11h ago
Rob Key discusses preparation, performance and the trip to Noosa as the fallout of the Ashes defeat begins. Plus, we talk through it all with Stephan Shemilt and George Dobell.
22h ago
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won’t be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day. Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
2d ago
England showed plenty of fight but Australia won the 3rd Test by 82 runs to retain the Ashes with two games to spare, We hear from England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes as well as Australia skipper Pat Cummins, Player of the match Alex Carey plus Mitchell Starc. Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. There's also analysis by Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann, Glenn McGrath, Phil Tufnell and Andy Zaltzman.
3d ago
Simon Mann is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Phil Tufnell, Andy Zaltzman and Glenn McGrath to look back on an improved day for England. However, they are still on the brink of defeat as Australia lie 4 wickets away from retaining the Ashes. There’s also reaction from Zak Crawley, Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc plus a fascinating chat with former Australia fast bowler turned coach Jason Gillespie.
4d ago
Simon Mann is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath and Phil Tufnell to review the 3rd day of the Adelaide Test as a Travis Head hundred nailed down Australia’s position. We also get reaction from England’s assistant coach Jeetan Patel and Australia spinner Nathan Lyon plus Andy Zaltzman has all the stats that matter.
5d ago
Daniel Norcross is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath and former England batter Dawid Malan to review a challenging day in Adelaide with England facing a mammoth Test to keep the Ashes alive. There’s reaction from England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick and Australia spinner Nathan Lyon and a statistical round-up by Andy Zaltzman
6d ago
Daniel Norcross is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Phil Tufnell and Glenn McGrath as Australia closed on 326/8 on the opening day of the crucial Third Test. They discuss a roller coaster of a day with plenty of snicko controversy, We also hear from Australia century maker Alex Carey and England bowling coach David Saker.
Dec 16
Ben Stokes and Pat Cummins chat to TMS as we look ahead to England’s must-win Test in Adelaide. Plus, we get the thoughts of Jonathan Agnew, Stephan Shemilt and Bharat Sundaresan.
Dec 15
Steven Finn, Matt Prior and Simon Katich join Mark Chapman to preview the third Test of the Ashes in Adelaide. Josh Tongue come in for Gus Atkinson, what next for Shoabib Bashir after being left out, the likely return of Nathan Lyon and captain Pat Cummins to the Australian side and we hear from Harry Brook.
Dec 15
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won’t be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day. Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
Dec 14
England head coach Brendon McCullum speaks to Stephan Shemilt ahead of a must-win third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. Eleanor Oldroyd, Stephan Shemilt, and the Press Association’s cricket correspondent Rory Dollard discuss how England shape up after their break in Noosa, as well as what England’s squad could look like on Wednesday with McCullum all but confirming that the squad’s top seven will remain unchanged from the second Test defeat at the Gabba. Plus, Australia allrounder Cameron Green has his say on how players deal with close encounters with the media.
Dec 14
Sharing his love of cricket is co-host of the Rest is History podcast Tom Holland. He reveals how the podcast started, and a possible cricketing link to Jack the Ripper.
Dec 13
Jonathan Agnew speaks to broadcaster Mark Nicholas following the death of his friend and former Hampshire team-mate Robin Smith. 'The Judge', who died on 1st December aged 62, scored more than 4,000 Test runs for England. Plus, we hear an interview from Smith back in 2019 where he spoke about his struggles away from the pitch.
Dec 12
From playing against Brian Lara and Brendon McCullum to starring in 'Married at First Sight', John Aiken's story is extraordinary. He tells Stephan Shemilt how it all happened.
Dec 11
Kate Cross & Alex Hartley catch up with Australia World Cup winning captain Aaron Finch. He gives them his thoughts on England's Ashes hopes down under, as well as trying to build a culture during his time as Australia's white-ball captain and (obviously) what's the biggest animal he could catch? All that, plus how he's settling into life as a pundit since retirement.
Dec 10
While England and Australia rest up after the second Test, Eleanor Oldroyd brings the latest from the tour and learns more about the famous Adelaide Oval.
Dec 9
Kelly Cates is joined by England batter Dawid Malan to react to the news that England bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the rest of the Ashes series - before former England bowlers Isa Guha and Steven Finn and Durham head coach Ryan Campbell join Mark Chapman to discuss England's defeat in the 2nd Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Dec 8
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won’t be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day. Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
Dec 7
England finally show some fight, but Australia take two nil Ashes lead. There’s an astonishing interview with England captain Ben Stokes, we hear from coach Brendon McCullum and there’s reaction from Australia captain Steve Smith and player of the match Mitchell Starc. And there’s analysis by Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath, Michael Vaughan, Phi Tufnell, Simon Mann and Andy Zaltzman,
Dec 6
All the reaction to a dominant day for Australia in Brisbane as England stare at a 2-0 series deficit. Coach Marcus Trescothick talks to the pod, and defends England’s approach and preparation.
Dec 5
Reaction to a second day in Brisbane that saw England miss out on putting heat on the hosts Michael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath and Jonathan Agnew join Simon Mann to discuss a frustrating day for England in Brisbane. Plus, we hear from Joe Root after this first Ashes century in Australia.
Dec 4
Simon Mann is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath, Phil Tufnell and Andy Zaltzman to review an absorbing opening day at the Gabba where Joe Root was the star. We also hear from Zak Crawley who made 76 plus Australia’s wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Dec 3
Eleanor Oldroyd is alongside Jonathan Agnew and ABC’s Corbin Middlemas to look ahead to the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. They discuss England’s preparation on the eve of the day-night Test match, as well as the boost Australia could get by bringing back their captain Pat Cummins.
Dec 2
England have made one change to their side for the second Test, and we hear from batter Ollie Pope. Plus, Michael Vaughan and Phil Tufnell bring their pre-Test predictions.
Dec 1
Michael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath and Melinda Farrell join Mark Chapman to preview the second Test of the Ashes in Brisbane. Is this now or never for bazball? Can England adapt to the pink ball? How do both sides bowling attacks look? Could England turn to a spinner? Australia have had staggering pink ball success but their only day-night loss came at the Gabba. Plus, Mitchell Starc is just three wickets away from surpassing Wasim Akram as the most successful left-arm quick in the history of the game.
Dec 1
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won’t be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day. Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
Dec 1
From Stuart Broad to Ben Stokes, Shane Warne to Steve Waugh, Freddie Flintoff to Ian Botham. Who is the ultimate Ashes character? Whose personalities have shone on the pitch in the most high pressure games? Isa Guha, Sir Alastair Cook, and Jonathan Agnew debate their top 10 Ashes characters from players across England and Australia.
Nov 30
Joe Root tells Stephan Shemilt that the Ashes doesn't need a pink-ball Test match. Australia's first Test centurion Travis Head responds by telling Stephan "Pink ball, white ball, red ball - who really cares?". As the pair differ on views ahead of the Test between England and Australia at The Gabba, Eleanor Oldroyd sits in a cafe just outside the iconic venue with Andy Zaltzman and Henry Moeran to look ahead to the second match of the Ashes. Plus, former Australia Test skipper Tim Paine discusses what the pink-ball offers under the lights in Brisbane.
Nov 29
Henry Moeran is joined by Stephan Shemilt and Vithushan Ehantharajah and we hear from England captain Ben Stokes, fresh from accusations of "arrogance" from Australian media.
Nov 28
Exactly 15 years on from Sir Alastair Cook’s 235 not-out at the Gabba, the BBC’s Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt speaks to Cook about one of his best individual series for England, which saw England win the Ashes in Australia in 2010/11. They discuss Cook’s incredible batting throughout the series, including his 235 not-out at The Gabba, the moments he was speaking to Chris Tremlett before the bowler infamously got Mitchell Johnson for a duck, and his time out in the middle with Sir Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott.
Nov 27
We hear from former captain Alec Stewart who thinks England are right not to send batters for an additional warm-up match. Plus, Steven Finn reveals the experience of the Gabba.
Nov 26
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley chat all things Ashes after England's dramatic two-day defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth. They wonder whether England's batters should have gone to play in England's tour match in Canberra, plus Crossy remembers her time in Perth on England debut at the WACA.
Nov 24
Mark Chapman is joined by former England coach Paul Farbrace, former Australian opener Simon Katich and Durham coach Ryan Campbell to discuss the fallout from a remarkable first Ashes Test and England's pink-ball preparations ahead of the second test in Brisbane.
Nov 24
Henry Moeran is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Steven Finn and Stephan Shemilt to discuss how England are due to prepare for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Nov 20
The Men's Ashes are nearly upon us and the TMS preview features interviews with both Ben Stokes and Steve Smith, plus an exclusive chat with England Head Coach Brendon McCullum.
Nov 18
Ashton Agar talks through his remarkable innings at Trent Bridge in 2013, where aged 19 he scored a brilliant 98. Agar tells Stephan Shemilt all the details of a special day.
Nov 17
Steve Crossman is joined by Mark Ramprakash, Jack Leach and Durham's Australian coach Ryan Campbell to look ahead to the opening Test of the Ashes series that begins on Friday in Perth. They will also be joined by Australian journalist Geoff Lemon. They discuss the challenges of touring in Australia, the importance of the opening ball of the series, as well as the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two sides including; the leadership, spinners, pace attacks, and the Aussie top order. Timecodes: 00:03:43 - expectations of the series 00:12:30 - The importance of the first ball of the Ashes 00:18:12 - Touring Australia and the phoney war 00:23:17 - What should England expect in Perth? 00:33:53 - Ben Stokes 00:45:40 - Australia without Cummins and Hazlewood 00:58:38 - Spinners 01:15:51 - England's pace attack 01:25:20 - Australia's top order 01:30:45 - Joe Root
Nov 17
Eleanor Oldroyd chats to Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley, plus we have a look around the Perth Stadium as the countdown to the first Test continues.
Nov 13
Chief Cricket reporter Stephan Shemilt reports from Lilac Hill on a mixed opening day of England’s Ashes tour. Ben Stokes picked up four wickets in his first competitive bowl since July, but there was an injury concern over Mark Wood. Stephan is joined by George Dobell from the Cricketer and we hear from England vice captain Harry Brook.
Nov 11
Former England fast bowler David Larter was part of the England squad to head to the 1962/63 Ashes, the last time the team travelled down to Australia by boat. He speaks to the BBC’s Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt about his memories of the journey, as well as being made to run round the boat to keep fit, stopping off in Colombo to play a warm-up match, and how he went from being talked about by the Australian press to featuring in a single Ashes Test.
Nov 5
Kate Cross & Alex Hartley look back at the 2025 Women's World Cup which saw India win their first ever title. They discuss India’s incredible victories over Australia and South Africa, the unlikely hero in Shafali Verma, and why it feels like the beginning of the end of an era in women’s cricket.
Nov 4
The BBC’s Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt speaks to Ryan Harris about his explosive Ashes career. From his own 'ball of the century' dismissing Sir Alastair Cook, being the perfect sidekick to Mitchell Johnson, his injury woes which limited the amount of Tests he played, and whether he'd ever have played for England with his dad being from Leicester.
Nov 2
Henry Moeran is alongside 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley, TMS regular Prakash Wakankar, commentator Daniel Norcross, and TMS statistician Phil Long in Navi Mumbai for reaction to India winning the 2025 Women’s World Cup. Hear the thoughts of India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Amanjot Kaur, and losing captain Laura Wolvaardt. Plus, journalists Firdose Moonda and Zenia D’cunha discuss the wider impact of just how big the World Cup has been in India.
Nov 2
Alison Mitchell looks back at how England won the first ever Women’s World Cup, with the tournament hosted in England. She speaks to cricket journalist and historian Raf Nicholson, plus we hear some archive interviews from England legend Rachael Heyhoe-Flint.
Nov 1
Alison Mitchell looks back at how Australia won their first two World Cups. She talks to Sharon Tredrea, who some call the fastest female to ever bowl, and cricket journalist and historian Raf Nicholson about how Australia won the 1982 World Cup in New Zealand. Plus, she talks to Diana Edulji who captained India when they hosted the 1978 tournament.
Oct 31
Alison Mitchell is alongside former England captain Jane Powell and cricket journalist and historian Raf Nicholson to look back at the 1988 Women's World Cup, where tournament hosts Australia won the tournament for the third time. Powell captained England in the competition and recalls her memory of the final.
Oct 30
Alison Mitchell is alongside cricket journalist and historian Raf Nicholson to look back at England’s second World Cup title, which they won on home soil in 1993.
Oct 29
Australia captain Alyssa Healy joins Kate Cross and Alex Hartley on the podcast. They discuss her Desert Island teammates, her sadness around the rain-affected World Cup fixtures, the smallest item she could hit a 6 with, and why she had to quit her job at KFC.
Oct 28
The BBC’s Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt speaks to Michael Vaughan about the 2002/03 Ashes in Australia, and how that prepared him for the infamous 2005 Ashes series. Vaughan talks about what was behind his incredible form down under in 02/03, learning from Australia legend Steve Waugh before becoming England captain, and some incredible stories away from pitch during the series.
Oct 27
Alison Mitchell looks back at the 1997 Women's World Cup, with Australia sealing their fourth title at the tournament held in India. New Zealand World Cup winner Debbie Hockley talks of her memories of the competiton, winning player of the match in the final despite being on the losing side in 1997.
Oct 25
Alison Mitchell is alongside New Zealand World Cup winner Debbie Hockley to discuss her side's route to winning the 2000 Women's World Cup at home in 2000.
Oct 24
Alison Mitchell speaks to Australia's World Cup winning wicketkeeper Julia Price about her memories of winning the tournament in South Africa in 2005.
Oct 23
Alison Mitchell speaks to ICC Media Rights Manager Aarti Dabas as they look back at England’s third World Cup title, their first overseas.
Oct 21
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley discuss England's win over India in the World Cup, confirming their place in the tournament's semi-finals. Plus, why did Crossy's obession of magic make her week away even more exciting?
Oct 20
The BBC's Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt speaks to Stuart Broad about his incredible Ashes career. Broad looks back from winning The Ashes in 2009, to his 8-15 at Trent Bridge in 2015, his career's finale at The Oval in 2023, and THAT moment he didn't walk at Trent Bridge in 2013.
Oct 18
Alison Mitchell is alongside Australia all-rounder Lisa Sthalekar to look back at Australia's sixth World Cup title, beating the West Indies in the final in India. Sthalekar retired on top having announced her decision to step away from the game after the tournament and discusses her sides route to the final.
Oct 17
Henry Moeran is alongside 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley, 2009 World Cup winner Ebony Rainford-Brent, and TMS statistician Phil Long for a look back at how England won the 2017 Women's World Cup in England. They discuss England's journey to the final, the iconic moment Anya Shrubsole hit a boundary from her first ball to win the semi-final, and THAT glorious day at Lord's where Heather Knight lifted the trophy after England beat India.
Oct 16
Henry Moeran is alongside 2017 England World Cup winner Alex Hartley and BBC Sport cricket writer Ffion Wynne to look back at the 2022 Women's World Cup. They look at Australia's journey to beating England in the final and what other shocks happened during the tournament which took place as the world was still tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.
Oct 15
Daniel Norcross is joined by World Cup winner Alex Hartley and Sri Lanka cricket journalist Estelle Vasudevan to reflect on the ups and downs of the World Cup so far. They debate Australia’s heroics, England’s spin bowling, India’s frailties and how Bangladesh have been the surprise package of the competition.
Oct 13
Kate Cross & Alex Hartley speak to New Zealand's legendary captain Sophie Devine as she plays in her last ODI World Cup before retirement. They discuss the timing of her decision to announce that she was retiring from the 50 over format, what she'll do next, and the state she's leaving the White Ferns ODI squad in. Plus, as is No Balls tradition, she tells Crossy & Al what animal she can catch. Alex and Kate also discuss England's strong start to the World Cup, after they made it 3 wins from 3 beating Sri Lanka.
Oct 11
Daniel Norcross is joined by World Cup winners Alex Hartley and Lisa Sthalekar to look back on England's 89-run win over Sri Lanka. Plus, we hear from centurion Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Oct 6
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley discuss England's World Cup win over South Africa and Alex's first week in Guwahati for Test Match Special. Plus, they answer your World Cup-related questions!
Sep 30
Kate Cross & Alex Hartley actually talk cricket as they look ahead to the 2025 Women’s World Cup. They discuss Alex’s not-so-smooth journey to India, why this World Cup could be the closest ever, and why Australia are still Alex’s pick to win the competition. Plus, how Emma Lamb’s “frightening” form can help England on their way to challenge for the title. Also, Crossy challenges Alex in ‘How well does Hartley remember her World Cup win?’
Sep 23
Alex Hartley is alongside Kate Cross to discuss Crossy's England future as she announces that her England contract hasn't been renewed. They also talk about Crossy's domestic dominance as she wins her THIRD trophy of the season as Lancashire win the One Day Cup.
Sep 20
Alison Mitchell is alongside former England Ashes batter Dawid Malan and England World Cup winner Ebony Rainford-Brent to discuss the pressure England players are put under when playing in the Ashes down under. What do Australia do on the pitch to press England, how can England’s less-experienced players cope, and what did Dawid find intimidating during his time batting for England in Australia? Dawid tells all about the media waiting for players as they come off the plane and being grilled by his batting heroes who would interview him after a game.
Sep 16
Kate Cross & Alex Hartley discuss the trials and tribulations of playing cricket towards the end of the season. They have their say on the awful abuse umpire Sue Redfern received after the T20 Blast Finals Day. Plus, Alex tells Crossy what a ‘productive day’ looks like in the Hartley household.
Sep 14
England coach Brendon McCullum joins Daniel Norcross, Chief cricket reporter Stephan Shemilt and former England bowler Steven Finn to review the international summer and look ahead to the winter – including the much anticipated Ashes.
Sep 2
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross record an emergency pod as Crossy wins The Hundred with the Northern Superchargers!
Sep 1
Henry Moeran is alongside Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn, World Cup winner Alex Hartley, and TMS commentator Alison Mitchell to award the unofficial 2025 TMS Hundred Awards. Which batter hit the best innings of the tournament? Who had the best bowling spell? What is the shot of the competition? And who took the best catch?
Aug 27
One of Australia’s finest ever leg-spinners, Alana King, joins Kate Cross & Alex Hartley following her lengthy stint in the UK with Lancashire Thunder and Trent Rockets in The Hundred. They discuss Alana’s heroes growing up, including Shane Warne & Kristen Beams, as well as choosing between tennis and cricket at a younger age and why she ended up in the back of a police car on the M6 on the way to a match for Lancashire.
Aug 22
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross discuss Crossy's omission from England's World Cup squad for the tournament in India & Sri Lanka next month. Crossy talks about the tough call from head coach Charlotte Edwards, as well as how she's coming to terms with the decision and how she's processed it whilst being in the middle of The Hundred with the Northern Superchargers.
Aug 20
Manchester Originals and Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker is set for an England debut after being called up for the squads to face South Africa and Ireland in September by head coach Brendon McCullum. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Baker discusses learning from Sir Jimmy Anderson at the Originals, his notebook full of analysis of batters he has bowled at, being a “fast-bowling nerd”, and why he’s such a big fan of bone broth.
Aug 15
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross are joined by legendary Australia allrounder Ellyse Perry. She discusses getting up-to-speed as captain of Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, as well as her journey into cricket - which included the decision to stop playing football for Australia’s women's team. Plus, did she get sent a bill for breaking a car window during a WPL game?
Aug 11
Jonathan Agnew is alongside former England captains Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook, and Test Match Special statistician Andy Zaltzman to discuss who plays for England in the first Ashes Test down under in Perth. Does the top seven pick itself, which bowlers are picked, and which players currently not in England squad could make a late charge for selection?
Aug 9
Kate Cross & Alex Hartley convene in a hotel room the morning after Kate’s winning start in The Hundred with the Northern Superchargers. Should there be substitutes in cricket, what would Alex call a pub if she opened one, and what loud bang what Crossy up in the middle of the night? How to get in touch: Email - noballspodcast@bbc.co.uk Text - 81111 WhatsApp - 0330 123 1826 Start your message with 'NOBALLS'
Aug 5
Alex Hartley and Kate Cross look ahead to The Hundred starting, with Crossy entering her third year at Northern Superchargers. They react to the dramatic finale to England’s Test series against India at The Oval and Chris Woakes putting his body on the line for his side. Plus, Alex & Crossy go to see Oasis!
Jul 30
Eleanor Oldroyd takes you behind-the-scenes in the making of the iconic collaboration between Test Match Special and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. This peak behind the curtain sheds light on how The 2005 Ashes: Settling the Score came to be, speaking to the Director of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Adam Szabo, who prefers not to remember the result of the 2005 series as an Australian. As well as Scotland under 16s cricketer and now conductor Mark Herron and cellist Steve Callow. Plus, TMS producer Tim Peach gives insight into which pieces of music made it into the documentary and why. The 2005 Ashes: Settling the Score is available on the Test Match Special feed on BBC Sounds right now.
Jul 28
With Joe Root now second on the all time Test run-scorers list, Jonathan Agnew, Sir Alastair Cook and Cheteshwar Pujara ask if he can pass Sachin Tendulkar's 15,921 runs.
Jul 26
Dame Sarah Storey tells Jonathan Agnew about her love of cricket and how she's continued to dominate Paralympic sport over the last three decades.
Jul 24
Alex Hartley and Kate Cross are joined by India legend Smriti Mandhana to discuss where her love of cricket began, captaining Royal Challengers Bangalore in the WPL and what Kate Cross is like as a teammate. Plus she answers some listener questions.
Jul 21
Jonathan Agnew presents your questions to England bowler Mark Wood in the TMS commentary box at Lord’s. Who is his dream bowling partner? How do you mark your run up? And are the England bowlers in competition about who can bowl the fastest?
Jul 20
Broadcaster and author Mishal Husain joins Jonathan Agnew for a View from the Boundary in the TMS commentary box at Lord’s. They discuss her experience interviewing Elon Musk, the partition of India in 1947, and the humbling nature of cricket.
Jul 18
Simon Jones remembers England’s 2005 Ashes glory, in what could be the most iconic and influential summer in English cricketing history. Watch How To Win The Ashes on BBC iPlayer right now. The documentary takes a deep dive into one of sport’s fiercest rivalries. Cricket legends from both sides of 2005’s bitter rivalry, including Simon Jones, Andrew Strauss, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist, bring to life the on-field heroics that captured the nation, and ended 20 years of Ashes hurt for England.
Jul 17
Alison Mitchell speaks to former India women's captain Mithali Raj about how much women's cricket has evolved in India. Raj tells us about her journey into the sport, how the media coverage of women's cricket has changed and hosting the upcoming ODI World Cup. She also shares her thoughts on what needs to be done to ensure the women's game continues to thrive in India and the impact cricket could have in the Olympics. Plus former England cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent and former IPL player Abhishek Jhunjhunwala tell us about the significance of the Women’s Premier League, contracts and the opportunities for female cricketers in India.
Jul 16
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross gauge the mood in the England camp ahead of their ODI series against India. They look at the England team being in transition as Charlotte Edwards’ side look to bounce back from the T20 series defeat. Crossy discusses the increasing media scrutiny in the women’s game and they also react to THAT West Indies innings which saw them bowled out for 27 against Australia. Plus, have you put crisps on a sandwich?
Jul 13
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross are joined by Sam Perry and Ian Higgins, who you will know better as The Grade Cricketer. The globally known podcasters join Alex & Crossy to discuss the Women's Ashes, how the podcast came to be, and the differences between grade cricket in Australia and club cricket in England. Plus, do people actually know their names?
Jul 11
Stephan Shemilt speaks to Joe Root after he becomes the record catch-taker in Test cricket, surpassing Rahul Dravid’s 710 catches. He discusses his methods in the slip cordon, what’s mentally required to stay switched on for long periods, and what the slip cordon talk about during a long day out in the field.
Jul 8
Jonathan Agnew takes a View from the Boundary with comedian and professional quizzer Paul Sinha. Best known as the “Sinnerman” from TV quiz programme “The Chase”, Sinha shares his love of cricket including memories of watching India win the 1983 World Cup Final and his own batting performances as a medical student.
Jul 7
We profile India’s new test captain Shubman Gill who could become one of cricket’s superstars. Simon Mann is joined by Cheteshwar Pujara, Deep DasGupta, Michael Vaughan, Prakash Wakankar and Andy Zaltzman. They ask if Gill could be the player to follow in the footsteps of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Jul 6
Jonathan Agnew talks to former Warwickshire and England spinner Ashley Giles about his life and career. Giles has been an England player, coach, selector and managing director and has experienced highs and lows in all those roles. They talk the iconic 2005 Ashes series and some of the challenges he’s faced with his mental health.
Jul 5
Jonathan Agnew welcomes TMS superfan Ravi into the TMS commentary box. Ravi is visually impaired and plays as part of the Lord’s Taverners supers 1s competition. In two days across England’s Tests against India at Headingley and Edgbaston, Ravi meets Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Phil Tufnell and Ebony Rainford-Brent. Plus, his favourite player Yashasvi Jaiswal visits him.
Jul 1
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross look back at Smriti Mandhana’s heroics as India beat England in the first T20 of the series at Trent Bridge. They also discuss their not-so straightforward day at Rock for Ruth and Alex rates which TMS commentators she would take to Glastonbury. Send us your questions: Email - noballspodcast@bbc.co.uk Instagram - noballstcp
Jun 26
Author Joanne Harris speaks to Jonathan Agnew as she tells the story of her career at her first day at a Test match. She reveals some amazing details of the process of writing a novel and her life growing up in Yorkshire.
Jun 25
Jonathan Agnew, Steven Finn, Cheteshwar Pujara and Sir Alastair Cook debate whether India's brilliant Jasprit Bumrah is the most complete fast-bowler in cricket history.
Jun 21
Jonathan Agnew hears from Sir Clive Lloyd, Dickie Bird and more to remember the West Indies' thrilling win against Australia to lift the first Men's World Cup in 1975.
Jun 15
Simon Mann is joined by author and cricket journalist Tim Wigmore, BBC sport writer Tim Abraham and lead commentator Jonathan Agnew to reflect on how Test Cricket has evolved and what the future could look like. They debate the calendar, competition of other formats and the influence that India have on the game. Plus the team assess the financial situation on the viability of the game.
Jun 12
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross speak to Richmond Cricket Club chairman Chris Goldie after THAT viral innings which saw his side bowled all out for two. Exclusively to No Balls, he reveals all that went on during the game, the circumstances behind the result, and the media attention the club received after it. Plus, they discuss Crossy reaching 100 ODI wickets in her 100th England appearance - becoming the second fastest England woman to do so. And, does Kate still have her appendix? Email us at: noballspodcast@bbc.co.uk
Jun 10
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma opens up to Alison Mitchell ahead of South Africa’s World Test Championship final against Australia. They talk about his position as captain and role model, especially as the first black African to score a Test century for South Africa, but also talk about how they take inspiration from the Springboks, his desire to play more Test cricket, his relationship with his coach, his advocacy for stem cell research, and what it’ll be like working with Stuart Broad ahead of the final…
Jun 9
Alison Mitchell speaks to Australia captain Pat Cummins, wicketkeeper Alex Carey, and bowler Beau Webster from the Australian High Commission in London. In front of a live audience they discuss the mood in the squad ahead of the World Test Championship final, the younger players joining the squad, and returning to Lord's for the first time since the 2023 Ashes series when Carey infamously stumped Jonny Bairstow.
Jun 4
BBC Cricket reporter Henry Moeran hears how the Scotland Women’s cricket team went from being their nations team of the year and their historic first World Cup appearance, to not having a single fixture in their calendar. In December 2024, a month after playing in their first ever World Cup, Scotland’s women had just been named their nations sporting team of the year. Six months later, they have no International fixtures and have not played at home since 2022. Henry Moeran is joined by TMS commentator Daniel Norcross to assess what could be done to help Scotland and hears from the Director of Performance at Cricket Scotland, Steve Snell. Snell tells us how the lack of fixtures impacts the team and his message to the governing body. Plus Scotland players Abtaha Maqsood and Sarah Bryce share their concerns of what could happen to Scottish cricket if the situation is not resolved.
May 30
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross talk about Crossy winning the FIRST EVER Women's County Cup with Lancashire Thunder, her send-off when she bowled Kira Chathli, and they react to England's T20 clean sweep of West Indies. Plus, Alex gives a spin bowling masterclass. Email us at: noballspodcast@bbc.co.uk
May 28
Stephan Shemilt has been speaking to some of the people who have known Nat Sciver-Brunt the longest to determine if they always knew she was captaincy material. Stephan speaks to former Middlesex captain turned commentator Isabelle Westbury who attended the same school as Nat Sciver-Brunt in the Netherlands and she shares her first thoughts on the all-rounder. Stephan is also joined by national selector Lydia Greenway who played alongside Sciver-Brunt for England and her former coach Mark Robinson who moved her up the batting order. Plus we go behind the scenes and speak to Nat Sciver-Brunt's wife and England legend Katherine, who shares her memories of playing and living with the new England captain.
May 24
Comedian & writer Geoff Norcott joins Jonathan Agnew is the TMS commentary box at Trent Bridge. He tells Aggers about his love for cricket starting when revising for exams in 1993, coaching his son's team, and being 6 not-out after batting for two hours.
May 23
Alison Mitchell speaks to Former Zimbabwe bowler Henry Olonga and former England captain Nasser Hussain about the black armband protest which caused Olonga and team-mate Andy Flower to flee Zimbabwe. Hussain & Olonga speak for the first time since 2003 when the England captain met with Olonga to understand to situation in Zimbabwe. Plus, Jonathan Agnew recalls covering the story as the BBC's Cricket Correspondent.
May 21
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross are back as a new era begins for England’s women with Charlotte Edwards as head coach and Nat Sciver-Brunt as captain. What was Alex’s experience leaving Pakistan following international tensions with India? What does Kate think of England’s new leadership team? And what’s the weirdest thing they’ve ever talked about during a match? Email us at: noballspodcast@bbc.co.uk
Apr 29
After 14 year old Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed record after record en route to his 35-ball hundred, Henry Moeran is joined by former IPL batter Abhishek Jhunjhunwala and commentator Matt Floyd to find out more about the teenage superstar. We learn more about his back story, how he’s been managed, and how Rajasthan Royals – and Indian Cricket – can look after and nurture such a precocious talent.
Apr 7
We bring you a special episode from Lords, where the TMS team had the honour of hosting the 2025 MCC Cowdrey Lecture. In this second part, Jonathan Agnew is joined by Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Ebony Rainford-Brent to discuss what the Spirit of Cricket means to them and their memories of TMS. There’s also chat around who will be England’s next white-ball captain, as well as a look ahead to a big year for both the England men’s and women’s teams. Make sure you’re subscribed to TMS wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you don’t miss any episodes over the summer.
Apr 4
We bring you a special episode from Lords, where the TMS team had the honour of hosting the 2025 MCC Cowdrey Lecture. In this first part, Jonathan Agnew is joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan to discuss what the Spirit of Cricket means to them, reflecting on moments from their playing careers. They also talk about the changing landscape of the sport & Michael shares his ideas for how to further modernise County Cricket. Part 2 will be out soon. Make sure you’re subscribed to TMS wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you don’t miss any episodes over the summer.
Mar 10
Mark Chapman is joined by Michael Vaughan, Jimmy Anderson and England men’s managing director Rob Key. They talk about where England’s men’s cricket is at the moment – what’s next? How will England look to change the picture across the board? And what will the process be to replace Jos Buttler as white-ball captain?
Feb 27
After England crash out of the Champions Trophy, Henry Moeran and the TMS team ask just what’s going wrong at the moment. Across the men’s and women’s teams, England have lost 16 out of the 17 games they’ve played in 2025. Is it an attitude problem? An image problem? Captaincy? Or is there more to it than that? Henry is joined by World Cup winner Alex Hartley, and TMS colleagues Aatif Nawaz and Daniel Norcross
Feb 6
Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by the BBC’s Sports Editor Dan Roan, Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt & TMS commentator Daniel Norcross to analyse ‘The Hundred’ team sales. We’ll hear from ECB Director of Business Operations Vikram Banerjee, as well as Southern Brave & Sussex fast bowler Tymal Mills. We’ll also be answering some of the questions you sent in to the BBC Sport website.
Jan 10
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross have a final catch-up before the Women’s Ashes get underway. Kate gives an injury update with the first game right around the corner, and they discuss why women should play more Test cricket. Vote for No Balls in the Sport Podcast Awards 2025 – we’re nominated for THREE categories, and it only takes a minute to vote: Best Cricket Podcast https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-cricket-podcast/ Best Sports Comedy Podcast https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-sports-comedy-podcast/ Diverse Voices Award https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/sports-diverse-voices-award/ Listen to every ball of the Women’s Ashes from Australia on BBC Sounds, or via the BBC Sport website or app. The first ODI starts at 11:30pm on Saturday 11th January.
Jan 6
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross look ahead to the Women’s Ashes which starts in Sydney which week. They discuss who the star performers might be, and what the mentality is inside the England camp after a dominant tour in South Africa. Plus, Alex has some WAshes predictions. Listen to every ball of the Women’s Ashes from Australia on BBC Sounds, or via the BBC Sport website or app. The first ODI starts at 11:30pm on Saturday 11th January.
Jan 5
We review another absorbing Test as Australia won by six wickets at the SCG to take the series against India 3-1 and reclaim the Border Gavaskar series for the first time in over a decade. We get analysis from Alison Mitchell, former Australia coach Darren Lehmann and former Australia bowler Stuart Clark. Isa Guha speaks with player of the match Scott Boland plus captains Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah and we also hear from Australian opener Usman Khawja.
Jan 1
Henry Moeran is alongside the BBC’s chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew and TMS statistician Andy Zaltzman to look ahead to England’s Men’s 2025. With a home Test series against India and the Ashes down under at the end of the year, it could prove to be a pivotal year for Ben Stokes as captain.
Dec 26, 2024
Henry Moeran is alongside commentator Dan Norcross & TMS statistician Andy Zaltzman pick their global cricketing awards for 2024 - the Full Tosscars. Which India bowler has had an incredible year? Which English batter(s) gets nominated for worst shot of the year? And which side goes home with the best win of the year?
Dec 23, 2024
2024 is going to be a memorable year for Joe Root. He became England’s highest ever run scorer, and overtook Sir Alastair Cook’s Test century record for England too, but how did that feel and how did he get there? In his own words, along with England captain Ben Stokes and friend & longtime teammate Jimmy Anderson, he talks us through his incredible year, and how he came to be one of England’s greats.
Dec 21, 2024
Alex Hartley and Kate Cross have a festive catch up after Kate’s return from South Africa. They discuss Kate’s back injury which meant she hardly played in South Africa and the road to recovery ahead of next month’s Ashes series in Australia. They also reflect on England’s success in all formats across the series which served as good preparation before heading down under. Plus, what do they both want for Christmas?
Dec 6, 2024
It’s been 10 years since the death of former Australia player Phillip Hughes. The 25 year old passed away after being struck on the neck by a short ball during a Sheffield Shield match. It was a tragedy which sent shock waves across the cricketing world and the anniversary is being marked with commemorations throughout Australia. In a special tribute ABC commentator Andrew Moore speaks with Tom Cooper who was Hughes’s batting partner that fateful day, legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath and former Australia coach Darren Lehmann who reveals Hughes was set to be told about an international recall the day he died.
Dec 3, 2024
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross discuss England’s dominant displays in England’s T20 series win against South Africa Women, and how the tour is great preparation ahead of the Women’s Ashes next month. Plus, they ask you for your best cricketing look-alikes after Jacob Bethell was likened to… Pat Butcher. noballspodcast@bbc.co.uk Listen to every game of England's tour of South Africa on BBC Sounds, with commentary of the first ODI in Kimberley at 11:45am on Wednesday 4th December.
Nov 22, 2024
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross look ahead to England’s tour of South Africa with Kate in the ODI and Test squad. She discusses how she’s been preparing for the series having had six weeks away from cricket. They speak to a listener who has named their puppy after one of them, and have you named a pet after someone famous? noballspodcast@bbc.co.uk
Nov 22, 2024
Alex Hartley & Kate Cross talk about how Kate’s preparation has gone as she gets ready to head to South Africa for England’s ODIs and Test. They discuss the tent which has been built at England’s High Performance Centre to help players acclimatise to pitch conditions around the world, as well as more of your stories on naming pets after sport stars. Plus, they play a game to get Kate ready for her trip. Listen to every game of England's tour of South Africa on BBC Sounds, with the first T20 starting at 12pm on Sunday 24th November.
Oct 21, 2024
Jonathan Agnew speaks to former Pakistan captain Urooj Mumtaz. Now splitting her time between cricket commentary and dentistry, Mumtaz talks about the struggles of not being allowed to play cricket as a child, the opportunities for women in cricket now compared to when she was growing up, and how she'll be straight back to her dental practice once England's tour of Pakistan is over.
Oct 19, 2024
Henry Moeran is joined by England bowler Tash Farrant and Daniel Norcross to look ahead to the Women's T20 World Cup Final between South Africa and New Zealand in Dubai.
Oct 12, 2024
Kevin Howells is alongside Surrey correspondent Mark Church to speak to former Surrey Director of Cricket Alec Stewart. They discuss Stewart’s legacy as he moves into a new role with Surrey, as well as his thoughts on the long-term future of the County Championship and how Dan Worrall was his “best signing” at the club
Oct 8, 2024
Jonathan Agnew and the TMS team share memories of the astonishing England tour to Pakistan in 2022. England won the first series they’d played in Pakistan in 17 years, becoming the first side to complete a 3 nil victory with some record breaking batting and outstanding bowling. Aggers is joined by Simon Mann, Andy Zaltzman, Aatif Nawaz and Alex Hartley plus we also hear reflections from Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
Sep 20, 2024
It's finally here! Kate and Alex take on umpires Anna Harris and Sue Redfern in the first No Balls Players-Umpires golf day. But who will come out on top? Kate also tells us about second part of England's white-ball tour of Ireland and her feelings now her stint as captain has finished.
Sep 12, 2024
Simon Mann is alongside Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell & Russel Arnold to discuss the pressures of test cricket. From trying to settle in as a debutant to controlling the anxiety of a batter, they tell all as to what was needed to face the challenges at the highest level and where they found their strengths in tough moments. Opening up about issues facing Glenn McGrath, keeping calm when rain delays play, and being “allergic to fielding practice”.
Sep 11, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are in Belfast after Kate secured her first series win as England captain. She tells us she is enjoying the responsibility of captaincy after taking six wickets in the opening match at the weekend. And we're joined by record-breaking batter Tammy Beaumont, after her latest ODI century.
Sep 7, 2024
Jonathan Agnew speaks to musician, and founding member of Genesis, Tony Banks in the TMS commentary box at The Oval. Tony discusses having Allan Lamb invite him to England's dressing room, his classical music work, and having to swap shirts with a stranger to gain access to the MCG.
Sep 3, 2024
Kate and Alex are back to reflect on Crossy being England captain for their upcoming tour to Ireland. We also respond to plenty of listener emails, and we find a new word that Alex can’t pronounce correctly.
Sep 1, 2024
Jonathan is joined by The Guardian's Ali Martin, Wisden Editor & Daily Mail journalist Lawrence Booth, the BBC's Chief Cricket Writer Stephan Shemilt, and Rex Clementine from The Island newspaper over from Sri Lanka to discuss the money involved in watching test cricket. They discuss the price of tickets, as well as the context of England men's test schedule and how low attendances reflect on test cricket in general.
Aug 31, 2024
Jonathan Agnew speaks to actor and screenwriter Ben Willbond. Known for his role in the BBC sitcom Ghosts, Ben discusses the success of the series, as well as his work on Horrible Histories and Ben having a visit from Geoffrey Boycott while he was at school.
Aug 30, 2024
Simon Mann looks back to 1984, when Sri Lanka played their first ever test in England. At Lord's, England captain David Gower chose to bowl after winning the toss on a warm late summer's day, much to the delight of one of England's bowlers at the time - Jonathan Agnew. Sri Lankan batter Sidath Wettimuny gave Aggers, and the rest of England's bowlers, grief scoring 190 in his first innings on the way to leading the experienced side to draw. The three of them recall the first time Sri Lanka came to town for a test.
Aug 23, 2024
Jonathan Agnew talks to BBC 6Music presenter, writer & music journalist Stuart Maconie. They discuss Stuart starting to work in radio via NME, his experiences fell-walking, and the briefest of encounters Stuart had with Prince.
Aug 22, 2024
Former international umpire John Holder joins Jonathan Agnew and Vic Marks for answers to your cricketing predicaments. What if the ball hits a pigeon? How big does an animal have to be to stop play? And can a question 50 years in the making be answered? Plus, John has an announcement to make...
Aug 21, 2024
Jonathan Agnew looks back on Graham Thorpe's life with Alastair Cook, Phil Tufnell, and Thorpe's former captain Michael Vaughan. Thorpe’s former PE teacher Simon Sherborne, who gave him his first opportunity for representative cricket with Surrey, remembers meeting Graham as a promising 11 year old, and Mark Ramprakash discusses the life of his childhood friend.
Aug 19, 2024
Kate and Alex are back to reflect on the Hundred and victories for Oval Invincibles' men and London Spirit's women. Spirit bowler Tara Norris joins the pod to reveal what went on in the dressing room during and after her side's victory in the final. Kate also tells us about her French holiday with some of the Hundred's leading names. And we have the story behind an embarrassing hotel encounter between Alex and an umpire.
Aug 8, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley return, and Kate is loving life as the Northern Superchargers enjoy a strong campaign in the Hundred. She tells us all about that and why teammate Annabel Sutherland could become one of the game's best players. Alex has tales, good and bad, from her presenting exploits. And we've got plenty of time for listeners' questions.
Aug 1, 2024
Kate is in London as the Northern Superchargers continue their Hundred campaign. She tells us about their dramatic draw with Southern Brave and the competition so far. Alex is babysitting a pigeon and tells us about her new role, presenting the Hundred coverage. And we find out who's got the best-looking bowling action in the game.
Jul 29, 2024
Simon Mann sits down with former England bowler Ricky Ellcock to take a look back at his extraordinary life. Ricky discusses the FOUR life-saving brain surgeries he went through, having to prematurely retire from cricket because of SIX stress fractures in his back, and switching is focus to aviation and becoming the first black captain of Virgin Atlantic.
Jul 27, 2024
Jonathan Agnew talks to actor Samantha Bond from the TMS commentary box at Edgbaston. Known for her roles as Miss Moneypenny during the Piers Brosnan era of James Bond, Downton Abbey, and The Marlow Murder Club, Samantha talks about knowing Bob Willis (on Blue for Bob day at Edgbaston), her experiences of stage fright, and having to kiss Piers Brosnan for three hours during a shoot.
Jul 26, 2024
Former international umpire John Holder joins Jonathan Agnew and Vic Marks to rid you of your cricketing quandaries. A six or a dead ball? A no ball or a wicket? And can you clean a cricket ball with your beard?
Jul 21, 2024
Jonathan Agnew welcomes former Crystal Palace and Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison to the TMS commentary box. The 5Live football pundit discusses his friendship with former England bowler Alex Tudor, how he dealt with the pressure of developing through youth football, and the differences between captaining a cricket team to a football team. Plus, Clinton reveals the hard work that goes into being a pundit.
Jul 20, 2024
Jonathan Agnew talks to Dr Adam Rutherford. The scientist, educator and author regularly appearing on television and radio, and along with Dr Hannah Fry hosts the hugely successful BBC Sounds podcast “The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry”. From the TMS commentary box at Trent Bridge they discuss Adam's style when playing cricket, the lack of scientific testing to fully understand how and why a cricket ball swings, and which TMS regular is Aggers loosely related to?
Jul 19, 2024
Daniel Norcross gathers together four legendary West Indies players who have all been Knighted for their services to cricket and who all come from the same island. Antigua may be only 14 miles long and just 11 miles wide, with a population 550 times smaller than the UK – but it has produced an incredible number of great cricketers. Norcross has been speaking to Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Richie Richardson, Sir Curtly Ambrose and Sir Viv Richards.
Jul 13, 2024
Jonathan Agnew speaks to Michael Anderson, Jimmy’s father, to learn more about the legendary bowler away from the cricket pitch. They discuss him developing as a youngster at Lancashire, playing snooker, and when the family began to believe Jimmy could make it as a professional cricketer. Plus, Anderson’s Tailenders co-hosts Greg James, Felix White, and Matt Horan (Mattchin). They talk about the alternative side to Anderson, as well as the “fierce competitor” mode that he sometimes brings to a podcast recording. Also, Mattchin brings up the story of Jimmy’s alter ego ‘Timmy Banderson’.
Jun 27, 2024
England's World Cup defence is over as India thrash them by 68 runs to book their place in the final. Henry Moeran is joined by Steve Finn, Alex Hartley and Phil Tufnell to dissect where it went wrong for England. There's reaction from captains Jos Buttler and Rohit Sharma. Plus, we look ahead to Saturday's final between South Africa and India.
Jun 17, 2024
Alex is heading to the men’s T20 World Cup and tells us all about where she’ll be heading in the coming weeks. Kate gives us the lowdown on England’s ODI series win against Pakistan. And we find out how the England squad keep themselves entertained during rain delays.
Jun 10, 2024
Alex Hartley is in America for the men's T20 World Cup and tells us all about going to India v Pakistan in New York. Meanwhile, Kate explains why a teammate thinks of her as a Grandma and tells us about the ponytail, which caused more than a stir at the weekend.
Jun 1, 2024
Alex is heading to the men’s T20 World Cup and tells us all about where she’ll be heading in the coming weeks. Kate gives us the lowdown on England’s ODI series win against Pakistan. And we find out how the England squad keep themselves entertained during rain delays.
May 24, 2024
Kate’s played her first international of the summer against Pakistan, and she gives us behind-the-scenes insight following England’s unspectacular win at Derby. Alex has news of her broken down car, while owls, snails and Pitbull all make an appearance. And there’s loads of listener emails to answer as well.
May 22, 2024
Kevin Howells, Tymal Mills & Emily Windsor are joined by Worcestershire CEO Ashely Giles. They discuss the sad passing of Worcestershire spinner Josh Baker, at just the age of 20, and how the team will be commemorating Baker. Plus, Giles talks about the future of New Road, Worcestershire’s ground, as the flooding issues it faces will only get worse going forward, he says. He also looks at the effects not being able to access the pitch and the training pitches has had on the Worcestershire side. And, why is it so hard to get Tymal & Emily in one place at the same time?
May 3, 2024
After time away in the Lake District with her England teammates, Kate Cross tells Alex Hartley all about a fun - and tough - few days. Plus, plenty of emails to get through!
Apr 26, 2024
With April being Autism Awareness Month, Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are joined by Thunder teammate Olivia Thomas to learn about her experiences of living with autism and ADHD.
Apr 23, 2024
Why can't RCB find form despite the heroics of Virat Kohli? And can Rajasthan Royals continue their brilliant season? Nikesh Rughani and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala discuss it all.
Apr 19, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley give their thoughts on the new women's domestic set-up and have tales of their winter adventures. Plus, Alex is becoming a golf person...
Apr 16, 2024
Tymal Mills and Steven Finn join Nikesh Rughani to discuss Jos Buttler's latest heroics after another dramatic week in the IPL. Plus, we hear from Punjab Kings' Kagiso Rabada.
Apr 9, 2024
Simon Mann, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala and Nikesh Rughani talk through some Buttler and Kohli brilliance, and we've got an exclusive interview with Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan.
Apr 7, 2024
England bowler Kate Cross is fresh off the field at the end of the tour to New Zealand. Kate, Alex Hartley and former New Zealand wicket-keeper Katey Martin discuss the action.
Mar 30, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley react to England Women's successful T20 series in New Zealand and preview the upcoming ODIs. Plus, a full analysis of Alex's first round of golf!
Mar 26, 2024
Simon Mann is with former England and IPL star Ravi Bopara as well as Aatif Nawaz to discuss tight finishes, captaincy conundrums and English performances at the start of the IPL.
Mar 22, 2024
As the 2024 Indian Premier League gets underway Henry Moeran, Simon Mann and former IPL star Abhishek Jhunjhunwala look ahead to all of the excitement of this year's competition.
Mar 19, 2024
Royal Challengers Bangalore are WPL champions and Kate Cross has the inside story. Meanwhile, Alex Hartley's Multan Sultans come so close to winning the PSL in last-ball drama.
Mar 14, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are busy in the franchises of India and Pakistan, including seeing some remarkable individual performances. Plus, Alex has FINALLY discovered golf.
Mar 4, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are busy playing and coaching overseas and have much news to bring. Plus, Alex’s coaching buddy Cath Dalton drops in to talk through the PSL so far.
Mar 3, 2024
In the third of a three episode mini-series, Daniel Norcross is alongside Vic Marks, Prakash Wakankar and Jonathan Agnew to look back at England's turbulent tour of India in 1984/85. This episode begins in Chennai (formerly Madras) with the test series between England and India finely poised at 1-1 with two to play. Can England complete the turnaround and go down in history as the first side to come from behind to win a test series in India? With Vic and Aggers with the England squad, they relive the moments of watching on as the David Gower-lead side attempt the feat. Plus, they all look back on the legacy of this England squad and what comes next for them.
Mar 2, 2024
In the second of a three episode mini-series, Daniel Norcross is alongside Vic Marks, Peter Baxter, Prakash Wakankar and Jonathan Agnew to look back at England's turbulent tour of India in 1984/85. This episode begins at the end of England's first test against India in Wankhede, but 3rd December 1984 is remembered for a very different reason. The Bhopal disaster occurred. They discuss what is was like to be close to such a catastrophic event and how it affected the atmosphere inside the stadiums when playing cricket. Switching focus back to the cricket, Vic recalls the beginning of England's fight-back in the second test of the series in Delhi.
Mar 1, 2024
In the first of a three episode mini-series, Daniel Norcross is alongside Vic Marks, Peter Baxter and Prakash Wakankar to look back at England's turbulent tour of India in 1984/85. Just hours after the England team had arrived India's prime minister, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated. What did this mean for the England team? What was it like to be in New Delhi? They discuss everything from restlessly staying in their hotels, to where they were when they were told the news, and whether this meant that any cricket would be played at all. Hear the first person accounts of Vic Marks who was part of the England squad, Peter Baxter who was producing TMS from India, and Prakash Wakankar who was celebrating his birthday in Pune.
Feb 29, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are experiencing the thrill of WPL/PSL franchise cricket and tell all from behind-the-scenes. Plus, we're joined by one of the stars of the WPL so far.
Feb 28, 2024
Former Hampshire and England offspinner Shaun Udal joins Daniel Norcross to talk about England’s tour of India in 2006, including the famous “Ring of Fire” win in Mumbai. Plus they discuss how his life has changed since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2019.
Feb 21, 2024
The India and Pakistan adventures have begun for Kate and Alex, and they’ve got the latest from the PSL and WPL camps. Including team songs, learning Hindi and nocturnal Alex. Look out for some special emails, too!
Feb 13, 2024
Your two favourite Red Roses - Kate Cross and Alex Hartley - team up with the Tailenders team to talk all things Valentine's Day. Stand by for some truly cringeworthy stories...
Feb 8, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are both set for cricketing adventures - Alex is off to coach in Pakistan, Kate's heading to the Women's Premier League. Plus, more animal quandaries.
Feb 7, 2024
Daniel Norcross talks to Alastair Cook about what it takes to play cricket in India. Cook captained England to a test series victory in India in 2012, which is still the last time a visiting team won a test series there. Alastair talks about what England do differently to other nations visiting India, where Alastair ranks India as the toughest place to go, and being in a hotel overlooking the Himalayas with 2000 waiting outside for the team.
Jan 31, 2024
Kevin Pietersen looks back to November 2012 and his inredible innings of 186 against India in Mumbai. The 2012 series was the last time a touring team won a test series in India. The innings has since been compared to the recent heroics of Ollie Pope following his 196 against India which helped England to win the first match of a five test series.
Jan 30, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley give their low-down on the England and West Indies men's wins over the weekend, and Alex has the latest from her first skiing trip in 15 years.
Jan 24, 2024
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Stephan Shemilt and Prakash Wakankar to preview England's Tests in India. Plus, Ben Stokes on how his side will approach this toughest of challenges.
Jan 22, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley look at the big cricketing issues of the week (at least some of the time). There's India chat, Hundred money discussions and Alex has a new car.
Jan 15, 2024
Cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley talk through another week in their lives in cricket. There's a remarkable story about directions, and Kate remembers a joke gone wrong...
Jan 5, 2024
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are together to look back on Alex's bed-bound Christmas, plus a look-ahead to the New Year with some resolutions from your favourite cricketing duo.
Dec 22, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley talk through what went wrong in the Test versus India, and after months of promises it's time to hear from BBC commentary legend Jonathan Agnew.
Dec 12, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley reflect on the T20s between England and India, and there's a look ahead to the Test match. There are also emails, games and non-existent spin classes.
Dec 9, 2023
Immediate reaction from Kate Cross who has been picked up in the Women's Premier League draft to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Alex Hartley, RCB's biggest fan, is excited!
Nov 29, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are together again, with Kate in Oman playing a lot of golf and Alex recovering from a *truly* horrible journey. Plus, lots of emails and DMs!
Nov 17, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley talk through the Men's World Cup semi-finals in India, including Alex trying her best to go and meet David Beckham at the Wankhede Stadium.
Nov 9, 2023
Kate and Alex speak to Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell about *that* double-century he hit against Afghanistan in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. He talks about exactly why he was on one leg and what him and captain Pat Cummins were talking about on the crease to get him through what will go down as one of the greatest innings of all time.
Oct 25, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are on opposite sides of India taking in the Men's World Cup and have plenty of tales to tell. Plus, Alex talks through becoming a coach at the PSL.
Oct 14, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley talk through the start of the men's World Cup, with plenty of tales from Alex's travels around India. Plus, there's lots to explore in the email inbox!
Sep 26, 2023
As the international summer comes to an end, England head to India to defend their 50 over World Cup title. Simon Mann is joined by record breaking bowler James Anderson, World Cup winners Tymal Mills and Alex Hartley and TMS Statistician Andy Zaltzman to look ahead to the tournament. Plus we hear from England white ball coach Matthew Mott. EVERY BALL of EVERY MATCH in the World Cup will be available live on the BBC with video highlights on the BBC Sport website and app.
Sep 23, 2023
Cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley talk through their week and reflect on what has been a memorable English summer. There's also a special musical interlude from a TMS friend!
Sep 20, 2023
As England drop Jason Roy from their World Cup squad in favour of Harry Brook, Henry Moeran speaks to record breaking England bowler James Anderson, World Cup winner Ebony Rainford-Brent, BBC Sport Chief Cricket Writer Stephan Shemilt and TMS statistician Andy Zaltzman. Plus we hear from England national selector Luke Wright.
Sep 15, 2023
Jonathan Agnew is joined by James Anderson and Jeremy Coney to assess how England’s ODI team look ahead of the World Cup. They review the series win against New Zealand, hear from England captain Jos Buttler, player of the series Dawid Malan and Kiwi captain Tom Latham. Plus the journalist panel of Stephan Shemilt, John Etheridge and Will Macpherson discuss the Harry Brook conundrum, the ODI return of Ben Stokes and Andrew Flintoff working with the England side.
Sep 11, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley speak to 17-year-old fast bowler Mahika Gaur, just two weeks after her England debut. Plus, a run-down of what went wrong in the T20s vs Sri Lanka.
Sep 5, 2023
As England draw their T20 series with New Zealand, Henry Moeran gets the views of England legend James Anderson and former Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming. England’s white ball coach Matthew Mott has the latest on whether Harry Brook could break into the World Cup squad, plus we hear from Ashes heroes Mark Wood and Chris Woakes. And England women’s coach Jon Lewis looks ahead to the deciding T20 against Sri Lanka.
Sep 4, 2023
Cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley chat to former England teammate Anya Shrubsole to talk through her time in the game, including finishing with a trophy at Lord’s.
Aug 31, 2023
Alex Hartley and Kate Cross reflect on an emotional few days as Alex bows out from playing professional cricket and Kate plays in the final of the Hundred. They also look ahead to England’s T20 series against Sri Lanka and answer your questions.
Aug 21, 2023
Mark Chapman is joined by Phil Tufnell, Steven Finn and Henry Moeran as we say goodbye to Katherine Sciver-Brunt, as she retires from professional cricket. Her former England teammate Tammy Beaumont joins the team as we reflect on Katherine’s successes. Steven also talks about his retirement from professional cricket, his knee-injury, and Finn’s Law. Plus we discuss Ben Stokes, after he announced that he’ll play in England’s series against New Zealand that begins next Wednesday.
Aug 21, 2023
Cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are together to talk through a busy few weeks in the Hundred. And as Alex made a promise to No Balls listeners, you heard it here first...
Aug 5, 2023
Stuart Broad retired after dramatically taking the last two wickets in the 2023 Ashes series. Broad had no doubts that he’d picked the perfect moment to call it a day. But how do players decide the right time to retire? Daniel Norcross is joined by Sir Alastair Cook who scored a century in his last Test also at the Oval and Michael Vaughan who retired in 2009 following injury problems.
Aug 4, 2023
Daniel Norcross is joined by a selection panel of Sir Alastair Cook, TMS stats guru Andy Zaltzman and the chief cricket writer of the BBC Sport website Stephan Shemilt to try and predict what England’s Ashes line-up could look like when the series is next played in England. Will Ben Stokes still be leading the team in 4 years, who will be the replacements for Broad and Anderson and which current young county players could be Ashes series starters in 2027.
Aug 2, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley reflect on an amazing end to the MAshes and WAshes summer and discuss whether Stuart Broad’s bail tricks will catch on. And they look ahead to the start of the Hundred and offer their predictions on which team will win and whether Kate or Alex will take more wickets!
Jul 31, 2023
Jonathan Agnew brings together one of the greatest Ashes rivalries for a catch up. Michael Atherton and Glenn McGrath join Aggers in the Test Match Special commentary box at The Oval. They discuss the battles they used to have on the pitch and McGrath getting the wicket of Atherton 19 times in Ashes cricket.
Jul 30, 2023
Jonathan Agnew presents a look back on the life and career of Stuart Broad. Hear from Stuart's father, former England opener Chris Broad, his mother Carole, and teammate Steven Finn on his experiences with Broad.
Jul 29, 2023
Jonathan Agnew talks to actor, comedian, presenter and writer Stephen Mangan in the TMS commentary box at The Oval. Mangan recalls memories of following England around the world, watching cricket while in geography lessons at school, and meeting Robert De Niro.
Jul 28, 2023
Daniel Norcross talks to promoter, chairman of Matchroom Sport, the Professional Darts Corporation and presenter of 5Live’s No Passion No Point podcast, Eddie Hearn for his views on the game of cricket. Hearn discuss whether the result outweighs the result in sport, how personalities helps cricket grow, and how cricket was the only sport he played growing up.
Jul 25, 2023
Henry Moeran is joined by the BBC's Chief Cricket Writer Stephan Shemilt and Australian journalist Geoff Lemon to preview the fifth and final Test. Plus, we hear from Harry Brook.
Jul 25, 2023
Jonathan Agnew and Vic Marks ask former international umpire John Holder your questions on the laws of cricket
Jul 22, 2023
Jonathan Agnew, Mike Gatting, Mark Taylor, Glenn McGrath, Michael Vaughan & Isa Guha look back on *that* ball from Shane Warne, and share stories of the late Australian. Hear the moment Mike Gatting faced a recreation of the ball from a bowling machine and former Australia captain Mark Taylor finally apologises to Jonathan Agnew for blocking his view of the ball.
Jul 19, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have lived the WAshes on the field and in the commentary box. Here's the inside story, including dropped catches, dropped trophies and lots more!
Jul 18, 2023
England thrashed Australia in Taunton to draw the Women's Ashes series and inflict a first bilateral one-day international series defeat on the tourists since 2013. In this podcast Henry Moeran is joined by Hundred winner Emily Windsor, former Australia captain Alex Blackwell and England World Cup winner Alex Hartley to look back on a momentous day. We hear from England captain Heather Knight, Australia captain Alyssa Healy and player of the series Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Jul 16, 2023
Australia retained the Women's Ashes following a dramatic three-run victory over England, who so nearly pulled off a remarkable victory through Nat Sciver-Brunt's masterful unbeaten century. Henry Moeran is joined by World Cup winner Georgia Elwiss and former Australia captain Alex Blackwell to reflect on another thrilling match. Plus we hear from England captain Heather Knight, Australia captain Alyssa Healy and spin bowler Alana King. Photo: The Australia players celebrate their victory over England during the Women's Ashes 2nd We Got Game ODI match between England and Australia at Ageas Bowl on July 16, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Jul 15, 2023
Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey speaks in public for the first time about his controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s and we get a fascinating take on the Ashes summer from Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite in conversation with Daniel Norcross.
Jul 14, 2023
Ben Stokes keeps producing remarkable performances for England especially in the Ashes, but should he now be considered as England’s greatest ever all-rounder? Daniel Norcross speaks to Sir Alastair Cook the captain who brought Stokes into the Test team 10 years ago, whilst TMS numbers guru Andy Zaltzman provides a statistical analysis.
Jul 13, 2023
Fresh from hitting an unbeaten 19 against Australia in the first WAshes ODI, Kate Cross talks through her innings alongside No Balls co-host Alex Hartley.
Jul 13, 2023
Simon Mann chats with Australia’s “Voice of Summer” Jim Maxwell who is celebrating 50 years in cricket broadcasting. It’s also 40 years since Jim first appeared on Test Match Special. As well as discussing his career highlights, Jim also takes your questions including his memories of Shane Warne and which commentators he’s enjoyed working with most over the years.
Jul 11, 2023
Jonathan Agnew gets a different perspective on the Ashes from financial expert, campaigner and TV, Radio and 5 Live Podcast presenter Martin Lewis. Lewis discusses his love of cricket and parallels between fair play in the game and fair play in the world of money.
Jul 10, 2023
England bowler Kate Cross and Alex Hartley talk through the memorable T20 series win over Australia that keeps England in the WAshes. There's also loads of MAshes chat, too!
Jul 10, 2023
Jonathan Agnew is joined by a journalist panel at Headingley to discuss the latest Ashes talking points. Emma John from the Guardian, Gideon Haigh from the Australian and John Etheridge from the Sun talk Brook batting, Spirit of cricket and possible changes for Old Trafford.
Jul 8, 2023
England pulled off a thrilling 5 wicket win at Lord’s as Australia lost their first T20 series in 6 years. Henry Moeran is joined by Alex Hartley and Alex Blackwell and there is reaction from Heather Knight, Alice Capsey and Alyssa Healy.
Jul 6, 2023
Men’s England manager Gareth Southgate joins Jonathan Agnew for a View from the Boundary. Southgate talks about the differences in managing in football compared to cricket, what he learnt from Euro ’96, and batting with his son.
Jul 3, 2023
Jonathan Agnew is joined by writer and broadcaster Melinda Farrell, editor of Wisden Lawrence Booth and Guardian sports writer Jonathan Liew to discuss the controversies of Lord’s, where Bazball goes from here and the future of James Anderson.
Jul 1, 2023
Johnathan Agnew is joined by the UK's Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to talk about playing cricket as a child, Bazball, and getting sledged by Sam Curran.
Jun 28, 2023
England bowler Kate Cross and World Cup winner Alex Hartley discuss the Women's Ashes Test, plus discover that some people think a cornflake sandwich is a good breakfast option...
Jun 28, 2023
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Isa Guha, the Daily Mirror’s cricket correspondent Dean Wilson & BBC Sport Editor Dan Roan to discuss the ICEC report suggesting “widespread discrimination” in cricket. We also hear from Cindy Butts, the author of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket report, the Chair of the ECB Richard Thompson, and England Men’s test captain Ben Stokes.
Jun 25, 2023
England cricket legend, Katherine Sciver Brunt, answers your questions. Hosted by Henry Moeran.
Jun 17, 2023
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Australian actor, television presenter, comedian and screen/stage writer Mark Little to talk about his career, his attempts at playing cricket at the young age of 63, and playing Bottom in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Jun 13, 2023
In the penultimate episode, Glenn McGrath takes us back to the 1997 Ashes where he demolished England’s batting order, taking 36 wickets as Australia secured a 3-2 series victory. He describes his excitement at joining one of the great Australian Test sides, why Lord’s is the “perfect” ground for him and why that Australia side was so dominant against England.
Jun 12, 2023
England captain Ben Stokes speaks to Isa Guha ahead of the Ashes. Stokes explains why he’ll never change his approach, why results are the last thing he prioritises, why cricket should be fun, and whether or not the Ashes is the ‘ultimate challenge’ in Test cricket. Plus he tells us which of his England teammates is most like Tom Cruise…
Jun 12, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley bring news of the upcoming live show, there's reaction to England Women's Test squad, and Coldplay man has been asked if he's really a listener...
Jun 12, 2023
In episode 2, Mitchell Johnson tells his story of how he went on to terrify England's batting order in the 2013-14 Ashes Series down under - with one of the most devastating displays of fast bowling ever seen.
Jun 12, 2023
Alastair Cook relives an incredible individual performance during the 2010-11 Ashes down under. He had a poor record against Australia coming into the series, but ended it as England's top scorer with an astonishing 766 runs, including three centuries.
Jun 11, 2023
In episode 5, Stuart Broad relives one of the most devastating spells of bowling the Ashes has ever seen from an England bowler. Breaking records after taking 8 wickets for just 15 runs on the first morning of the fourth Test at his home ground, he helped his side reclaim The Ashes in stunning & beautifully ferocious fashion.
Jun 10, 2023
Steve Smith discusses his comeback story. In 2018 his career came crashing down as he resigned as Australia’s Test Captain, and then subsequently banned from the sport after his part in the ball-tampering scandal during a tour of South Africa. After serving the suspension, he returned for the 2019 Ashes Series – where he was ready to make up for lost time.
Jun 9, 2023
Ben Stokes relives one of the most remarkable comeback performances in Test Match cricket history as we look back at Headingley, 2019.
Jun 7, 2023
In a new series, some of England and Australia's greatest players take us behind the scenes of the most memorable Ashes moments. In the opening episode, Jimmy Anderson tells the story of the dramatic Trent Bridge Test of 2013. He gives us his insight on Stuart Broad's refusal to walk, Ashton Agar's remarkable display with the bat, and taking back-to-back five wicket hauls.
Jun 5, 2023
The man England fans love to hate, David Warner, sits down with Isa Guha for an exclusive interview. They talk about his legacy, his love of the Ashes, what it’s like when 20,000 England fans are booing you, and his battle against Stuart Broad.
Jun 4, 2023
It’s the 30th anniversary of Shane Warne’s iconic delivery to Mike Gatting in the 1993 Ashes series. In a special programme recorded in 2013, the late Warne joined Gatting along with Phil Tufnell, Michael Vaughan and host Mark Chapman to remember one of the most famous moments in Ashes history.
Jun 3, 2023
Jonathan Agnew is joined by the Grammy award winning music producer Giles Martin to share stories of working with the likes of Elton John and remixing the Beatles albums originally produced by his father Sir George Martin.
May 26, 2023
Cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are back again to reflect on a busy week. In another frank episode, Alex wants to tell the No Balls listeners something important.
May 25, 2023
The fourth episode of a new series where the BBC’s Chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt discovers untold stories from the Ashes. David Gower breathes rarefied air as a legend of English Ashes cricket. A four-time winner – twice down under – Gower has played more Tests for England against Australia, 42, than all but Colin Cowdrey. Only the great Jack Hobbs made more runs for England against the Aussies than Gower’s 3,269. As captain in 1985, Gower led England to a 3-1 series win whilst making 732 runs in the process. Little did Gower, or anyone, know that 1985 was to be the last time England won a home Ashes series for 20 years, a desolate run that began when he was put back in charge for what turned out to be a calamitous 1989 contest involving a famous press conference, News at 10, a rebel tour and a large wine bill.
May 24, 2023
The final episode in the series where the BBC’s Chief Cricket writer Stephan Shemilt discovers untold stories from the Ashes. Few have experienced more of England’s modern Ashes history than Alastair Cook. During a 12-year international career, Cook played every one of a possible 35 Ashes Tests, scoring more runs than any player on either side. Only Archie MacLaren, at the beginning of the last century, led England in more Ashes Tests than Cook’s 15 as skipper. Cook was player of the series in a win down under, but was also captain when an England team fell apart in a 5-0 hammering. We find out why he wrestled Graeme Swann in the dressing room at The Oval and why he was reduced to tears after scoring what turned out to be his final Ashes hundred. Don’t forget you can catch up on all the other episodes on BBC Sounds with guests Glenn McGrath, Steve Finn, Sarah Elliott and David Gower plus you can read much more on the BBC Sport website and app.
May 18, 2023
Cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have both had testing weeks and discuss it all. Plus, reflections on England's Test squad announcement and MAshes and WAshes build-up
May 12, 2023
Nikesh Rughani, Ravi Bopara and Steven Finn review a thrilling week at the Indian Premier League. Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring the quickest half century in IPL history, a brilliant hundred by Suryakumar Yadav and an incredible win for Sunrisers Hyderabad after the last ball had to be bowled again, They also discuss reports that Jofra Archer has been offered a full time deal by Mumbai Indians, celebrate record breaking spinners Rashid Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal and ask if the likes of Stokes, Root and Brook are having the best preparation for the English Test summer sitting on the sidelines in India Plus Aatif Nawaz talks to one of the overseas stars of the IPL Trent Boult on being a freelance cricketer and doing karaoke with Jos Buttler
May 10, 2023
The third episode of a new series where the BBC’s Chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt discovers some of the untold stories from the Ashes. In this edition Stephan talks to former Australia batting all-rounder Sarah Elliott who made a hundred against England whilst breast-feeding her nine-month-old son during intervals. Elliott became pregnant in 2021 a year before a women’s Ashes series. At first she thought becoming a mum might end her international career, or at least put it on hold, until she asked if she could combine motherhood with playing for Australia. That set off a chain of events that led to her Ashes hundred, made with baby Sam on the boundary edge. As ever, you can read much more on the BBC Sport website and app.
May 10, 2023
Cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley discuss their recent tied RHF Trophy game, the retirement of legend Katherine Sciver-Brunt and share one of the great cringe-worthy stories.
May 5, 2023
Alex Hartley and Kate Cross pay tribute to their former England team mate Katherine Sciver-Brunt who’s announced her retirement from international cricket. They also celebrate the career of another pace bowler Shabnim Ismail who’s also giving up playing for her country. Plus Alex and Kate reflect on a frustrating start to the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy for them and share your best cricketing chat-up lines!
May 5, 2023
Simon Mann is joined by IPL commentator Nikesh Rughani, former IPL player Ravi Bopara and special guest Rajasthan Royals exciting youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal. They discuss the Virat Kohli/Gautam Gambhir altercation, fast bowlers like Jofra Archer and Anrich Nortje being hit for three successive sixes and Jaiswal reveals how he’s inspired by Celine Dion!
May 5, 2023
England’s record wicket taking women’s bowler Katherine Sciver-Brunt speaks exclusively about her retirement from international cricket. In an interview with our chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt, Katherine looks at the highs and lows of her 20 year England career. She explains why she has decided to give up the international game despite the lure of a final Ashes series and discusses what the future of women’s cricket may look like. Plus Katherine reveals how her cricket career nearly didn’t happen because of a music festival.
May 3, 2023
The second episode of a new series where the BBC’s Chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt discovers some of the untold stories from the Ashes. In this edition Stephan talks to England fast bowler Steven Finn. Finn knows more than most about the highs and lows Ashes cricket can produce. He might have only played seven Ashes Tests but was involved in three series wins, one of them away from home. He went on two other tours of Australia, one that lasted just nine days and another that ended in the “public humiliation” – his words – of being sent home because he was “not selectable”. As ever, you can read much more on the BBC Sport website and app.
Apr 28, 2023
Simon Mann is joined by IPL commentator Nikesh Rughani and former IPL player Ravi Bopara to discuss the latest talking points from the Indian Premier League. Could some players turn their back on England central contracts or county ties to sign for an IPL franchise all year round? They chat about that as well as getting reaction from the ECB’s head of County cricket Neil Snowball. Plus rubbish run chases and Jason Roy in form for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Apr 26, 2023
The first episode of a new series where the BBC’s Chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt discovers some of the untold stories from the Ashes. In this edition Stephan talks to one of the most successful Ashes performers of all time, Glenn McGrath. During arguably the most famous Ashes series in 2005, McGrath trod on a ball before play at Edgbaston and missed the game through injury. He gives a fascinating account of what happened next, what it was like to be forced to be a spectator at the game and how Manchester United helped him make a near miracle recovery to be able to play the next Test against all the odds.
Apr 21, 2023
Simon Mann is joined by IPL commentator Nikesh Rughani and former IPL player Ravi Bopara to reflect on the latest talking points from the Indian Premier League. Arjun Tendulkar, the son of legendary Sachin, finally making his debut for Mumbai, Sam Curran leading the Punjab Kings and KL Rahul facing criticism for being boring. Plus Jonny Bairstow is on the podcast discussing the benefits of playing in the IPL and updating us on his comeback from injury.
Apr 16, 2023
Celebration time for cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley after No Balls picked up two awards! Plus, all the reaction to last week's special interview with Dane van Niekerk.
Apr 11, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are joined by Dane van Niekerk in a powerful interview discussing how her dream of leading South Africa at a home World Cup came crashing down.
Apr 5, 2023
Simon Mann is joined by former IPL player Abhishek Jhunjhunwala and TMS commentator Aatif Nawaz to discuss the latest from the tournament. Plus we hear memories of what the late Shane Warne brought to the IPL and Charlotte Edwards reflects on her victory as Mumbai Indians coach in the WPL.
Mar 31, 2023
The Test Match Special team look ahead to this year's IPL, plus we hear from England Women's star Issy Wong who helped Mumbai Indians to the Women's Premier League title.
Mar 30, 2023
Kevin Howells and Mark Church look ahead to the domestic cricket summer with England legend Alec Stewart, director of cricket at reigning champions Surrey, and Mickey Arthur the former South Africa, Pakistan and Australia coach now in charge at Derbyshire. Every ball of every County game will be available live via the BBC Sport Website and App with extensive coverage on 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.
Mar 24, 2023
After a dramatic Hundred draft, Kate Cross and Alex Hartley discuss it all. Plus, all the latest from Lancashire's tour to India, including a trip to Sachin Tendulkar's old club!
Mar 15, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are in the Middle East for a pre-season training tour. All the gossip from the trip plus a special catch-up with Saqib Mahmood and Matt Parkinson.
Feb 27, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley look back on the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup as Australia win for a sixth time. Plus, Kate tells us about a truly horrible paint colour.
Feb 22, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley discuss record-breaking scores, breakout stars and the T20 World Cup semi-finals! Plus, more reflections on the franchise opportunities coming up.
Feb 15, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley discuss England's strong start to the T20 World Cup. Plus, a full breakdown of the WPL auction and how it's changed the women's game forever.
Feb 9, 2023
England Women's coach Jon Lewis is the guest live from South Africa ahead of the T20 World Cup! Also, Alex has a very bold pair of new shoes...
Feb 1, 2023
Cricketers Kate Cross & Alex Hartley are back to discuss India's win at the U19 World Cup, and a surprise omission from South Africa's squad. There's also time for plenty of icks!
Jan 25, 2023
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley get all the gossip from the Women's U19 T20 World Cup with England captain Grace Scrivens. Plus, Alex reveals the lengths she went to find her phone...
Jan 13, 2023
England bowler Kate Cross and World Cup winner Alex Hartley are back together for the new year! There's much to discuss, not least that Kate has been picked for the T20 World Cup.
Dec 23, 2022
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley, your favourite cricketing Christmas crackers, are back together again to talk festive icks, retro presents, and - oh yes - England's win in Pakistan!
Dec 22, 2022
Ben Stokes brings us inside the England camp after a year to remember for the men's Test side. We hear details of Bairstow’s Trent Bridge blitz, the record breaking win over India and how the Lord’s defeat to South Africa was quickly put to bed leading to a series win. Plus, Stokes also recalls how he steered England’s white ball side to T20 glory at the MCG.
Dec 21, 2022
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Vic Marks, Alex Hartley, Simon Mann, Daniel Norcross, Stephan Shemilt and Andy Zaltzman. From the humiliation in Hobart to the start of the Stokes/McCullum Test revolution. The Mankad controversy at Lord’s to England men’s T20 World Cup win and the historic clean sweep in Pakistan.
Dec 20, 2022
England won the Third Test in Karachi by 8 wickets to clinch a record breaking three nil series win. Pakistan have never before been handed a clean sweep home or away. Analysis from Jonathan Agnew, Vic Marks, Alex Hartley and Andy Zaltzman plus we hear from Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Brendon McCullum and the retiring Azhar Ali.
Dec 16, 2022
England women's bowler Kate Cross is back from the West Indies, Alex Hartley is in Pakistan. This week they're joined by England men's Ollie Pope who has his own icks to discuss.
Dec 15, 2022
As England prepare to play Pakistan in Karachi for the third and final Test match, they return to the scene of one of their most famous overseas Test wins. 22 years ago, England won the third and final Test against Pakistan to win the series 1-0, only their second ever Test win in the country, and Pakistan’s first defeat at Karachi. Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, who were captain and opening batter that day, are back in Karachi, working for Sky Sports. They’ve been giving their memories of that famous Test win to Simon Mann.
Dec 7, 2022
As England continue their first Test tour of Pakistan, two of the coaching staff, Marcus Trescothick and Paul Collingwood, were playing the last time England toured here. They sat down with Simon Mann to give their memories of what happened both on and off the pitch, including facing Shoaib Akhtar, an explosion at Faisalabad, and staying up until 1am for Sports Personality of the Year
Dec 5, 2022
England bowler Kate Cross is fresh from a comprehensive win in Antigua, Alex Hartley has just seen one of the GREAT Test matches in Rawalpindi. Look out for more excellent 'icks'.
Nov 30, 2022
England bowler Kate Cross is in the West Indies, Alex Hartley is in Pakistan. Two series to discuss, lots of emails to read and an awful lot of of 'icks'.
Nov 28, 2022
Tymal Mills and Mark Wood return after a short break to take a considered look back on England’s T20 World Cup win. What were the celebrations really like in Melbourne? Plus Woody is already on another tour and looks ahead to a historic Test series in Pakistan.
Nov 13, 2022
England beat Pakistan by 5 wickets at the MCG to add the T20 World Cup to their 50 over crown. We get reaction from player of the tournament Sam Curran, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Mark Wood, England coach Matthew Mott and Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Plus Jonathan Agnew is joined from T20 World Cup winner Ravi Bopara and World Cup winner Alex Hartley.
Nov 13, 2022
Moments after the winning runs are struck, Alex Hartley joins Kate Cross live from Melbourne to discuss England beating Pakistan to become T20 World Champions!
Nov 9, 2022
With the World Cup drawing to a close, Kate and Alex compare their predictions (some good, some really bad - Warner?!). Plus, the emails and instas get a good looking through.
Oct 31, 2022
Having shocked England at the T20 World Cup, Ireland's Curtis Campher joins Kate Cross and Alex Hartley to discuss the game and reveal what the side did to celebrate the win.
Oct 21, 2022
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are very excited about the T20 World Cup Super 12s, plus they have a good rummage around the No Balls email inbox and discuss types of duvet.
Oct 14, 2022
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley return sooner than advertised and are joined by Australian bowler Jess Jonassen. The obvious question is asked: Does she ever get bored of winning?
Oct 2, 2022
England won the 7th T20 by 67 runs to clinch the series 4 – 3. Henry Moeran reviews the action and looks ahead to the men’s T20 World Cup with former England wicketkeeper turned coach James Foster, commentator Aatif Nawaz and BBC Sport chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt. Plus we hear from Moeen Ali, Harry Brook and Jos Buttler.
Sep 28, 2022
Aatif Nawaz is joined by Alex Hartley and Saqib Mahmood to discuss another thrilling T20 as Pakistan edge ahead in the series. We also hear from Moeen Ali and Mark Wood. Plus BBC Sports Editor Dan Roan speaks to the new ECB chair Richard Thompson on proposed changes to the summer schedules, the impact of the Hundred and the threat of T20 leagues.
Sep 25, 2022
The day after a hugely controversial end to the England vs India series, bowler Kate Cross and Alex Hartley chat through *that* moment and the rest of the summer.
Sep 23, 2022
Kevin Howells reports on Surrey winning the County Championship at a time of fierce debate about how future seasons may look. We get reactions from Rory Burns, Ollie Pope and Gareth Batty and analysis by journalist Dean Wilson. Plus we hear from Sir Andrew Strauss, Alec Stewart and Sussex chair Jon Filby on the high performance review which could change how the cricket summer looks from 2024.
Aug 27, 2022
Kate and Alex have been busy in the Hundred and have all the gossip from the tournament. Plus, there's a good delve into the mailbox and more excitement about a celebrity fan...
Aug 27, 2022
Jonathan Agnew is joined by award winning broadcaster Peter White who’s been contributing to Radio 4 Consumer Affairs programme “You and Yours” for almost 50 years.
Aug 26, 2022
Identical twins, pony tails and rogue terriers. John Holder joins Jonathan Agnew and Vic Marks for “Ask the Umpire”
Aug 18, 2022
With the Hundred well underway, Kate Cross and Alex Hartley bring the latest from the tournament - including their game against each other. Plus, giraffe suits may have been worn.
Aug 5, 2022
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley answer questions sent in by the listeners and are joined by Barbados captain Hayley Matthews to tell us about her experience of the Commonwealth Games.
Aug 1, 2022
New Zealand player Sophie Devine joins Kate Cross and Alex Hartley to go behind the scenes at the Commonwealth Games and answer your questions.
Jul 27, 2022
Alex and Kate look ahead to the Commonwealth Games, show off the new England kit and Alex shares a secret about a past celebrity crush
Jul 21, 2022
World Cup winner Alex Hartley and England bowler Kate Cross chat through Alex taking a record 6-24, plus Kate's very excited about preparations for the Commonwealth Games.
Jul 20, 2022
Simon Mann is joined by England fast bowling trio Mark Wood, James Anderson and Saqib Mahmood to reflect on the One Day International career of Ben Stokes, who has announced his retirement from the format. We also hear from Stokes, who explains the reasoning behind his decision, with further analysis from his World Cup winning teammate Chris Woakes.
Jul 2, 2022
Back from the Test at Taunton, England bowler Kate Cross and Alex Hartley reflect on a memorable four days. Plus, they're joined by Lauren Bell fresh from making her debut.
Jun 28, 2022
Henry Moeran speaks to two of the all time greats of women's cricket. Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Brunt discuss their retirement from International Test cricket and their careers throughout the years.
Jun 21, 2022
Join Kate Cross and Alex Hartley as they discuss an amazing run-fest in Amsterdam, answer more of your questions and discuss whether it's ever acceptable to have tuna on a pizza.
Jun 12, 2022
Jonathan Agnew asks Moeen Ali your questions in the TMS commentary box.
Jun 11, 2022
Tim Key joins Dan Norcross in the TMS commentary box. The comedian, actor, screenwriter and poet talks about trying to be creative during the pandemic, his work with Steve Coogan and, of course, his love for the game of cricket - inculding his memories of the 2005 Ashes series.
Jun 9, 2022
Alistair Bruce-Ball, Jonathan Agnew and Jeremy Coney preview the second test between England and New Zealand. Ben Stokes wants to bring the "fun" back into playing for England. You can hear from the England skipper on working with Brendan McCullum, Jimmy Anderson reveals what "Baz" said in the Lord's dressing room and Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson ponders how to remove Joe Root. TMS is back on air for Day One on Friday morning from 10.25.
Jun 9, 2022
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have ALL the gossip from an amazing game played in aid of the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Look out for a special contribution from Michael McIntyre...
Jun 4, 2022
Internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe joins Aggers to discuss his love for cricket, his life in music and Joe also managed to fit his keyboard in the TMS commentary box at Lord's.
Jun 1, 2022
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have plenty to chat about including the Sciver-Brunt wedding, the cost of Lord's tickets and whether you thought the people on TV were watching back...
May 24, 2022
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has caused a stir by suggesting the County Championship is replaced by a red ball franchise competition. Kevin Howells gets reaction from the ECB managing director of County Cricket Neil Snowball. They also discuss whether the T20 Blast is getting the attention it deserves with the emphasis on the Hundred and what lessons are being learnt following the Azeem Rafiq racism revelations.
May 23, 2022
England bowler Kate Cross is in India taking part in the Women’s T20 challenge, hopefully a forerunner of the women’s IPL. She’s joined by World Cup winner Alex Hartley who’s been enjoying mixed fortunes back in the ranks for the Thunder side playing in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. They answer your questions, set a new challenge and find out who Alex mistook for Hugh Grant on a train and why Kate was perturbed by pictures of Radio 1 and Tailenders host Greg James in the bath!
May 15, 2022
Kevin Howells presents a tribute to Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds who has died in a car accident at the age of only 46. We hear from TMS commentator Jim Maxwell on his Australia playing career and recent work as a commentator. Plus we discuss his contribution to the English county game hearing from his captains at Gloucestershire, Kent and Lancashire, Jack Russell, David Fulton and Mark Chilton.
May 11, 2022
After a short break England bowler Kate Cross and World Cup winner Alex Hartley are back with tales from the start of their cricket season, tuk-tuk buying fathers and playing cricket with Ed Sheeran and Bear Grylls. Plus they answer your questions and hear about your LBWs, Little Bit Weirds.
May 9, 2022
Alison Mitchell and Ebony Rainford-Brent look at the accessibility of cricket, and what can be done to engage more with people from all backgrounds and whether we should be feeling optimistic, or pessimistic about the direction of travel. We chat about the challenges of finances and what needs to be done to support younger players trying to fund their youth career. Scotland international Abtaha Maqsood also joins the team to discuss cultural differences and how the game has changed since she started playing. And Ian Martin, the ECB’s head of disability cricket, explains the launch of the ECB Disability Premier League. Topics: 3:45 - Tom Brown, a researcher from Birmingham City University, on representation 14:30 - The ACE Programme 18:20 - Reporter Jamie Reid speaking to youngsters at an ACE session 21:00 - Troy Henry part of the ACE Programme 25:15 - Finances in cricket 30:30 - Abtaha Maqsood, leg spinner with Birmingham Phoenix 40:30 - Ian Martin, Head of Disability Cricket at the ECB
Apr 15, 2022
Jonathan Agnew is joined by former England spinners Phil Tufnell and Vic Marks to reflect on the resignation of Joe Root as England captain. We also hear from two men who know Root very well, Yorkshire’s interim director of cricket Darren Gough and former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Apr 11, 2022
England bowler Kate Cross and TMS commentator Alex Hartley are reunited in the UK a week after the World Cup final where England were defeated by Australia in a high scoring game. They reflect on the match and the tournament as a whole both on the field and in the commentary box. Plus an update on whether the “hunky umpire” is going to join the pod!
Apr 4, 2022
Kevin Howells is joined by two former England coaches, Paul Farbrace and Peter Moores, who are now involved back in the County game. They look ahead to the domestic season and ask if Championship cricket should be getting the criticism it is receiving because of the failures of the England Test team. And Kevin is joined by fellow commentators Nikesh Rughani, Mark Church and Emily Windsor to find out which teams will be challenging this season in the men’s and women’s game.
Apr 3, 2022
Alison Mitchell is joined by 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley, Henry Moeran and Stephan Shemilt to review Australia’s 71 run World Cup Final victory over England. Plus we get reaction from England captain Heather Knight, Australia’s captain Meg Lanning and the England head of women’s cricket Clare Connor.
Mar 31, 2022
Kate Cross has just helped England to the World Cup final, and quite rightly is ready to tell NBTCP listeners how it happened. Alex is rather excited, just so you're warned...
Mar 29, 2022
England bowler Kate Cross and 2017 winner Alex Hartley discuss the Women's World Cup up to now and look ahead to the knockout matches. Plus, how should you butter a sandwich?
Mar 18, 2022
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are joined by former England captain Nasser Hussain to discuss the current Women's World Cup and his stellar career as a player and broadcaster.
Mar 11, 2022
After a tough start to the World Cup, England bowler Kate Cross and Alex Hartley chat through what needs to change. Plus, former teammate Lydia Greenway joins the pod.
Mar 4, 2022
As cricket comes to terms with the death of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne at the age of 52, Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew and former England spinner Phil Tufnell to remember his life and career. Former team-mate Stuart Law, friend Pat Cash and Hampshire chairman Rob Bransgrove discuss what made Warne so special. They also hear from Mike Gatting, the man dismissed by Warne’s ‘ball of the century’. Australia captain Pat Cummins and England captain Joe Root also pay tribute to the man who took 708 test wickets, while cricket writer Geoff Lemon explains why Warne was a role model for a generation of young Australians. TOPICS: 2.37 – Jonathan Agnew and Phil Tufnell discuss Warne’s life 4.59 – Geoff Lemon on Warne inspiring a nation 15.32 – Joe Root and Pat Cummins pay tribute 21.40 – Mike Gatting remembers Warne’s ‘ball of the century’ 29.26 – Stuart Law on being a team-mate of Warne 41.27 – Rob Bransgrove on Warne’s legacy at Hampshire 45.32 – Pat Cash on being Shane Warne’s friend
Mar 3, 2022
England bowler Kate Cross and World Cup winner Alex Hartley look ahead to this year's tournament. Plus, it turns out Alex remembers pretty much nothing from her success in 2017...
Feb 24, 2022
Kate's preparing to play in her first World Cup and the excitement is building. For Alex, it's quarantine and trying to keep herself entertained. Plus, a return for Danni Wyatt.
Feb 18, 2022
England stars Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt join Kate and Alex for a fascinating chat about life and love as international athletes. Look out for a VERY competitive quiz.
Feb 11, 2022
England Kate Cross is in quarantine in New Zealand ahead of the World Cup and Alex Hartley is in Melbourne recovering from commentating on a rollercoaster Women’s Ashes. They review the series and ask if England can beat Australia in their World Cup opener in March. They also answer your e-mails and there’s some revenge among the LBWs.
Jan 31, 2022
England bowler Kate Cross and World Cup winner Alex Hartley reflect on the near miracle of Manuka. Kate has the inside story of one of the most dramatic Tests of all time and Alex explains how she coped with the tension in the TMS commentary box. Kate talks us through how she ended up saving the game in the middle and what the dressing room was like at the end of the match. And Kate and Alex even have time to answer some of your e-mails.
Jan 20, 2022
After countless requests England batter Danni Wyatt (finally!) joins the podcast to preview the Women's Ashes, reveal how Virat Kohli reacted to her twitter marriage proposal, explain why her attempt to be Tarzan aged 10 helps her hit the ball to different areas of the ground, and why she once showered with a tubigrip on her face. There's some cricket chat in there too.
Jan 17, 2022
Mark Chapman is joined by former England batter Michael Carberry and West Indian World Cup winner Carlos Brathwaite to look back at the final Test in Hobart and the 4-nil series defeat. The team dissect where it went so badly wrong for England this series. We also preview the women’s Ashes with England’s Kate Cross and look at the legacy of Virat Kohli following his departure as India Test captain.
Jan 16, 2022
England bowler Steven Finn chats to his hero: the legendary Glenn McGrath.
Jan 13, 2022
Our dynamic duo have made to Australia. Excitement for Alex as she commentates on her first men's Test, whilst Kate is easing into a busy schedule ahead of the start of the Ashes.
Jan 10, 2022
Mark Chapman is joined by Phil Tufnell and Paul Farbrace to look back on the dramatic 4th Ashes Test. We hear from the man at the centre of the drama, James Anderson and consider what changes England will make for Hobart later this week. Plus, Tammy Beaumont joins the podcast from Canberra ahead of the Women’s Ashes.
Jan 3, 2022
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley speak to their close friend and colleague H Cowen as they talk through a change in their life. This one really is a really special episode.
Dec 21, 2021
As Christmas approaches, Kate and Alex put up the tinsel and see what Santa has popped in the No Balls inbox. Plus, a look back on a tough start to the M-Ashes for England...
Dec 15, 2021
From Bodyline to 2010 glory, Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Steven Finn and commentator Simon Mann to share stories of matches played at the iconic Adelaide Oval.
Dec 15, 2021
With the men's Ashes underway, Alex and Kate discuss the first Test and get busy going through the No Balls email inbox.
Dec 7, 2021
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have a look ahead to the start of the Men's Ashes, launch a pronunciation argument and celebrate exciting news for a big friend of the podcast.
Dec 5, 2021
Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Ashes tour veteran Jonathan Agnew, 3 time Ashes winner Steven Finn, TMS commentator Simon Mann and statistician Andy Zaltzman to share first memories of following England tours down under. Plus we hear how the very first ball of the series has often set the tone.
Dec 3, 2021
For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson, but also those lesser-known names who play crucial roles.
Dec 2, 2021
Ahead of the start of the series in Brisbane, Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Ashes tour veteran Jonathan Agnew, three-time Ashes winner Steven Finn, TMS commentator Simon Mann and statistician Andy Zaltzman to share memories of trips to Queensland. From David Gower in his Tiger Moth to England’s 2010 great escape at the Gabba.
Nov 30, 2021
For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson, but also those less known names who play crucial roles. In Episode Five, Aggers speaks to Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson to find out what they’ve learnt from previous Ashes tours, and what they’ll be telling teammates who have never experienced one.
Nov 29, 2021
Kate and Alex are joined by World Cup winner Mark Wood live from Australia ahead of the Ashes. Obviously, he weighs in on the Great Bread Knife Debate...
Nov 26, 2021
For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson, but also those less known names who play crucial roles. In Episode Four, with the Ashes in doubt due to concerns around quarantine rules for players’ families, Aggers speaks to England bowler Mark Wood and his wife Sarah, to find out what impact being an international cricketer has on a family life.
Nov 24, 2021
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley explore an inbox full of remarkable emails. Plus, a trip to the Christmas market reveals Alex has a proper LBW habit…
Nov 23, 2021
For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson, but also those lesser-known names who play crucial roles. In Episode Three, we meet the backroom staff – the Performance Director who has to work out how many cricket balls the team will need throughout the tour, the nutritionist who hides Frosties at the breakfast buffet, and then the Strength and Conditioning coach who puts players through their paces on the first day of the summer.
Nov 19, 2021
After a dramatic few weeks in the UAE, Kate and Alex reflect on victory for Australia. Plus, India superstar Jemimah Rodrigues joins the pod from the Women's Big Bash League.
Nov 19, 2021
For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson and many more, but also those names who are less familiar, but still play crucial roles – the tour planners, the nutritionists, the fitness teams. In Episode One, we looked at England’s meticulous planning. But, as we’ve seen over the past twelve months, things don’t always go to plan. Injuries to key players, an entire team having to self-isolate, and a bowler whose social media past comes to light during his Test debut… it’s been another bumpy ride for English cricket.
Nov 16, 2021
For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson and many more, but also those names who are less familiar, but still play crucial roles – the tour planners, the nutritionists, the fitness teams. In Episode One, we go back to January. Joe Root is in Sri Lanka, and Aggers catches up with him to find out what England’s long-term plans are. But as the tours of Sri Lanka and India continue, it’s clear that England’s rest and rotation policy is becoming increasingly unpopular, especially as England start to lose in India.
Nov 14, 2021
Isa Guha is joined by T20 World Cup finalist Dirk Nannes, T20 World Cup winner Carlos Brathwaite and former England World Cup spin bowler Phil Tufnell to review Australia’s 8 wicket win over New Zealand in Dubai. We also hear from Australia captain Aaron Finch, Australia coach Justin Langer, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, player of the match Mitchell Marsh and player of the tournament David Warner. We also review the tournament as a whole and discuss what the result could mean for the Ashes.
Nov 13, 2021
Tymal and Woody reflect on England's T20 World Cup journey coming to an end at the semi-final stage. We get the lowdown on being drug tested and reveal what Eoin Morgan said in the team meeting post-match. Special guest Mark Saxby, AKA the most popular man in English cricket, joins the pod to chat his 15 years working with the squad. He's the masseur, unofficial DJ, and a leader on team culture.
Nov 10, 2021
Mark Chapman finds out more about West Indies T20 World Cup winner Carlos Brathwaite and former Premier League defender Micah Richards. The pair met briefly on the Monday Night Club, but here they have a chance to discuss their shared Caribbean heritage, love of football and the difficulty they both faced after their ‘career-defining’ moment in sport. Carlos goes into detail about those four infamous sixes he hit in the 2016 T20 World Cup Final and his subsequent West Indies captaincy, which wasn’t welcomed by many of his colleagues and teammates. We find out if either could have played any other sport and delve into their new jobs in punditry. Plus, the pair try their hand at reading the classifieds, and in a game of ‘This or That?’, we find out just how much they have in common. TOPICS: 01’40 The first meeting on the Monday Night Club 3’30 A shared Caribbean heritage 6’00 Why Carlos moved to Portsmouth 9’00 The ‘Caribbean cricket’ stereotype 10’00 Did either know just how good they were at a young age? 16’00 Why Micah never played cricket 17’00 Micah tests his cricketer knowledge 20’00 The changing image of cricket 25’00 A love of football – Man City v Man United 29’40 Winning the T20 World Cup in 2016 and moving on from ‘career-defining’ moments 34’00 Micah on the pressures of playing for England and winning the Premier League 38’00 Criticism as a captain 41’00 When Micah knew it was time to retire 46’00 Getting into punditry and having to criticise former/current teammates 54’00 Reading the classifieds 58’40 This or that? Just how much do they have in common?
Nov 9, 2021
England are into a semi-final and Woody’s finally been fit enough to start a game! Though he did get told off by Eoin Morgan on the field… The boys discuss England’s defeat to South Africa, Jason Roy’s injury, and Sam Billings joins the pod to talk about what it’s like being on the fringes of a starting XI, as well as working out his team of best footballers from the England cricket squad.
Nov 8, 2021
Kate Cross and Alex Hartley speak to Kyle Coetzer, the man leading Scotland through a memorable T20 World Cup. Plus, there's LOTS of talk on how Kate's kitchen should be arranged.
Nov 5, 2021
Tymal may be out of the World Cup, but it doesn’t mean the podcast is over… Mark Wood and Tymal Mills discuss what it’s like to walk off injured during the middle of an over, and just how much PPE you have to wear when going for a scan outside the bio-bubble. The two are joined by Nathan ‘Numbers’ Leamon, the England team data analyst, to find the most ridiculous question he’s ever been asked by a player, and what his signals from the boundary edge mean. Plus they look back on two impressive wins against Australia and Sri Lanka, including a memorable century from Jos Buttler.
Oct 30, 2021
Jonathan Agnew is joined by World Cup winner Liam Plunkett and former Australian player Stuart Law to review a thumping 8 wicket win for England. We also hear from Liam Livingstone, Chris Jordan, Eoin Morgan and Aaron Finch.
Oct 29, 2021
Fresh from their holidays, Kate and Alex reconvene to catch up on all things travel, World Cup cricket and get stuck into some of the emails bursting out of the No Balls inbox.
Oct 29, 2021
Chris Woakes joins Tymal Mills and Mark Wood for the third episode of the podcast that takes you inside England’s World Cup bubble – Good Pace for Radio. They talk about the best ball they’ve ever bowled, how they’ve changed as bowlers, plus why Tymal didn’t get full marks in his A Level cricket assessment, and just what went wrong on his Duke of Edinburgh expedition.
Oct 20, 2021
Five years ago, Carlos Brathwaite finished off one of the most remarkable ends to any final in any sport. The West Indies all-rounder hit four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes’ bowling to win the World T20. As England prepare to take on the West Indies again for this year’s tournament, Carlos Brathwaite looks back on the West Indies’ remarkable triumph.
Oct 19, 2021
England bowlers Mark Wood and Tymal Mills introduce a new podcast that will take you behind the scenes of England’s T20 World Cup campaign in the Middle East. In a preview episode, they talk about how Tymal is finding life back in the England camp after four years, the details of ‘scenario-based training’, and why Tymal’s been doing the Hokey Cokey.
Oct 6, 2021
After a very special birthday, Kate and Alex talk through the big day. Plus, Radio 1 presenter Greg James joins us from the Tailenders tour bus to talk all sorts of nonsense...
Sep 29, 2021
England all-rounder Moeen Ali joins TMS commentator Aatif Nawaz to discuss his retirement from Tests. Moeen explains his decision, goes through the highlights of his Test career and chats about the challenges of playing all formats in Covid times. Moeen also discusses his love of boxing and how Call of Duty helped him cope with quarantine.
Sep 29, 2021
As the summer of 2021 concludes, Kate and Alex decide if it was really long or really short. Plus, plenty of DM sliding and a few rogue emails to keep us busy.
Sep 22, 2021
As the season heads towards a close, Kate and Alex talk through their weeks and receive some wild emails. And with the IPL back underway, Graeme Swann checks in from Mumbai.
Sep 14, 2021
Jimmy Anderson (yes, THE Jimmy Anderson) joins Kate and Alex to talk India, Ashes, warm-ups and frogs. Plus, Crossy did something for the first time in seven years this week...
Sep 8, 2021
After a brief break, Kate Cross and Alex Hartley return to discuss cricket (briefly), best/worst birthdays and getting spotted by No Balls fans. Oh, and Crossy meets her heroes...
Sep 5, 2021
In 1991 Jonathan Agnew and Brian Johnston produced a piece of radio that has been replayed millions of times. Simon Mann is joined at the Oval by Aggers, Brian’s son Barry Johnston, former TMS Producer Peter Baxter and impressionist Rory Bremner.
Sep 4, 2021
Comedian, actor, writer and director Chris Addison takes a “View from the Boundary” with Jonathan Agnew at the Oval. Addison discusses watching the 2005 Ashes climax at the Oval, his admiration for England opener Tammy Beaumont and what it was like playing Ollie Reeder in “The Thick of It”.
Sep 3, 2021
Jonathan Agnew looks back on India’s first Test victory over England at the Oval 50 years ago. We hear from Sunil Gavaskar and Farokh Engineer who played in the game and Deep Dasgupta and Prakash Wakankar put the victory into historical context.
Sep 2, 2021
Sir Alastair Cook looks back on his magical farewell Test against India in 2018. Cook reveals to Jonathan Agnew how he came to his decision to retire from international cricket and the inside story of that last innings century.
Aug 27, 2021
Sir Ian Botham joins Eleanor Oldroyd to remember the incredible Test match of 1981 when England produced an amazing fightback to win, despite being forced to follow on.
Aug 19, 2021
Manchester Originals men's coach Simon Katich talks through his career and reveals who he'd most like to be stuck on a desert island with. Plus, Kate and Alex feel a bit delicate.
Aug 10, 2021
Kate and Alex chat to Manchester Originals' and South Africa's Lizelle Lee and Mignon du Preez. There's some new language, some holiday tales ...and some lies about coriander.
Aug 6, 2021
West Indies legend Michael Holding joined Jonathan Agnew at Trent Bridge to talk about his book "Why we kneel, how we rise".
Aug 3, 2021
Steven Finn - two-time Ashes winner and Manchester Original bowler - talks through his career, his legs, and his penchant for a game of Twister. Oh, and Phil Salt reveals all...!
Jul 27, 2021
Kate and Alex are joined by Carlos Brathwaite - T20 World Cup winner, commentary superstar and fellow Manchester Original. And yes, he does talk about the Shipping Forecast...
Jul 20, 2021
All the usual fun and nonsense plus Harmanpreet Kaur, one of India's greatest players, stops by ahead of playing in the opening game of The Hundred. Oh, and we also discuss spuds.
Jul 13, 2021
As they prepare to become Manchester Originals, Kate and Alex talk ODI catches, who's the better captain and dissect some VERY unusual listener habits.
Jul 6, 2021
Superstar batter Tammy Beaumont joins Kate and Alex for a chat as they reflect on the recent ODI series vs India. Plus, Alex wishes she'd kept Kate's flat a little bit tidier...
Jun 28, 2021
Fresh from a big performance against India in the first ODI, Kate Cross joins Alex Hartley to talk about England's white-ball series. Look out for some memorable emails, too.
Jun 22, 2021
Fresh from a thrilling Test match in Bristol, Kate Cross and Alex Hartley reveal all from the field and commentary box. Plus, former England batsman James Taylor joins the pod.
Jun 15, 2021
England's Kate Cross and World Cup winner Alex Hartley arrive on BBC Sounds to talk life, lockdown and a bit of cricket. England star Chris Woakes is this week's special guest.
Apr 13, 2021
The most expensive player in IPL history - Chris Morris - tells TMS about the pressure to perform, plus Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, Kal Sajad and Henry Moeran preview the tournament.
Feb 14, 2021
Jonathan Agnew is joined by former England captains Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook to discuss a dominant day for India in Chennai. Plus, we hear from Graham Thorpe.
Feb 13, 2021
Jonathan Agnew, Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook talk through a day that saw a century for Rohit Sharma and plenty of excitement for the bowlers.
Feb 9, 2021
As England take the first Test against India in Chennai, Michael Vaughan joins Jonathan Agnew to look back on a memorable win. They’re joined by Jack Leach and Joe Root, as well as Indian journalist Prakash Wakankar to see how Virat Kohli’s fourth defeat in a row as captain will go down in India.
Feb 7, 2021
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Michael Vaughan and Prakash Wakankar to discuss an excellent day for England after Dom Bess took 4 wickets to leave India 257/6, trailing by 321. We hear from Bess and we also get the reaction from Fazeer Mohammed on a remarkable win for the West Indies in Bangladesh.
Feb 6, 2021
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Michael Vaughan and Prakash Wakankar to discuss an excellent day for England after Joe Root scored 218 leaving England in a fine position after two days of the first Test. We hear from Ben Stokes on the performance, plus listen out for a preview of the BBL.
Feb 3, 2021
As Joe Root prepares to play in his 100th Test match, Jonathan Agnew speaks to the England captain to look back on his career, his Test debut, and to ask what the future holds. Sir Alastair Cook says he has no doubt that Root will surpass his record total of Test runs, whilst Michael Vaughan thinks that he will become England’s greatest ever batsman. Plus we hear from his parents, Matt and Helen, on what a cricket-obsessed Joe was like growing up.
Jan 29, 2021
As England prepare to take on India, Kevin Pietersen looks back on the last time a touring side won there, particularly his stunning century in Mumbai that turned the series around. The former England batsman talks us through how he turned round his form from a difficult first Test, what he was thinking when walking to the crease, and just what it feels like to smash the Indian bowlers all around the ground. Along with the Test Match Special commentary from the innings, KP takes you back to one of the greatest innings played by an overseas batsman in India.
Dec 31, 2020
Star of The Mash Report Nish Kumar tells Jonathan Agnew about his journey in comedy and why visiting Test Match Special is a big moment for him and his family.
Dec 29, 2020
Jonathan Agnew is joined by members of the TMS team to preview 2021, including a few very out-there predictions…
Dec 24, 2020
Professor Robert Winston tells Jonathan Agnew how cricket fits into a busy life of science, medicine and journalism.
Dec 22, 2020
Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann, Ebony Rainford-Brent and Andy Zaltzman sit down and reflect on cricket in 2020, choosing their favourite moments from a highly unusual year.
Dec 17, 2020
Actor Damian Lewis is plucked from his seat in the stands at Lord's to visit the TMS commentary box for a chat with Jonathan Agnew in 2013.
Dec 15, 2020
Commentator Prakash Wakankar joins Jonathan Agnew to talk about his remarkable journey from cricket field to commentary box to boardroom.
Dec 7, 2020
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Michael Vaughan after England’s tour to South Africa is cancelled after positive Covid-19 tests. South African journalist Firdose Moonda discusses the implications for South Africa – will any teams still be confident enough to tour the cash-strapped country? And what does it mean for the players, many of whom are already showing signs of ‘bubble fatigue’?
Nov 27, 2020
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Tymal Mills and Andy Zaltzman to look at England’s five-wicket win over South Africa in the first T20 at Cape Town, helped by Jonny Bairstow’s brutal career-best 86 not out. But is number four where Bairstow should be batting? Tymal Mills explains why he should always be one of the first names on the teamsheet, but it’s a mixed day for the Curran family as Sam shines, but Tom has trouble. And Tymal praises the bowling action of a fellow left-arm quick… former England goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Nov 26, 2020
John Lithgow, star of Third Rock from the Sun and The Crown, spends a memorable half hour with Jonathan Agnew at the Oval during a Test match against India in 2007.
Nov 24, 2020
West Indies commentator Fazeer Mohammed talks to Jonathan Agnew about his broadcasting career, the day he sang a calypso on TMS and how his family are Brian Lara's electricians!
Nov 19, 2020
Star of stage and screen Toby Jones takes a View from the Boundary at the Oval in 2019, telling Daniel Norcross how he keeps across Test cricket wherever he is in the world.
Nov 19, 2020
Sebastian Faulks, award-winning author of Birdsong and Charlotte Grey, chats to Simon Mann at Lord's in 2011. Faulks discusses his deep love of cricket and his writing process.
Nov 17, 2020
Australian broadcasting icon Jim Maxwell talks through his remarkable career with Jonathan Agnew, discussing his favourite TMS memories and how he first got behind the microphone.
Nov 10, 2020
Simon Mann, Nikesh Rughani and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala discuss the conclusion of the 2020 IPL. Plus, thoughts and analysis on the Women's T20 Challenge.
Oct 26, 2020
England all-rounder Ben Stokes scored a brilliant unbeaten 100 to keep the qualification hopes of Rajasthan Royals alive. In an exclusive interview Stokes speaks to Isa Guha about opening the batting, his rollercoaster three years and why he wouldn’t wish quarantine on his greatest enemy!
Oct 19, 2020
Aatif Nawaz & Daniel Norcross reflect on an extraordinary few days at the IPL with ties, super overs and amazing performances. We also focus on Sunrisers Hyderabad as we’re joined by superstar Afghan spinner Rashid Khan and Jonny Bairstow reveals the secret of his opening partnership with Ashes rival David Warner.
Oct 6, 2020
Nicholas Pooran joins Aatif Nawaz and Daniel Norcross to talk through his incredible gravity-defying save over the boundary, as well as what life is like in the IPL bubble. Plus Sheldon Cottrell tells us why a friend’s Covid diagnosis made him take the virus so seriously, and Mandeep Singh explains the Punjabi spirit behind the team.
Sep 30, 2020
Insight and analysis from the Test Match Special team - including interviews with top players and special features.
Sep 16, 2020
Reaction from Old Trafford where England's men played their last match of the summer, as Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell both hit centuries for Australia to clinch a thrilling 2-1 series victory in the final one day international. We hear from both batsman on their record-breaking 212-run partnership as well as England captain Eoin Morgan, who reviews his side's performances with the white ball. The TMS team also discuss their champagne moments from an unprecedented summer of cricket that never looked like happening after the coronavirus outbreak. Picture: Glenn Maxwell of Australia embraces Alex Carey of Australia after reaching his century during the 3rd Royal London One Day International Series match between England and Australia at Emirates Old Trafford (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Sep 13, 2020
Jonathan Agnew is joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan to react to an astonishing 24-run win for Eoin Morgan's side in the second one day international, which sets up a series decider with Australia on Wednesday. We hear from both captains Aaron Finch and Morgan as well as bowler Chris Woakes to get their thoughts on a thrilling encounter. WIth the last England international of the summer approaching on Wednesday, Aggers is joined by Lancashire Chief Executive Daniel Gidney and Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove to discuss how this summer's matches were organised in regards to the bio-secure bubbles at both Old Trafford and the Ageas Bowl. Picture: Adil Rashid of England celebrates the wicket of Alex Carey of Australia and victory in the 2nd Royal London One Day International Series match between England and Australia at Emirates Old Trafford on September 13, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images for ECB)
Sep 11, 2020
James Anderson and Jonathan Agnew react to England's 19-run defeat by Australia in the ODI series opener. We hear from captains Eoin Morgan and Aaron Finch as well as Sam Billings who scored a maiden international century. Then Aggers is joined by David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd to talk about his new book covering his career in the game as a player, umpire, coach and commentator. We discuss the star-studded Lancashire side he captained, recount tales of Bob Willis and Geoffrey Boycott, and get his take on the modern game including where he ranks Ben Stokes among the sport’s greats.
Sep 3, 2020
Award-winning comedian Al Murray - creator of the The Pub Landlord - joins Jonathan Agnew for a memorable interview in 2014.
Sep 3, 2020
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman joins Aggers during the 2013 Ashes Test at Lord's and talks about an exciting cricketing past.
Sep 1, 2020
Pakistan squared the T20 series against England with an exciting 5 run win in the 3rd T20 at Emirates Old Trafford. Daniel Norcross is joined by James Anderson, Aatif Nawaz and England World Cup winner Alex Hartley to review the game plus we hear from Moeen Ali, Mohammad Hafeez and Eoin Morgan.
Aug 28, 2020
Just three days after becoming the first ever fast bowler to get 600 Test wickets, Jimmy Anderson joins the Test Match Special team on a rain-delayed first T20 international between England and Pakistan. Jimmy reveals how he celebrated his 600th Test wicket, why he can’t wait to bowl to Virat Kohli again, whether he’s likely to play in the Ashes next year, and how much he enjoys batting.
Aug 25, 2020
A momentous day for James Anderson as he becomes the first seamer to reach 600 Test wickets. Jonathan Agnew presents from the Ageas Bowl as the TMS team, including Michael Vaughan, Daniel Norcross and Andy Zaltzman, pays tribute. We hear from Anderson himself on his achievement and there’s further insight from his partner-in-crime Stuart Broad about Anderson’s ability, when he first became aware of him and their friendship. There are also reflections on England's series win over Pakistan including interviews with Joe Root, Azhar Ali and Jos Buttler. Lastly, one year on from England’s incredible 3rd Test win against Australia at Headingley, Jack Leach joins us to discuss all the memorable moments: his near-run-out, his vital single and the moment Ben Stokes won the match.
Aug 24, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from the Ageas Bowl, where there was more frustration for everyone as rain and bad light meant a truncated fourth day between England and Pakistan in the 3rd Test. Following-on, the tourists reached 100-2, still 210 behind, but with the opportunity to save the match if they can bat out the final day. James Anderson took one of those dismissals to move to 599 Test wickets. However, with the forecast looking poor once again, could the rain thwart his bid for 600? Aggers and Mark Ramprakash discuss how important it might be for Anderson to reach that milestone tomorrow and we hear from England head coach Chris Silverwood. Lastly, a panel including Michael Vaughan and Ebony Rainford-Brent debate who has been England's player of the summer.
Aug 23, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents a review of the third day of the 3rd test between England and Pakistan. Joe Root's side forced the follow on in Southampton after bowling out Pakistan for 273, despite the efforts of visiting captain Azhar Ali who scored an unbeaten 141. England could have dismissed the tourists earlier had they not dropped three catches in the space of 10 James Anderson deliveries. Anderson ultimately finished with figures of 5-56 and is now just two shy of 600 Test wickets. Aggers is joined by Michael Vaughan and Azhar Mahmood to discuss the action, while Dan Norcross speaks to Ali and the England spinner Dom Bess. On the anniversary of Brian Johnston's final TMS broadcast, we look at the connection between Brian, his former colleague and fellow TMS legend John Arlott, and the south coast.
Aug 22, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from the Ageas Bowl as England strengthened their grip against Pakistan on day two of the 3rd and final Test. Zak Crawley's brilliant 267 and 152 from Jos Buttler helped England to a huge score of 583-8. Following their declaration, James Anderson struck three times to leave the tourists on 24-3. Former England captain Michael Vaughan gives his verdict on the day's play and we hear from Crawley and Buttler. Elsewhere, we find out why a Spitfire flew over the ground and Pakistan opener Shan Masood tells Aatif Nawaz about some of his team-mates and learning to speak like Geoff Boycott.
Aug 21, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from the Ageas Bowl where Zak Crawley's brilliant maiden century has put England in command of the 3rd and final Test against Pakistan. His 171 not out, and unbroken partnership of 205 with Jos Buttler, guided England from 127-4 to 332-4 at the close. Aggers is joined by Michael Vaughan and Azhar Mahmood to review the day, while Crawley tells Daniel Norcross how it feels to get his first century and why his dad will be the first person he calls. The outgoing ECB chairman Colin Graves explains how vital it's been for English cricket to have these series against Pakistan and West Indies and how he would improve the structure of county cricket, and Simon Hughes and the Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale discuss their new book in which they outline how cricket can change post-COVID.
Aug 17, 2020
Simon Mann presents from the Ageas Bowl where the 2nd Test between England and Pakistan finished in a draw. There was more rain but we finally got some play in the afternoon. England reached 110-4 in reply to Pakistan's 236 before the teams agreed to end proceedings. The result means Joe Root's side still lead 1-0 in the series. Michael Vaughan, Azhar Mahmood and Aatif Nawaz dissect what little cricket we saw across the five days and debate how the two sides will approach the final Test which starts later this week. Jonathan Agnew gets reaction from Root and Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali about the match and how the sport can get round the bad light issues that affected this Test, while Andy Zaltzman provides some statistical analysis including how England's declaration score compares with other low totals seen in previous matches.
Aug 16, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from the Ageas Bowl where there was play for 60 minutes...and then the rain fell. Play was abandoned with England on 7-1 after having finally bowled Pakistan out for 236. Aggers is joined by Michael Vaughan to discuss the little cricket they saw, while Simon Mann chats with England batting consultant Jonathan Trott about his involvement with the team. Following MS Dhoni's international retirement yesterday, Simon, Mark Ramprakash, Isa Guha, Andy Zaltzman and Prakash Wakankar discuss the man, his playing career and his significance to people in India.
Aug 15, 2020
No play at The Ageas Bowl as bad weather wiped out the third day of the 2nd Test between England and Pakistan. Bad light, rain and a wet outfield prevented Pakistan resuming on their overnight 223-9. Jonathan Agnew and Michael Vaughan reflect on what might have been and a surreal day in Southampton which involved squash, playing the banjo and someone singing ‘Sweet Caroline’. They discuss the retirement from international cricket of MS Dhoni, with Michael explaining why he’s the best one-day captain he’s seen. Lastly, we take advantage of the lack of play to sit down with Mark Ramprakash to reflect on his career: who was his most awkward opponent, how could he join Surrey from Middlesex and which of the current England side could emulate his success on Strictly?
Aug 14, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from the Ageas Bowl on a frustrating day two for England in the 2nd Test against Pakistan. Rain and bad light meant only 40.2 overs were possible as the tourists reached 223-9 with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 60. Michael Vaughan and Azhar Mahmood join Aggers to discuss whether England got their tactics wrong and, looking ahead, if Pakistan's bowling attack could swing the match in their favour. There's reaction from Stuart Broad and we hear from Warwickshire Chief Executive Stuart Cain about plans to have some fans at the T20 Blast Finals Day. There's also a classic View from the Boundary with Waleed Khan, who survived being shot six times in the head during a terrorist attack in Pakistan when he was just 12 years old.
Aug 13, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from the Ageas Bowl where England's bowlers performed well on a rain-affected first day of the second Test against Pakistan. The tourists were 126-5 - James Anderson with two of those wickets to edge him that bit closer to the 600 mark - before rain and then bad light brought an early end to proceedings. Aggers is joined by Mark Ramprakash and Aatif Nawaz to chew over the day's play while there's reaction from Sam Curran. Elsewhere, Aatif, Azhar Mahmood and Simon Mann discuss Shoaib Akhtar's career on his 45th birthday, whether he deserved his bad boy reputation and his recent role as a game show host. There's also an interview with Dr Samara Afzal, one of the frontline NHS staff to be honoured during the West Indies series, with her name appearing on the shirt of Chris Woakes.
Aug 9, 2020
Isa Guha and Aatif Nawaz spend a lively half hour with the first man to break the 100 miles per hour barrier Shoaib Akhtar. Shoaib enjoyed a colourful 14 year international career with Pakistan and has since become an outspoken media performer. He discusses that famous fastest ball at the 2003 World Cup, shares memories of famous battles with Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar and Andrew Flintoff and he reveals how he thinks he’d be able to dismiss Virat Kohli these days.
Aug 8, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from Old Trafford where England produced an incredible comeback to snatch victory from Pakistan. Chasing 277, England looked all but beaten at 117-5, but pushed on by a Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler partnership of 139, they claimed a thrilling win by 3 wickets. Michael Vaughan, Azhar Mahmood, Mark Ramprakash and Simon Mann look at where it was won and lost. Aggers speaks to the respective captains Joe Root and Azhar Ali, as well as England heroes Buttler and Woakes, while TMS statistician Andy Zaltzman gives a historical perspective to England's win.
Aug 7, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from Old Trafford where England have fought back to give themselves a glimmer of hope of winning the 1st Test against Pakistan. The home side took four wickets for 27 runs late on, including two for Ben Stokes, to leave the tourists on 137-8 - a lead of 244. Earlier Joe Root's side, who were 92-4 overnight, had managed to reach 219 in their first innings. Aggers is joined by Michael Vaughan, Azhar Mahmood and Vic Marks to review the day, while Henry Moeran interviews England batsman Ollie Pope. We also hear from film-maker and historian Anwar Akhtar about the importance of cricket in the British-Pakistani community and there's an interview with 83-year-old Old Trafford steward Stan Pritchard about his rapport with West Indies captain Jason Holder.
Aug 6, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from Old Trafford where Pakistan are firmly in control of the 1st Test against England. After the tourists were all out for 326, with Shan Masood scoring a superb 156, their bowlers seized the moment to leave England on 92-4 at the close. Aggers, Michael Vaughan and Azhar Mahmood look back on the day while Henry Moeran interviews Masood and England bowler Jofra Archer, who discusses England's display and how he felt to miss the 2nd Test against West Indies when he broke the bio-secure protocols. There's also an interview with PCB chairman Ehsan Mani on why he thinks England should tour in Pakistan once again and whether we could see a Test match against neighbours India soon.
Aug 5, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from Old Trafford where England endured a frustrating first day in the 1st Test against Pakistan. Rain interruptions and some excellent batting from Babar Azam allowed the tourists to finish the day on 139-2. Azhar Mahmood tells Aggers why he thinks it's been a good day for Pakistan while Michael Vaughan asks whether Azam could have a similar impact on this series as Steve Smith did in the 2019 Ashes. Dan Norcross gets reaction from England head coach Chris Silverwood and Pakistan opener Shan Masood and, with a new biography about the late Bob Willis being released this week, Aggers speaks to his widow Lauren and brother David about Headingley 81, Bob's style of punditry and his love of Bob Dylan.
Jul 30, 2020
Sue Townsend, author of the cult classic Adrian Mole series, joins Aggers for a chat in 2012.
Jul 30, 2020
Radio 2 presenter and host of Popmaster Ken Bruce joins Jonathan Agnew for a fascinating chat at Headingley in 2013.
Jul 28, 2020
England 's 2020 Test series victory against West Indies will be the last time the two countries contest the Wisden Trophy. The next time they meet in a series they will play for the Richards-Botham Trophy, named after two legends of the game: Sir Viv Richards and Sir Ian Botham. In this special TMS podcast, the two men tell Isa Guha about their friendship, their period together as team-mates at Somerset and their rivalry on the pitch when on opposite sides for their respective nations.
Jul 28, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from Old Trafford where England have won the third Test and the series against West Indies. It was a momentous day for Stuart Broad as he became only the second Englishman to take 500 Test wickets. Aggers, Michael Vaughan and Carlos Brathwaite review the series while we get reaction from Broad and the respective captains, Joe Root and Jason Holder. Broad's partner-in-crime Jimmy Anderson discusses their close relationship on and off the pitch, plus there are further tributes from former England skipper Alastair Cook and the chairman of the club where Broad played as a youngster.
Jul 27, 2020
Daniel Norcross presents from a wet Old Trafford on day four of the 3rd Test between England and West Indies. Play was abandoned due to the weather and will resume on the final day with the tourists on 10-2, chasing an unlikely 399 to win. Joe Root's side will need to take eight wickets to win the Test and series. Due to the washout Simon Mann took the opportunity to chat with summariser Carlos Brathwaite and asked him to answer some of our listeners' questions. Inevitably much of the discussion surrounded the World T20 Final in 2016 when he hit four successive sixes in the final over to lead West Indies to victory against England. He reveals what was going through his mind as Ben Stokes bowled at him in that finale and what was said between the pair afterwards. Amidst all the cricket talk, we also let Carlos have a go at doing the Shipping Forecast!
Jul 27, 2020
Dan Norcross presents a bonus TMS podcast to commemorate the 30th anniversary of one of the most famous innings ever played at Lord's: when Graham Gooch scored 333 against India in the 1st Test. You'll hear a replay of a special programme presented by Jonathan Agnew featuring archive commentary and some of the main protagonists from that memorable 1990 match including Gooch himself, Kapil Dev and Mohammad Azharuddin. Then Dan, Phil Tufnell, Andy Zaltzman and Vic Marks get together to recall their memories and talk about Gooch's England career.
Jul 26, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from Old Trafford where England are on the verge of a series win over West Indies following the third day of the deciding Test. Stuart Broad’s six wickets across two innings have not only brought Joe Root’s side close to victory but also left the bowler just one away from 500 career Test wickets. His four in four overs had the tourists 197 all out, 172 behind. England later declared on 226-2 with Rory Burns hitting 90 and Dom Sibley and Root scoring 56 and 68 respectively to set Jason Holder’s side a target of 399. But thanks to Broad's efforts with the ball, the tourists finished on 10-2 in their second innings at the close. Aggers, Michael Vaughan and Carlos Brathwaite discuss the action while Simon Mann gets the thoughts of Burns and Roston Chase. There’s also an interview with Surrey chief Executive Rchard Gould and a Surrey fan as the Oval held the first sporting event in England with a crowd since lockdown began.
Jul 25, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from Old Trafford where England are in a good position to win the 3rd Test - and the series - against the West Indies. Stuart Broad's rapid-fire 62 helped Joe Root's side to a total of 369. He and his old pal Jimmy Anderson then took two wickets apiece as the tourists closed on 137-6. Aggers, Michael Vaughan and Carlos Brathwaite pick over the day's play while Eleanor Oldroyd chats both to Broad and to Kemar Roach, who joined an exclusive group of West Indian bowlers to take 200 Test wickets. Elsewhere, there's an interview with two sisters who have composed Full Tosca - TMS: The Opera during lockdown and we rewind to 1991 to hear a classic View from the Boundary interview with the legendary actor Peter O'Toole, who recalls playing cricket on the set of Lawrence of Arabia with Omar Sharif.
Jul 24, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents from Old Trafford where England have the upper hand after the first day of the 3rd test between England and the West Indies. After looking shaky at 122-4, unbeaten knocks of 91 from Ollie Pope and 56 from Jos Buttler leave Joe Root’s side in a good position. Michael Vaughan, Carlos Brathwaite and Aggers look back on the day while Eleanor Oldroyd speaks to Pope about his innings and whether he’ll be able to sleep with a century so close. Sir Andrew Strauss joins Aggers to discuss his late's wife's foundation on Red For Ruth day.
Jul 19, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents the TMS podcast after an exciting fourth day of the second Test between England and the West Indies at Old Trafford. England will begin the final day 219 runs ahead on 37-2 after the tourists were bowled out for 287. Aggers, Michael Vaughan and Carlos Brathwaite review a lively final session that saw Stuart Broad take 3 wickets in 14 deliveries and Joe Root send out Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler to open their second innings. Eleanor Oldroyd speaks to Broad and West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite and there’s an interview with West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave about the decision to send the team to play in England and how COVID-19 could affect the game on the islands.
Jul 16, 2020
Singers Richard Stilgoe and Peter Skellern talk - and sing - with Brian Johnston at the Oval in 1983.
Jul 16, 2020
TV star and former newspaper editor Piers Morgan gives a fascinating interview during a Test match at Old Trafford in 2007.
Jul 2, 2020
Singer and comedian Max Boyce enjoys the first Test match in Cardiff during the memorable Ashes series of 2009. Look out for some wonderful stories of Sir Ian Botham in pantomime!
Jul 2, 2020
Guitar hero Richard Thompson joins Jonathan Agnew for a memorable chat and live performance in 2014.
Jun 26, 2020
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Fazeer Mohammed and Andy Zaltzman to discuss a remarkable Test match between England and West India at Lord's in 2000.
Jun 25, 2020
Today presenter Mishal Husain gives a fascinating insight into the world of journalism in an interview at the Oval in 2016.
Jun 25, 2020
TV's Pointless star Richard Osman joins Aggers during the day/night Test at Edgbaston in 2017 to discuss his love of cricket and career in television.
Jun 19, 2020
Jonathan Agnew, Fazeer Mohammed and Andy Zaltzman remember a brilliant Test match at Old Trafford in the summer of 1995.
Jun 18, 2020
Former England football managers Graham Taylor and Roy Hodgson chat about their love of cricket and careers in football in interviews from 1991 and 2012.
Jun 18, 2020
England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles takes a 'View from the Boundary' at Old Trafford in 1997.
Jun 12, 2020
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Andy Zaltzman and Fazeer Mohammed to look back on a memorable win for England against West Indies at Headingley in 1991.
Jun 11, 2020
Former Manchester United and England right-back Gary Neville reveals his stellar cricketing past during a fascinating interview from 2013.
Jun 11, 2020
Brian Johnston has the tables turned and becomes the interviewee on the occasion of his 80th birthday in 1992.
Jun 5, 2020
Jonathan Agnew presents a special podcast remembering the classic England vs West Indies Test played at Lord's in 1984. Look out for some iconic TMS commentary memories.
Jun 4, 2020
Sir Christopher Lee, star of over 200 films and one of Britain's finest actors, takes a View from the Boundary with Brian Johnston at Lord's in 1987.
Jun 4, 2020
BAFTA-winning acting great Dame Penelope Keith joins Jonathan Agnew in 2000 to discuss her varied career, including a starring role as Margot in The Good Life.
May 28, 2020
Olympic gold medal winner with Team GB's hockey stars in 2016, Helen Richardson-Walsh chats to Jonathan Agnew a year on in 2017.
May 28, 2020
Music legend Sir Elton John speaks to Jonathan Agnew from his piano stool in 2006. Look out for a musical interlude featuring Freddie Flintoff!
May 21, 2020
Guitarist Eric Clapton talks to Jonathan Agnew in 2008 about his remarkable career and love of cricket.
May 20, 2020
Nicholas Parsons - actor, comedian and long-time host of Radio 4's 'Just a Minute' - joins Jonathan Agnew for a View from the Boundary in 2007.
May 14, 2020
Dame Cressida Dick, the first woman to be Metropolitan Police Commissioner and self-confessed wicket-keeping disaster, joins Jonathan Agnew for a View from the Boundary in 2018.
May 14, 2020
Sir Trevor McDonald takes a View from the Boundary with Henry Blofeld in 2004, discussing his life and career in broadcasting.
May 13, 2020
Mark Chapman, Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan bring you the latest on when we may get some live cricket. West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave joins the discussion. Plus, they look back 10 years to England’s World T20 win and debate the best commentator XI.
May 13, 2020
10 years on from England’s first ever triumph in a men’s global tournament, man of the tournament Kevin Pietersen and captain Paul Collingwood look back on the 2010 World T20 win in the Caribbean. Find out how a mascot called Lucky, taking golf clubs to training and a late change at the top of the order all helped England lift their first ever ICC trophy.
May 7, 2020
Darts commentary legend Sid Waddell chats to Simon Mann in 2005, reflecting on his life and career behind the microphone.
May 7, 2020
Motorsport star Mark Webber takes a View from the Boundary at the Oval in 2011, giving Jonathan Agnew a fascinating insight into life in an F1 car.
May 5, 2020
A special programme from 2015 as Michael Vaughan shares his memories of the 2005 Edgbaston Ashes Test. Plus, we hear from listeners telling us where they were when England won.
Apr 30, 2020
Comedian and broadcaster Paul Merton joins Aggers for a rainy 'View from the Boundary' at the Oval in 2013.
Apr 30, 2020
The final 'View from the Boundary' conducted by the legendary Brian Johnston as he's joined by comedian Roy Hudd in 1993.
Apr 23, 2020
Actors Hugh Grant (in 2005) and Russell Crowe (in 2009) visit the Test Match Special commentary box to discuss their love of cricket.
Apr 23, 2020
Oscar-winning director Sir Sam Mendes has a break from James Bond duties to take a 'View from the Boundary' in 2015.
Apr 16, 2020
Comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner joins Brian Johnston to take View From the Boundary during the Ashes of 1985 and gets a big surprise...
Apr 16, 2020
16-year-old Waleed Khan joins TMS at Headingley in 2018 to tell a remarkable story of courage, survival and hope.
Apr 9, 2020
Actor Peter O'Toole, star of Lawrence of Arabia, takes a 'View from the Boundary' with Brian Johnston in 1991.
Apr 9, 2020
Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe chats to Jonathan Agnew on his 18th birthday during a Test against India in 2007.
Apr 4, 2020
In honour of Jonathan Agnew's 60th birthday, we listen back to a special interview from 2016 when Aggers was asked the questions by Sir Michael Parkinson.
Apr 2, 2020
HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh chats to Brian Johnston about his love of cricket in a classic 'View from the Boundary' interview from 1987.
Apr 2, 2020
Actor and comedian John Cleese joins Brian Johnston for a memorable interview during a Test match Headingley in 1986.
Mar 30, 2020
Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai chats to Simon Mann at Edgbaston in 2016 in a memorable View from the Boundary interview.
Mar 30, 2020
Pop star Lily Allen chats to Jonathan Agnew in a 2009 interview that remains one of Test Match Special's most famous moments.
Mar 30, 2020
Brian Johnston chats to playwright Ben Travers in the very first View from the Boundary interview. Look out for memories of watching WG Grace amongst and many extraordinary tales.
Mar 23, 2020
Mark Champan, Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan bring you the latest news from the world of cricket, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the sport. With professional cricket currently off – which area will feel it most? The County Championship, the Royal London Cup, the T20 Blast, England's Tests, ODIs or The Hundred? And once we're through this crisis, what could the domestic game look like? Will it have changed at all?
Mar 4, 2020
With rain forecast in Sydney, the two Women's T20 World Cup semi finals are in serious doubt and England could be eliminated without a ball bowled. Henry Moeran is joined by England stars Kate Cross and Alex Hartley, plus BBC Sport's Amy Lofthouse to discuss what it all means.
Jan 13, 2020
Mark Chapman brings you the first Tuffers and Vaughan of 2020. With Michael away, Graham Onions stands in to help Phil preview England’s third test. Plus, England opener Dom Sibley talks about life as a Test opener and we look at how Jimmy Anderson keeps himself going at the age of 37.
Dec 4, 2019
Eleanor Oldroyd pays tribute to former England captain Bob Willis, who has died at the age of 70. His teammates Mike Brearley, Vic Marks and David Gower share their memories of him, including Willis' memorable performance during 1981 Ashes series at Headingley.
Sep 15, 2019
We hear from Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Steve Smith after England's 135-run win at The Oval meant a drawn Ashes series for the first time in 47 years. Michael Vaughan has his say on why this result will be significant for Root's leadership of the side going forward, Alec Stewart says Ashley Giles has big decisions to make in the post Trevor Bayliss, and Glenn McGrath gets the final word on the pod as the urn heads back to Australia.
Sep 14, 2019
Michael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath and Alec Stewart have their say on England batting themselves into a strong position to win the match and tie the series. We hear from Joe Denly on his amazing week; the birth of his daughter now followed by a new highest Test score of 96 which Michael Vaughan says will be enough to ensure he's on the winter tours to New Zealand and South Africa. Plus, Aggers chats to Kevin Roberts on leading Cricket Australia out of the ball tampering scandal, English crowds booing David Warner, and his upcoming visit to Pakistan with a view to touring the country in 2022.
Sep 7, 2019
Michael Vaughan says England will need a 'Michael Atherton in Johannesburg type innings' (185 not out off 492 balls having occupied the crease for over 10 hours) to secure a draw and keep their Ashes hopes alive heading into the final Test at The Oval. Coach Trevor Bayliss says his side can pull off another incredible escape, and we hear from Australia's team mentor Steve Waugh on Steve Smith’s monumental performances. Away from the cricket, we catch up with James Pattinson about his love of English football and in particular Grimsby Town!
Sep 7, 2019
Long-time BBC Middle East editor and fanatical cricket listener Jeremy Bowen joins Aggers to chat covering upwards of twenty wars across the globe, expecting to die in conflicts, and how following cricket enabled him to escape the gravity of his work. Also up for discussion; how to interview figures like Colonel Gaddafi, and nine months on from his bowel cancer diagnosis, the importance of screening and early diagnosis of the disease.
Sep 3, 2019
Jonathan Agnew and ABC’s Geoff Lemon look ahead to the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford where England will look to capitalise on Ben Stokes' heroics at Headingley with the five-match series tied at 1-1. You’ll hear from England captain Joe Root on why Craig Overton has replaced Chris Woakes. Australia captain Tim Paine also comes on to the TMS podcast to talk about how Steve Waugh is helping them to prepare for the fourth test and the return Steve Smith which also means the return of his battle with England pace bowler Jofra Archer. We also get an update from England bowler James Anderson now he's out for the rest of the Test series with his calf injury, as well as hearing from his opening partner Stuart Broad on his longevity in Test cricket.
Aug 23, 2019
Michael Vaughan says the Ashes are heading back to Australia as a dismal English total of 67 looks to have gift wrapped victory for the tourists at Headingley. Alastair Cook and Geoffrey Boycott have their say on why England's batting has been so bad for so long and what needs to change. You'll also hear from batting coach Graham Thorpe and Australian quick Josh Hazlewood who took 5-30.
Aug 22, 2019
Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook react to a day of a huge momentum swings at Headingley. Rain, bad light, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne frustrated England until a wild last session with Jofra Archer tearing through Australia's lower order. You'll hear from Archer himself and David Warner after his best innings of the series by far. Plus, Michael Vaughan has some strong opinions on the lack of English coaches in next summer's inaugural Hundred competition.
Aug 21, 2019
Jonathan Agnew and ABC’s Geoff Lemon look ahead to the third Ashes Test at Headingley where England have an opportunity to level the series – which Australia lead 1-0. You’ll hear from England captain Joe Root on why he thinks Jofra Archer made such in impact in the second Test at Lord’s with his “unique bowling style.” Australia captain Tim Paine also comes on to the TMS podcast to talk about how they are preparing ahead of the third Test after Steve Smith was ruled out with concussion. You’ll find out why Geoff Lemon thinks Steve Smith is like a particular Lords of the Rings character and we get an update on England bowler James Anderson – will he recover from his calf injury in time to make the fourth Test at Old Trafford?
Aug 19, 2019
Phil and Michael talk about the momentum shift in the Ashes series after Jofra Archer’s hostile bowling at Lord’s, which will ‘send shivers down the rest of the Australian batting unit’. Michael has a warning for Joe Root over how much he uses Archer, and says that facing him in the nets should be banned for English batsmen. Plus we speak to brain injury association Headway, who have some strong words for Cricket Australia over their decision to allow Steve Smith to bat again after being struck by Archer.
Aug 14, 2019
Mitchell Johnson joins the pod to chat about his first experience of playing international cricket at Lord's when he went at more than 6 an over. He talks about dealing with a lack of confidence, hitting his peak after turning 30, and the highs and lows of one of the most exciting careers in the history of Ashes cricket.
Aug 14, 2019
Ahead of the Ruth Strauss Foundation Day at Lord’s, Andrew Strauss sat down with Glenn McGrath to talk about the impact of losing their wives to cancer, but also the foundations they’ve set up in their names, and how cricket can help raise funds and awareness. Jonathan Agnew, whose wife is in remission from cancer, hosts the discussion as Lord’s prepares to turn red for the day.
Aug 13, 2019
Jonathan Agnew and Geoff Lemon look ahead to the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. We hear from Joe Root on what Jofra Archer could do on his Test debut. Australia captain Tim Paine explains why they’ve changed a bowler from Edgbaston, and Jack Leach tells us why, after being dropped for the Edgbaston Test, he paid £10 to play club cricket instead.
Aug 12, 2019
England coach Paul Collingwood joins the pod to talk putting Edgbaston behind them, a new-look side without Jimmy or Moeen, and whether there's an emotional hang over from the World Cup win. Plus, we hear from Jofra Archer on a potential Ashes debut and his knack for prophetic tweets.
Aug 5, 2019
Michael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath and Geoffrey Boycott have their say on a Nathan Lyon-inspired Australia taking a 1-0 lead in the Ashes. We discuss whether some of England's players are experiencing an emotional hangover from their World Cup victory, ask what changes should be made for Lord's, and ponder if Australia are simply the better side if there's not going to be any lateral movement in this series. We also hear from Joe Root and man of the match Steve Smith.
Jul 30, 2019
Michael Vaughan speaks to Sir Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Allan Border and Ian Chappell about what it's like captaining in cricket's oldest rivalry. Andrew Strauss reveals how being insulted in a lift by a member of the Barmy Army fuelled his desire to win the Ashes in 2010-11, whilst for Allan Border it was being sledged by the Australian Prime Minister on TV.
Jul 15, 2019
Did that really happen? Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan are back together after the most incredible cricket match that saw England crowned as World Champions. We go through the last 20 balls of the match, ball-by-ball, to relive the most incredible drama Lord's has ever seen. And Tuffers suggests that Jofra Archer 'roll his trousers up'. Us neither.
Jul 14, 2019
Jonathan Agnew presents all the reaction from Lords as England have won their first ever Cricket World Cup by scoring more boundaries than New Zealand in a super over after it ended as a tie. Michael Vaughan, Jimmy Anderson, Phil Tufnell, Alec Stewart, Jeremy Coney and Simon Mann all reflect on England’s dramatic victory. Eoin Morgan, Trevor Bayliss, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler all come onto the TMS podcast to celebrate an historic day.
Jul 13, 2019
The day before the World Cup final, Eoin Morgan joins Jonathan Agnew to explain just what winning the tournament would mean to him, and to the game in this country. We hear from Mark Wood, who promises that he’ll bring his horse back if England win, and from Brendon McCullum, the man who has heavily influenced both sides. Jeremy Coney compares the final to Agincourt, with Kane Williamson as Henry V, and Jimmy Anderson talks us through England’s last World Cup failure in 2015, and we look at why it could be so different this time.
Jul 12, 2019
Jimmy Anderson, Isa Guha, Andy Zaltzman and Prakash Wakankar go through their team of the World Cup so far. Plus Eleanor Oldroyd and Simon Mann reveal the results of a BBC Sport online poll to find out who has been selected by the public.
Jul 11, 2019
Did it really happen? Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook join Jonathan Agnew to relive England’s emphatic win over Australia that puts them into Sunday’s final, where they’ll meet New Zealand. Eoin Morgan exclusively reveals to us that this win is ‘definitely one of the better days’ that he’s had. In another understatement, Jofra Archer tells us that the world cup has gone ‘pretty alright’ for him.
Jul 10, 2019
Jonathan Agnew speaks to England captain Eoin Morgan ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Australia at Edgbaston - we're also joined by former Australia captain Steve Waugh, who possibly isn't the type of man to walk around a ground barefoot. But the current captain has gone to see The Queen's Corgi at the cinema in preparation for the match. Meanwhile, New Zealand stun India to reach the World Cup final - we hear from Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and a very happy Jeremy Coney.
Jul 9, 2019
Jonathan Agnew is joined by former New Zealand captain Jeremy Coney and Prakash Wakankar on a frustrating day at Old Trafford, where rain has halted the semi-final between New Zealand and India after 46 overs of the New Zealand innings. Liam Plunkett tells us that he doesn’t think England will be adopting Australia’s barefoot Edgbaston walkabout approach, the outgoing chief exec of the ICC, Dave Richardson, talks free-to-air tv, World Cup formats, and the progress he’s made as he departs his role, and we hear from a family of India fans who drove to the World Cup. From Singapore.
Jul 8, 2019
Tuffers is off again this week, so Paul Farbrace takes his place as he joins Michael to look ahead to the World Cup semi-finals. Michael works out a unique way to motivate the England players, Paul tells a story about when Tuffers once hid behind a sightscreen to avoid a fielding drill, and Ebony Rainford Brent explains where it's all going wrong for England in the Women's Ashes.
Jul 7, 2019
Rohit Sharma became the first man to score five centuries in a single World Cup as India chased down 265 with 6.3 overs to spare at Headingley. We hear from Charles Dagnell, Prakash Wakankar and Jeremy Coney on their assessment of the match. Meanwhile Australia fell 10 runs short in the competition's final group game at Old Trafford. We hear from former England cricketer Graeme Swan for his thoughts ahead of England’s semi-final against Australia, and England women all-rounder Natalie Sciver ahead of their third and final ODI.
Jul 2, 2019
Eoin Morgan joins the pod ahead of England’s date with destiny against New Zealand. The England captain discusses the success of the team meeting he held prior to the India win, why the loss to NZ in the 2015 World Cup remains one of the lowest moments of his career, and if he's going to bat first if he wins the toss going forward. There’s also reaction from Edgbaston as India book their semi-final spot and eliminate Bangladesh in the process. Criticism of MS Dhoni won’t go away but Prakash Wakankar tells us he’s India’s most selfless cricketer.
Jul 1, 2019
After his heroics against India, England's Jason Roy takes us inside the mind of an opener. Graeme Swann and Jeremy Coney look ahead to England against New Zealand. We reflect on Sri Lanka beating West Indies in a thriller at Chester-le-Street with Sir Curtly Ambrose, and you'll hear from captain Heather Knight as England prepare to face Australia in the Women's Ashes.
Jun 30, 2019
Jonathan Agnew, Michael Vaughan, Prakash Wakankar, Vic Marks and Andy Zaltzman discuss England’s crucial 31-run win over India at Edgbaston in the Cricket World Cup. Meanwhile, Aggers chats to Google chief executive Sundar Pichai and we make further inroads into our quest to find a listener to this podcast from every country in the world.
Jun 29, 2019
The pressure is mounting on England after Pakistan squeezed past Afghanistan on day 31 – Aatif Nawaz and Daniel Norcross were watching at Headingley. Meanwhile Eoin Morgan joins the podcast to talk about Jonny Bairstow’s comments, Jason Roy’s fitness and the pitch at Edgbaston. Australia win yet again, this time against New Zealand at Lord’s, and we make progress in our efforts to find a listener to this podcast from every country in the world.
Jun 28, 2019
As a swarm of bees interrupts play at the Cricket World Cup, Charles Dagnall, Scott Read and ex-England assistant coach Paul Farbrace review South Africa's victory over Sri Lanka. It was a result which leaves Sri Lanka on the brink of elimination from the tournament. Jos Buttler speaks to Jonathan Overend as England's crunch game with India edges ever nearer. Ex-New Zealand captain Jeremy Coney and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie assess the significance of Australia against New Zealand ahead of the sides' meeting at Lord's.
Jun 27, 2019
West Indies are knocked out of the World Cup after being comprehensively beaten by India at Old Trafford - Prakash Wakankar and Curtley Ambrose join Simon Mann to give their reaction. And with India still unbeaten and looking in fine fettle, can England get the result they desperately need on Sunday? James Anderson and Kris Srikkanth give their views on the crunch match at Edgbaston. Anderson also reflects on the career of Marcus Trescothick who has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Jun 26, 2019
Jeremy Coney and Aatif Nawaz join Charles Dagnall to reflect on Pakistan keeping their hopes of a World Cup semi-final place alive as they moved to within a point of England with a six-wicket victory over New Zealand. Also hear from Graeme Swann on England's troubles and Joe Root looks ahead to his side's vital match against India on Sunday.
Jun 25, 2019
Michael Vaughan says England turned up at Lord's this morning with the look of a side who thought they could lose the game. Is the pressure of tournament cricket and the favourites tag really beginning to tell on Eoin Morgan's side? He says not, but that confidence needs to be re-built. India await at Edgbaston on Sunday by which time England could find themselves on the outside looking in for a semi-final qualification spot. You'll also get the post-match thoughts of Alec Stewart and Jim Maxwell, with interviews from Ben Stokes and Aaron Finch.
Jun 24, 2019
Sir Curtly Ambrose and Robin Smith explain the arts of both bowling fast, and facing pace. Curtly tells us that it’s all about building up a reputation, whilst Robin says that it helps to imagine a line half way down the pitch. Plus Ebony Rainford Brent joins us in place of Tuffers to speak about where England went wrong against Sri Lanka, and what they need to do against Australia. And we hear a from a very prescient Virat Kohli, with his pre-tournament prediction.
Jun 24, 2019
Eoin Morgan joins the pod on the eve of England and Australia at Lord's. We ask if England will stick to their guns after the Sri Lanka defeat, look ahead to some of the tournament's most impressive fast bowlers going to head-to-head, and hear from Paul Farbrace on how to get David Warner out. Meanwhile, Bangladesh take care of business and beat Afghanistan thanks to you know who, Shakib Al Hasan, and there's a spectacular meltdown from Usman Shinwari at being stranded on 49.
Jun 23, 2019
After a fifth defeat in seven matches South Africa become only the second side to be eliminated from the World Cup. We ask why they've been so sub-par. Predictably Pakistan bring their A-game in a backs-to-the-wall scenario, but do they have enough to mount a late assault on the semis? We hear from Jofra Archer as we look ahead to a massive match between England and Australia, plus Jimmy Anderson reflects on the 2007 tournament in the Caribbean where England failed to qualify from the Super 8s amidst the pedalo fiasco.
Jun 22, 2019
Two thrilling matches to recap as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami combine at the death to deny Afghanistan arguably the greatest upset in World Cup history before six-hitting machine Carlos Brathwaite was a metre shy of completing what looked an impossible chase for the West Indies against New Zealand.
Jun 21, 2019
The Cricket World Cup cat is well and truly amongst the tournament pigeons as England suffer a second defeat of the group stage to bring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh back into the semi-final qualification picture. Michael Vaughan puts the shock loss down to failing to play intelligent cricket, Paul Farbrace says they didn't adapt to a slower pitch, and Eoin Morgan admits Sri Lanka would've been robbed had Ben Stokes seen his team home. No blame apportioned to England's bowlers for the result, we get James Anderson's analysis on their success so far, and we catch up with a cricket-loving star from the Harry Potter films.
Jun 20, 2019
The new-look, less cavalier David Warner hits the highest individual score of the World Cup so far, his 166 the key to Australia's 48-run win over Bangladesh. Jim Maxwell thinks the new approach is at least partly injury enforced, Graeme Swann says he's trying to be a nicer guy to win people over within the game. Either way, is he a better batsman now? And what might that mean for the Ashes? We check in with Moeen Ali ahead of his 100th ODI appearance for England as they prepare for Sri Lanka. He chats the new addition to his family, Eoin Morgan's sublime innings, and the change in the team's identity since he first came into the side.
Jun 19, 2019
Jeremy Coney and Natalie Germanos join Simon Mann to look back on Kane Williamson’s superb century that helped New Zealand past South Africa in the tournament’s closest finish so far. We hear from Williamson himself, as well as a very disappointed Faf du Plessis. Plus, in a podcast exclusive, Chris Woakes explains just what goes through his mind when he bowls the final over of an innings, especially when defending a total. We also hear from former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu, who has a warning for the future of the game in South Africa.
Jun 18, 2019
England have gone top of the World Cup standings thanks to an astonishing blitz of six hitting from Eoin Morgan, writing himself into the record books in the process. And whilst it was Afghanistan's bowlers on the receiving end of the barrage, we discuss their remarkable journey from the sport being banned by the Taliban to mixing it with the best on the world stage.
Jun 17, 2019
Tuffers, Michael and Chappers are joined by former England batsman Robin Smith, who speaks very frankly an openly about his mental struggles when playing and after retiring, including depression, alcoholism and contemplating suicide. If you are feeling emotionally distressed and would like details of organisations which offer advice and support, go online to bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Jun 17, 2019
We're in the England camp ahead of the match with Afghanistan; Eoin Morgan refuses to rule out a return for the axed Alex Hales, whilst Mark Wood gives us the lowdown on his TV schedule. Curtly Ambrose is withering in his assessment of the West Indies' bowling as Bangladesh knock off the second highest run chase in World Cup history, and on its twentieth anniversary we replay the unbelievable finish to the 1999 semi-final at Edgbaston between Australia and South Africa.
Jun 16, 2019
A Pakistani supporter may have arrived at the ground on an beautiful horse but there was nothing elegant about the performance of the men in green at Old Trafford. Former star all-rounder turned Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted before the match that Sarfaraz must be bold and bat first....he put India in and Rohit, Rahul and Kohli all made him pay. Graeme Swann and Prakash Wakankar give their assessment of the match whilst Aatif Nawaz has another chastening loss to his big rivals to stew on. You'll also hear from the two captains and KL Rahul.
Jun 15, 2019
All eyes on Old Trafford for the most eagerly awaited match of the tournament as India and Pakistan face off. In this pod you’ll hear from Waqar Younis on what it’s like to play and coach in these games, plus a brilliant account of what this fixture means to fans with Doosra podcast host Aatif Nawaz. Meanwhile, Australia have gone to the top of table with victory over Sri Lanka. We speak to Jason Gillespie about Mitchell Starc’s brilliance, David Warner’s confusing scoring rates and why he thinks individual milestones in one-day cricket are overrated.
Jun 14, 2019
Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook and Jonathan Agnew reflect on England’s ‘perfect performance’ to beat West Indies by 8 wickets, but there are concerns about injuries to Eoin Morgan and Jason Roy. We hear from Joe Root, who scored a century and took two wickets, as well as Morgan and an angry Fazeer Mohammed tells us why he’s had enough of West Indies’ ‘showboating’. Glenn Hoddle joins the podcast to talk about his love of cricket, and what it was like to face Joel Garner. And Andy Zaltzman gets very excited as history is made as England win back-to-back victories at a World Cup against Test level opposition, and then even more excited as someone e-mails him about ‘Eddie Hemmings World’.
Jun 13, 2019
Alastair Cook chats England's task against the West Indies, whether or not Jason Roy could feature in the Ashes, the sleepless nights he had when leading England, and is joined by old friend Graeme Swann to reminisce about their days in the slip cordon. Plus, we check in with Eoin Morgan to ask if there's been a whip round for Moeen and his wife after the birth of their child. And as the quest for a listener in every country in the world hots up, we do our best to pronounce some of the lesser-known towns and cities from where you've been emailing in.
Jun 12, 2019
Finally a day with no rain! David Warner’s brilliant century helped Australia squeeze past Pakistan in a thrilling match in Taunton, despite a superb bowling display from Mohammad Amir – Waqar Younis tells us just what he thinks it will do for Amir, plus Michael Vaughan, Geoff Lemon and Aatif Nawaz give their thoughts on a brilliant match. Trevor Bayliss explains to us why he hasn’t been watching any non-England games at the World Cup, and we continue our quest to find a listener to the podcast in every country in the world. We’re nearly half way there.
Jun 11, 2019
Yet more rain means Sri Lanka and Bangladesh never even take the field but fortunately Graeme Swann and Paul Farbrace are in superb form as they guide us through what happens in the dressing room during rain delays, how not to coach a player and the mentality of a successful spin bowler. Plus, Dan Norcross and Andy Zaltzman debate the pros and cons of moving the tournament to Mauritania.
Jun 10, 2019
Pacemen Curtly Ambrose and Tymal Mills talk about their careers and how fast bowling has evolved and former Protea captain Graeme Smith discusses the mess South Africa find themselves in following AB de Villiers' attempted retirement U-turn.
Jun 9, 2019
Michael Vaughan says India are the best team in the tournament so far after a 36-run win over Australia. We try to make sense of the conservative Aussie chase, particularly from David Warner, and ask if it's only a matter of time until a sticky bail incident proves pivotal in the outcome of a match. Plus, we speak to Jimmy Anderson about his first World Cup experience with England back in 2003 when a decision to boycott their match in Zimbabwe ultimately cost them a place in the Super Sixes.
Jun 8, 2019
Jonathan Agnew and Michael Vaughan react to England piling on their highest World Cup total in a 106-run defeat of Bangladesh, whilst New Zealand comfortably defeated Afghanistan. We also hear from James Anderson and Paul Farbrace as they reflect on England's elimination from the World Cup four years ago.
Jun 7, 2019
Pakistan and Sri Lanka fall foul of only the third washout in World Cup history so we speak to Eoin Morgan as England prepare to face their bogey side Bangladesh. We discover Mark Wood's been to Harry Potter World and Tymal Mills tells us about Jofra Archer’s many variations. Plus, we speak to the only English coach in the whole tournament.
Jun 6, 2019
Nathan Coulter-Nile with the bat then Mitchell Starc with the ball earn Australia victory, their tenth ODI win on the spin. The West Indies may have come up short today but we get the inside story on this rejuvenated side with Curtly Ambrose and their recent Head Coach Stuart Law. We also hear from Liam Plunkett on diet, match preparation, and why he's given up alcohol.
Jun 5, 2019
India's tournament is up and running with Sharma, Chahal and Bumrah all in top form. We discuss Dhoni's role as the team's invaluable 'CPU', why South Africa's challenge still hasn't got going, and after his chopper flew over the Hampshire Bowl during play we ponder what kind of cricketer Donald Trump might be.
Jun 4, 2019
Jeremy Coney and Mel Jones join Simon Mann in a soggy Cardiff as Sri Lanka edge past Afghanistan. Chris Woakes and Mark Wood try to identify which of their teammates are Beliebers, which like Friends, and which like Made in Chelsea, based on old tweets. And will we ever see Dale Steyn in a South Africa shirt again? He’s out of the World Cup, but India are finally about to make their debut.
Jun 3, 2019
Injured England batsman Sam Billings sits in for Phil Tufnell as Pakistan shock the hosts to win by 14 runs at Trent Bridge. We discuss where England went wrong, how Wahab Riaz proved his own coach wrong, and why this has been a bowler's World Cup so far. Plus there’s an appearance from a hovercover. Or is it Michael’s hairdryer?
Jun 3, 2019
Well, well, well, Pakistan stun England in a major tournament once again. You'll hear from Michael Vaughan, Joe Root and Wahab Riaz on where the match was won and lost. Were there nerves in the England ranks? Sir Viv Richards drops by to explain what it's like to handle the pressure of being pre-tournament favourites. And Graeme Swann and Fazeer Mohammed have a bit of a ding dong over Mankadding.
Jun 2, 2019
Are South Africa's worst nightmares about this World Cup already materialising? Do Bangladesh have the quality to challenge any side at the tournament? Questions posed by Dan Norcross and answered by Alec Stewart, Natalie Germanos and Roushan Alam on this episode of the TMS podcast at the World Cup. Andy Zaltzman's also on the pod to discuss whether 'pulled crickets' will ever become a thing, and the best crowd catches he's ever seen. You'll also hear from Eoin Morgan ahead of England's second match against Pakistan.
Jun 1, 2019
Reaction to Australia and New Zealand opening their World Cup campaigns with straightforward wins over Afghanistan and Sri Lanka with Jimmy Anderson, Graeme Swann, Paul Farbrace and others. David Warner looks solid if unspectacular, is that typical of the Aussies' style under Justin Langer? Could Sri Lanka could well be the tournament's weakest side and how long before batsmen start playing the short ball properly?
May 31, 2019
Curtly Ambrose joins the pod as the West Indies get their World Cup campaign off to the perfect start with victory over Pakistan at Trent Bridge. He chats their hostile bowling, being able to hide Chris Gayle in the field, and his experience on TV reality show 'Dancing with the Stars'. Plus, Jos Buttler interviews friend and team-mate Adil Rashid on the secrets of successful leg-spin in white ball cricket.
May 30, 2019
Michael Vaughan and Sam Curran join Jonathan Agnew at the Oval for reactions to England's opening World Cup win over South Africa. Ben Stokes tells us that his stunning catch was 'a fluke', plus we hear from Eoin Morgan, Graeme Smith and Imran Tahir, who's not happy with his side's batsmen. Sam Curran explains what it's like to get an IPL hattrick without realising, and we begin our quest to find the listener in the most obscure place.
May 29, 2019
The day before the World Cup starts, Jonathan Agnew speaks to Eoin Morgan at the Oval about expectations, performing, and what he’ll say to the Queen. South Africa coach Ottis Gibson answers whether he’d be interested in the England job after Trevor Bayliss, plus Natalie Germanos and Dean Wilson give their thoughts on the World Cup opener. Then Aggers heads off to the World Cup launch party, and speaks to the great and good of world cricket, including Sir Viv Richards, Mahela Jayawardene, Azhar Ali, Jacques Kallis and Kevin Pietersen.
May 27, 2019
Eoin Morgan opens up to Michael Vaughan about how he and England turned their ODI form round, from the ‘humiliation’ of England’s defeat to Bangladesh in 2015, to becoming favourites at a home World Cup. Morgan tells how he was jealous of the style of cricket that New Zealand were playing four years ago, and how he wrote in his diary during the last World Cup about the need for change in English cricket. Don’t forget, there’s a new episode available every day throughout the tournament, so make sure you subscribe via BBC Sounds or your usual podcast app.
May 26, 2019
Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Jonathan Agnew and Jim Maxwell to look back on the Cricket World Cup’s 10 most shocking moments. From Kevin O’Brien’s incredible innings to help Ireland beat England, to Big Dwayne Leverock’s brilliant slip catch, Elly, Aggers and Jim take you through those unforgettable moments. Don’t forget, there’s a new episode available every day throughout the tournament, so make sure you subscribe via BBC Sounds or your usual podcast app.
May 25, 2019
Simon Mann brings reaction as England fell to a 12-run defeat by Australia in a thrilling World Cup warm-up match in Southampton after Steve Smith's first century since being banned for his part in the ball-tampering scandal. Also hear from Graeme Swann, Jos Buttler, Alex Carey, Steve Smith and award-winning author Geoff Lemon about life in Australian cricket since the sandpaper affair.
May 24, 2019
With six days to go, Mark Chapman is joined by all ten of the captains at the Cricket World Cup in front of a live audience of journalists and local school children. The captains talk India vs Pakistan, expectations, excitement and whether we will see the first ever side to score 500 in an innings. Don't forget, there's a new episode available every day throughout the tournament, so make sure you subscribe via BBC Sounds or your usual podcast app.
May 23, 2019
A week away from the start of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, we launch our daily podcast that will run throughout the tournament. Michael Vaughan explains why he thinks fielding will be key this tournament, Ebony Rainford Brent and Phil Tufnell wonder whether knowing the location of the nearest chippy helps World Cup preparation, and debate everything from ‘old twiddlies’ to ‘emotional ping pongs’. Plus Ramiz Raja picks six teams to make the semi-finals. We’ll be back every day between now and the final, so make sure you’re subscribed. And feel free to send us your thoughts on tms@bbc.co.uk; put ‘podcast’ in the title. Be nice.
May 21, 2019
Kevin Howells and Andy Zaltzman complete their look back on the four Cricket World Cups to have been held in the UK. Alec Stewart, Gus Fraser and John Etheridge join Kevin and Andy to look back on a tournament perhaps best remembered for the fact that England were out before the official song (recorded by Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics).
May 18, 2019
Kevin Howells and Andy Zaltzman continue their look back on the four Cricket World Cups to have been held in the UK. Andy reveals that the first ever game of cricket he saw was during this tournament, as Paul Allott, Vic Marks and Graeme Fowler join him and Kevin.
May 15, 2019
Kevin Howells and Andy Zaltzman continue their look back on the four Cricket World Cups to have been held in the UK. As we reflect on the 1979 World Cup, we’re joined by Graham Gooch, David Gower and Mike Hendrick, plus some vintage commentary from the great Tony Cozier.
May 12, 2019
Kevin Howells and Andy Zaltzman begin their look back on the four men's World Cup tournaments previously held in the UK and their impact on the game. They start with the first event held in 1975 won by a brilliant West Indies side. Guests include winning captain Clive Lloyd, first tournament centurion Dennis Amiss plus finalists Ian Chappell and Deryck Murray.
Mar 3, 2019
Trevor Bayliss and Paul Farbrace explain what it was like to be in the Sri Lanka team bus that was attacked 10 years ago in Lahore, Pakistan. Islamist militants fired rockets and machine guns at the convoy as it reached the stadium. Six police officers and two civilians died in the attack. Many in the Sri Lankan team, including Farbrace, were injured.
Aug 21, 2018
Patrick Taylor joined Jonathan Agnew to reflect on the amazing reaction to his e-mail to TMS about the death of his father.
Aug 21, 2018
Test Match Special brings you an in-depth interview with Heather Knight during lunch on day four of the third Test between England and India. The England women’s captain opens up to correspondent Jonathan Agnew about her career, her view on the women’s game, and hopes for the future. She also answers questions from TMS listeners.
Aug 20, 2018
Test Match Special brings you an in-depth interview with England's leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson, as he opens up to Simon Hughes about his career.