets, sonnet 43 catches the audience's attention instantly with its memorable opening line, "How Do I Love Thee?" How, indeed? The speaker's conversational opening rises into mythical proportions as she enumerates the countless dimensions of her love — its depth, breadth, and height. Moving from the quiet, everyday to passionate devotional love, the poem, though simple, also gives us a glimpse into the depth and breadth of the speaker's emotional world. 

Bill and Akshob discuss the latest Ashes action from the thrilling Tests in Adelaide to a disappointing Boxing Day match in Melbourne. They discuss standout performances from Alex Carey, Travis Head and Nathan Lyon, critique selection choices and spin options for England, and reflect on the fine margins that decided matches. The hosts also cover the financial and fan fallout from two short Tests and debate the controversial day-night pink‑ball plan for the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG in 2027.

A Christmas Carol in Prose: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens Scrooge surprises everyone by changing his stingy ways after a transformative Christmas. He raises Bob Cratchit's salary, becomes a loving friend and second father to Tiny Tim, and commits to keeping Christmas in his heart forever. May this christmas classic remind us to be joyful and generous; Merry Christmas everyone!

Today, Bill reads his favourite Christmas poem by John Betjeman. Find more Advent readings in the archives, such as this one published last year on Christmas Eve.   

Bill reports from Adelaide after day four of the Third Test as Australia post 349 and England mount a gritty response led by Zak Crawley and Joe Root. The target of 435 (never previously attained in Test history) was always going to be too much of a challenge but England can look back on the achievement (4 wickets) as some small positives. Travis Head's superb innings and Ben Stokes' bowling late in the Australian innings shaped the contest.  

Bill and Colin review day three of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide where Travis Head's unbeaten 146 and disciplined Australian batting left England trailing. The hosts discuss England's poor bowling and fielding, Australia's total command, and what must change ahead of the Melbourne Test.

On a scorching day at the Adelaide Oval Australia finished on 371 with Mitchell Starc making a vital fifty while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon ripped through England’s top order early after lunch. England slipped to 71 for 4, recovered partially thanks to Ben Stokes, but still trail by about 180 with three days to play. The episode covers heated on-field controversies over DRS and reviews, concerns over Stokes’ fitness, and the bleak choices facing England’s selectors. Australia look comfortably placed to press for a result while England must find runs and resilience to keep the series alive.

Bill Riquier sits down with Colin Cohen after a fascinating day's play at the Adelaide Oval to recap day one of the Test: Steve Smith ruled out with concussion, Usman Khawaja stepping in with a strong 82, and Australia finishing 326 for 8 in punishing heat. They discuss key moments — Khawaja's resilience, Carey's century, England's admirable performance at fielding and bowling, and the importance of England batting well tomorrow to give themselves a chance in the Test.

Reporting from Barossa Valley ahead of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide, this episode previews uncertain England selection, likely returns of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for Australia, and the debate over Usman Khawaja opening with Travis Head possibly moving to number five. It recalls Adelaide's rich Test history, recent series swings; stay tuned for daily competitive match reports.