Test Match Special

Alex Hartley & Kate Cross record an emergency pod as Crossy wins The Hundred with the Northern Superchargers!

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

Steven Finn speaks to former England white-ball captain Jos Buttler, who reflects on his time in charge of the national side.Buttler discusses the highs of winning the T20 World Cup in 2022, as well as the lows of the ODI World Cup 12 months later, and his departure after this year's Champions Trophy.Buttler also talks about feeling "unfulfilled" in his Test career, and his hopes for the rest of his cricketing career.

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

Henry Moeran is alongside Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn and former England batter Michael Carberry to discuss the decision to make 22-year-old Jacob Bethell captain for England's T20 series in Ireland in September. Bethell gives his reaction to receiving the call from Brendon McCullum. Plus, Sonny Baker speaks to the BBC's Matt Henry about getting his first England T20 call-up for both series against South Africa and Ireland. Steven Finn tells Henry what it's like entering the side as a young fast bowler.

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

Actor Rory Kinnear joins Jonathan Agnew to give his View from the Boundary at The Oval. They discuss how living close to The Oval has fuelled Rory's love of cricket, why Robin Smith was his favourite cricketer growing up, and the parallels between acting and cricket.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

Mark Chapman, Sir Alastair Cook and Southern Brave’s Tymal Mills react to a blistering opening week of The Hundred. Grace Harris and London’s Spirit’s strong start and some of the top performers in the men's competition. We also hear from Chris Woakes following his shoulder injury and one-armed batting stand against India, discuss men's Ashes preparation and England's potential bowling attack.

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

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 - [email protected] Text - 81111 WhatsApp - 0330 123 1826 Start your message with 'NOBALLS'

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2025

Jonathan Agnew speaks to the ECB chair Richard Thompson in a wide-ranging interview at The Oval.They look at the future of Test cricket, what the investment in The Hundred franchises could mean for the sport in the UK, and how cricket will look at the next Olympics.

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

TMS listeners, we'd like to introduce you to the new series of Sport’s Strangest Crimes called 'Hansie Cronje: Fall From Grace.' As big Cricket fans, we want to give you the chance to listen to Episode 1 right here, right now and if you like it, search 'Sport’s Strangest Crimes' on BBC Sounds where you can listen to the rest of the series.In the mid-90s, Hansie Cronje was South Africa’s golden boy, the God-fearing captain backed by Nelson Mandela and worshipped by a nation. More than just a cricketer, he was a symbol of hope. But were the cracks there all along? In the first episode of Sport’s Strangest Crimes - Hansie Cronje: Fall From Grace, former England cricketer, Mark Butcher revisits the rise of a man who seemed too good to be true and maybe was. Teammates, journalists and friends paint a picture of a leader everyone trusted… until they didn’t. Because before you fall from grace, you’ve got to be on a pedestal.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

Henry Moeran, Jonathan Agnew, Steven Finn and Deep Dasgupta analyse England and India’s thrilling series, which ended in a 2-2 draw after a tense climax at The Oval. Do the panel think it was the best Test series since the 2005 Ashes? And should England have won the deciding Test? They also discussion Chris Woakes’ extraordinary one-armed effort, coming out to bat at the end of England’s second innings. We also hear from Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum, Shubman Gill and Harry Brook on the series. And with the Ashes next up, there’s a look at the shape England are in ahead of the series this Winter against Australia.

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction from India’s thrilling final day victory over England, as a pulsating series finishes in a 2-2 draw. He’s joined by Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, and Deep Dasgupta to look back on where India won the Test, and where this series leaves each side.We hear from captains Ben Stokes and Shubman Gill, as well as Mohammed Siraj and Harry Brook.England’s next Test series will be the Ashes, and Australian opener David Warner gives his views on the series.

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

On an action-packed day at the Oval, Jonathan Agnew, Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook and Deep Dasgupta review the penultimate day’s events.We hear from Joe Root after centuries from him and Harry Brook helped bring England to within 35 runs of another unlikely victory.But late Indian wickets mean they need a maximum of four more to win – could we see Chris Woakes bat despite injuring his left shoulder?And the journalist panel of Stephan Shemilt, Will MacPherson and Nagraj Gollapudi review the series as whole.

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents a look back at Day Three at the Oval, as Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century and the late wicket of Zak Crawley put India in a strong position to win the final Test.Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook and Deep Dasgupta assess the state of the game, and we hear from Jaiswal, as well as England’s Josh Tongue.There’s also a discussion on whether Harry Brook is a better option as stand-in captain than Ollie Pope.And we’re joined by actress Nina Wadia and chef, restauranteur and campaigner Asma Khan, who share their love of cricket.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction to a day where 15 wickets fell, leaving the final Test between England and India finely poised at The Oval.Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook and Deep Dasgupta analyse an, at times, heated second day with yet more needle between the sides.Prasidh Krishna tells us why he tried to disrupt Joe Root in a heated exchange, and we also hear from England's batting coach Marcus Trescothick.And on a Day for Thorpey, friends and family of the late Graham Thorpe celebrate the former England batter's life.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Test Match Special reflects the tributes to Graham Thorpe at The Oval on Day Two of the final Test, on what would have been his 56th birthday. We hear from his former teammate Alec Stewart, Graham's wife Amanda and the chief executive of MIND, Sarah Hughes. If you are affected by the issues discussed in this podcast, please go to the BBC Action line.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Jonathan Agnew, Michael Vaughan and Deep Dasgupta reflect on a rain-interrupted first day at the Oval, with India closing on 204-6.They assess the impact Chris Woakes’ injury could have on the rest of the Test, after he damaged his shoulder diving to prevent a boundary.We also hear from Gus Atkinson, who took two wickets on his return to the side. And journalist Simon Wilde gives us the story of Gilbert Jessop, who still holds the record for the fastest Test century for England.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

With the news England captain Ben Stokes will miss the series deciding Test against India at the Oval, Henry Moeran is joined by chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew and former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta to look at the impact Stokes’ absence could have.We hear from Stokes, who explains the injury and his team selection, with Jacob Bethell returning to the Test side and multiple changes to the bowling unit.And after the row between Gautam Gambhir and The Oval groundsman Lee Fortis, the panel look at the latest round of needle in this series.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

Henry Moeran is joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan and former England spinner Phil Tufnell to discuss the fallout from a controversial end to the 4th Test between England and India at Old Trafford and look ahead to the 5th and final Test with England leading the series 2-1. The panel discuss flat pitches, England’s bowling attack and the fitness of captain Ben Stokes. The 5th Test begins on Thursday morning – coverage begins on Sports Extra with the Test Match Special team from 10:25.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew is joined by Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, Prakash Wakankar and Andy Zaltzman to analyse the final day and reflect on India’s draw against England. We will hear from both captains Ben Stokes and Shubnam Gill. And we are joined by our journalist panel to discuss whether Bazball is maturing and whether events in this series make us more or less confident about England’s Ashes chances.

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew is joined by Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook to discuss a Stokes century, Woakes wickets and stubborn Indian resistance. Plus, we hear from a Bollywood star.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew is joined by Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook on the day that Joe Root moves to second on the lost of Test run scorers. It was also his 38th Test century. We hear from his teammate Ollie Pope who tells us if he thinks Root can make it to top spot and the team also discuss where it may have gone wrong for India’s bowlers.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

To mark the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Ashes, Test Match Special has collaborated with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to tell the story of the greatest series of all time.Through a specially curated playlist performed by the Philharmonic, TMS archive, and narration from legendary actor Charles Dance, we’re taken back to a time when the nation went cricket mad.Glenn McGrath treading on the ball, the thrilling finish at Edgbaston, thousands locked out at Old Trafford, Gary Pratt’s runout of Ricky Ponting, and that famous final day at the Oval are all remembered, as is the bus journey through London the day after.And there’s also space for the Philharmonic’s performance of BBC Cricket iconic theme music – Soul Limbo.Music performed:SCENESET: Sergei Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Montagues and Capulets LORD’S: Camille Pepin: Les Eaux Celestes for orchestra, movements 2 & 3 EDGBASTON: Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5, last movement INTERLUDE: John Adams: Tromba Lontana OLD TRAFFORD: Gustav Holst: The Planets, Uranus TRENT BRIDGE: John Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine SHANE WARNE INTERLUDE: Igor Stravinsky: Petrushka, The Shrovetide Fair, Dance of the Coachmen and Grooms OVAL: Hubert Parry, arr. Elgar: JerusalemandFelix Mendelssohn: Symphony no. 3, 4th movement CELEBRATIONS/TRAFALGAR SQUARE: Georges Bizet: Carmen, prelude REFLECTIONS: Thomas Ades: Arcadiana, Movement 6, O Albion CREDITS: Soul Limbo, arr. Peter Willmott

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew is joined by Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook and Prakash Wakankar to react to a strong day for England at Old Trafford. Plus, we hear from Zak Crawley.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew is joined by Sir Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan to discuss the first day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Plus, we hear from England’s Liam Dawson.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

BBC cricket commentator Henry Moeran is joined by India commentator Prakash Wakankar and BBC Sport cricket writer Matt Henry to preview the fourth men's Test match at Old Trafford where England lead 2-1.India captain Shubman Gill accused England of acting contrary to the "spirit of cricket" with time-wasting tactics that sparked a number of confrontations in the dramatic third Test at Lord's. Whereas England captain Ben Stokes stated that both teams 'never crossed the line'. The team debate the contradicting points of view and the sanctity of the "spirit of cricket".

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

Liam Dawson is back in the England Test set-up after eight years after being named in the starting side for the fourth Test v India. Steve Crossman, Phil Tufnell and Steven Finn analyse his return and, with the help of BBC Radio Solent's Kevan James, assess how Dawson's game has changed in the last eight years. Commentator Prakash Wakankar joins the podcast to look at how India will have reacted to the defeat at Lord's. And with injuries to Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh, the team assess the changes India could make to their side. And there's a preview of the deciding ODI between England and India's women.TIMECODES 03:19 Liam Dawson’s England recall after eight years away 16:10 Are England too nice? 28:18 Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer 40:02 Indian injury problems 46:10 Women’s ODI series decider

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2025

Henry Moeran, Daniel Norcross, Ebony Rainford-Brent and Ffion Wynne discuss England’s series against India and assess where England are at now. England are currently going through a ‘transition period’ with a new captain in Nat Sciver-Brunt and new head coach Charlotte Edwards. The team look at England’s chances in the upcoming ODI World Cup, what needs to change and exactly what this ‘transition period’ will look like.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

Mark Chapman analyses the key points from England's thrilling third Test win over India at Lord's, in the company of Steven Finn, Alex Hartley and Deep Dasgupta.They look at the critical contribution from Ben Stokes, looking at how his leadership inspires the rest of the team. And they look at Jofra Archer's determination to play Test cricket after his return to the five-day format.TIMECODES 5:15 Ben Stokes' efforts 22:48 Jofra Archer and his Test return 37:00 How do India bounce back from this defeat? 49:30 Fourth Test changes

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction to England’s dramatic Test victory over India at Lord’s. Hear the thoughts of England captain Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Jofra Archer has he hit the ground running in his red-ball return. India captain Shubman Gill also looks back on the loss.Former England captains Sir Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan, Prakash Wakankar, and Andy Zaltzman analyse the performances of both sides.Plus, the BBC’s chief cricket reporter Stephan Shemilt, The Times’ Simon Wilde, and ESPN Cricinfo’s Sidharth Monga discuss the needle between England & India.

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction from Lord’s where England take late wickets to have the Test in the balance.England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick gives his thoughts on the day’s play, as does India allrounder Washington Sundar who took four wickets in England’s second innings.Former England captains Sir Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan, Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn, and commentator Prakash Wakankar analyse the day’s play.Wheelchair tennis star Andy Lapthorne talks about his love of cricket as he visits Lord’s. Plus, we delve into the BBC archives to hear John Arlott’s iconic “freaker” commentary on its 50th anniversary.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction to the third day’s play from Lord’s where late wickets meant the scores were level after both first innings. India’s century-hitter KL Rahul looks back on the day, and England bowling consultant Tim Southee reflects on the state of play.Former England captains Sir Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan, Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn, and commentator Prakash Wakankar analyse the day’s play.Plus, British & Irish Lions full back Elliot Daly joins Simon Mann in the TMS commentary box after he left the Lions tour of Australia through injury.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction from Lord’s from where Jofra Archer returned to the Test side with a wicket in his first over and Joe Root breaks yet another record, becoming the highest ever non-wicketkeeping catch-taker in Test cricket.Root gives his thoughts on where England are after day two at Lord’s. Jasprit Bumrah reflects on yet another five-wicket haul. Former England captains Sir Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan, Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn, and commentator Prakash Wakankar analyse the day’s play. We also talk about everyone’s favourite topic - over rates.Plus, Andrew Strauss returns to the TMS commentary box as Lord’s turns Red for Ruth.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction to the first day’s play at Lord’s. Ollie Pope looks back at a challenging day with the day.England bowler Mark Wood, former England captains Sir Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan, Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn, and commentator Prakash Wakankar analyse the day's play.Sachin Tendulkar reacts to his portrait being put in the Lord's museum and Stuart Broad relives his golden duck record.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025