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Test Match Special

Test Match Special

BBC

Cricket, News, Sports News, Sports

4.42.2K Ratings

Overview

The Test Match Special team bring you the very best reaction, insight & analysis of the Ashes Test series with daily episodes from down under.

1002 Episodes

The Ashes: When Bazball went bad and one very proud dad

With the Men's Ashes over, Henry Moeran is joined by Stephan Shemilt to discuss the latest revelations from a disappointing tour. Plus, we hear from Jacob Bethell's father.

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2026

The Ashes: Inquest begins for England as Australia make it 4-1

Australia win the 5th Test at the SCG by 5 wickets to complete their Ashes victory. We hear from England coach Brendon McCullum plus captain Ben Stokes as well as player of the match Travis Head, Player of the series Mitchell Starc and the retiring Usman Khawaja. Plus there's analysis from Simon Mann, Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath, Phil Tufnell and Andy Zaltzman

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2026

The Ashes: Bethell hundred provides belated bright spark

Jacob Bethell joins the pod after his brilliant maiden first class hundred. We get analysis from Michael Vaughan, Jonathan Agnew and Glenn McGrath including a discussion on the future of England coach Brendon McCullum. Beau Webster discusses his 3 wickets as a spinner and Usman Khawaja speaks ahead of his final day of international cricket. Plus we hear from World Cup winning Rugby Player Mike Tindall and World Champion equestrian Zara Tindall

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2026

The Ashes: Smith grinds down England as the SCG turns pink

We hear from record breaking Steve Smith who became the second highest scorer in Ashes history and England’s Jacob Bethell who took his first Ashes wicket. Jonathan Agnew and Phil Tufnell join Simon Mann to review a tricky day for England and Eleanor Oldroyd speaks to Glenn McGrath and Emma Agnew about Jane McGrath day.

Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2026

The Ashes: Root’s resolve, Smith’s shocker & England’s bowling Headache

We hear from Joe Root who scored his 41st Test century and Australia fast bowler Scott Boland. Plus, there’s analysis from Simon Mann, Jonathan Agnew, Phil Tufnell, Glenn McGrath and Andy Zaltzman.

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2026

The Ashes: Brook and Root give England promising start at the SCG.

England had the best of the opening day of the 5th and final Ashes Test with Harry Brook unbeaten on 78 and Joe Root on 72. But rain truncated the day with bad light and rain allowing only 45 overs. We hear from Brook plus Simon Mann is joined by Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Jonathan Agnew plus Eleanor Oldroyd talks to Glenn McGrath at the start of the Pink Test.

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2026

Stokes "very eager" to continue as captain

Eleanor Oldroyd is alongside Jonathan Agnew and Stephan Shemilt to look ahead to the final Ashes Test at the SCG. They discuss what rides on this final Test with the series already gone and the long-term plan for England's red-ball side.England captain Ben Stokes tells Aggers he's keen to take Ashes revenge in 2027, whilst Aussie captain Steve Smith says he wants more than what the recent SCG pitches have offered.

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2026

The Ashes: Khawaja calls it a day and calls out "racial stereotyping"

Usman Khawaja is leaving international cricket, and had much to say about treatment from the media and former players during his career. Plus, we hear from England's Zak Crawley.

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2026

TMS Top 10: Ashes moments

From Nathan Lyon dropping the ball at Headingley to Shane Warne's 700th Test wicket. From Steve Smith's century on return from his ban to Steve Harmison's first ball wide at the Gabba - what is the ultimate Ashes moment? Isa Guha, Sir Alastair Cook, and Jonathan Agnew debate their top 10 Ashes moments.

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2026

The 2025 TMS Awards

Andy Zaltzman hosts the, now traditional, TMS Awards looking back at 2025’s best (or worst) cricketing moments. As is tradition, TMS commentators Daniel Norcross and Henry Moeran are on the adjudication panel to help Andy decide who wins ‘favourite wicket of the year’, ‘worst loss of the year’, and the prize everyone wants to go home with: The Noosa Award for commitment to the cricketing cause.

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2025

No Balls: Madness in Melbourne & menstrual moans

Alex Hartley and Kate Cross discuss the two-day MCG Ashes Test which saw England win their first Test in Australia for nearly fifteen years. Plus, why it's normal to talk about periods and how female players deal with it occurring during a cricket match.

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2025

Daily Ashes Quiz: Average first innings winning scores

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2025

The Ashes - injury latest and time on hands for fans and players

Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Stephan Shemilt and Henry Moeran for news from Melbourne, including England injury updates. Plus, an interview with two of Shane Warne’s children.

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2025

England’s men win first Ashes Test down under in 15 years

England beat Australia by 4 wickets at the MCG to end a run of 18 winless Tests. We hear from Ben Stokes, Josh Tongue, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell and Steve Smith plus Simon Mann is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Phil Tufnell, Glenn McGrath and Andy Zaltzman.

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2025

Mayhem in Melbourne on bonkers Boxing Day

Simon Mann is joined by Michael Vaughan, Jonathan Agnew, Glenn McGrath and Andy Zaltzman to review an incredible opening day of the 4th Test. Plus reaction from England’s Josh Tongue who took 5/45 and Australia fast bowler Scott Boland who had figures of 3/30 and opened the batting!

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2025

No Balls: Snow Balls the Christmas Podcast

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley lift the cricketing mood by bringing you some festive cheer, interluded with a little bit of Ashes chat as England lose the series with two games still to play. Plus, can they guess which of Santa's elves have been spotted in Australia?

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2025

Ben Stokes responds to Noosa revelations & Archer is out

Eleanor Oldroyd is alongside Jonathan Agnew and Stephan Shemilt in the TMS commentary box at the MCG ahead of the Boxing Day Ashes Test. England captain Ben Stokes speaks to Jonathan Agnew about the reports of the squad’s conduct in their trip to Noosa. They discuss the perception of the squad and what Stokes has to deal with as captain of the side. Plus, they talk about Jacob Bethell playing in his first Ashes Test and Jofra Archer being ruled out for the rest of the tour.

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

The Ashes: Where did England go wrong?

Phil Tufnell, Jason Gillespie and Dawid Malan join Mark Chapman to reflect on England losing the Ashes in Adelaide after the Third Test. Are England professional enough? Does the English game value county cricket enough? And did they pick the right spinner?

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2025

The Ashes: Rob Key ’Sorry’ for England performing at 20%

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2025

Daily Ashes Quiz: Wins in the first three tests

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

The Ashes: England's belated resistance ends as Australia retain the Ashes.

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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2025

The Ashes: England show fight, but on brink of defeat

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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2025

The Ashes: Head hammers down England hopes

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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2025

The Ashes: Defiant Stokes, but England face mammoth task

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

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2025

The Ashes: Carey controversy on enthralling opening day

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

The Ashes: Crunch time ahead of the Christmas Test

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2025

Matt Prior: "The wicketkeeper needs to be the drummer of the band"

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

Daily Ashes Quiz: Difference between innings

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

View from the Boundary: Historian Tom Holland

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2025

Brendon McCullum: ‘Top 7 will stay the same’

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2025

Remembering 'The Judge', Robin Smith

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2025

The Ashes: John Aiken - from first-class cricketer to 'Married at First Sight' love guru

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

No Balls: The Finch Who Stole Christmas

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

The Ashes: Welcome to Adelaide!

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

Wood ruled out and Stokes throws down the gauntlet

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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

Daily Ashes Quiz: Longest winless runs

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

The Ashes: Wounded Stokes says no place for weak men.

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,

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2025

The Ashes: England on the brink in Brisbane

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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2025

The Ashes: Wasteful England hand Australia the initiative at the Gabba

Reaction to a second day in Brisbane that saw England miss out on putting heat on the hostsMichael 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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

The Ashes: Root scores first hundred in Australia.

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

Stokes speaks to TMS as Cummins could return

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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

Pope talks to TMS & Jacks in for Wood for Gabba Test

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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

Glenn McGrath: “if England go to Adelaide 2-0 down it's game over”

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

Daily Ashes Quiz: Fastest scoring team

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

TMS Top 10: Ashes Characters

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

Joe Root: 'Ashes doesn't need pink-ball Test'

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 November 2025

The Ashes: "Don't call us arrogant" says Stokes as England begin preparations in Brisbane

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2025

England’s 2010/11 Ashes win, according to Sir Alastair Cook

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

The Ashes: England right to stick to Plan A with batters' prep, says Alec Stewart

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

No Balls: Hartley heads down under!

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.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

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