Test Match Special

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

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn and BBC Sport writer Matt Henry to discuss Jofra Archer’s return to the England Test side. England captain Ben Stokes explains the decision. Plus, we hear from his teammates Chris Woakes and Saqib Mahmood, and former New Zealand bowler Shane Bond - who is Archer’s bowling coach at Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

We profile India’s new test captain Shubnam 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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction to England’s loss to India in the second Test at Edgbaston. Captain Ben Stokes reflects on the defeat and head coach Brendon McCullum admits England were second best on all five days. India captain and player-of-the-match Shubman Gill looks back on an incredible week.Former England captain Michael Vaughan, Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn, and commentator Prakash Wakankar analyse the day’s play.Plus, what changes to England make ahead of the third Test at Lord’s?

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction to the fourth day’s play at Edgbaston where India took late wickets to pile the pressure on England in the second Test.Former England captain Michael Vaughan, Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn, and commentator Prakash Wakankar analyse the day’s play. England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick gives his thoughts on where India have bettered England so far.Plus, TMS superfan Ravi returns with visits from Joe Root, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Jofra Archer.

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction to day three at Edgbaston. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn, and commentator Prakash Wakankar analyse the day’s play.Harry Brook gives us his thoughts on his knock of 158.Plus, Jonathan speaks to his former captain David Gower about his innings of 215 at Edgbaston in the 1985 Ashes.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction to the second day’s play at the second Test between England and India at Edgbaston.Former England captain Michael Vaughan, Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn, and commentator Prakash Wakankar analyse the day’s play.India captain Shubman Gill gives his thoughts on his first Test double century and England assistant coach Jeetan Patel gives an injury update on England’s bowlers.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

Jonathan Agnew is alongside former England captain Michael Vaughan, Ashes winning bowler Steven Finn, and commentator Prakash Wakankar for reaction to day one of the second Test at Edgbaston between England and India. Chris Woakes reacts to a day which could have been more fruitful for England with the ball. Plus, Sam Perry and Ian Higgins from The Grade Cricketer return to the TMS commentary box.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

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 - [email protected] Instagram - noballstcp

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction from Headingley where England win late on in a dramatic day of Test cricket.Hear analysis of the day’s play from former England captains Michael Vaughan & Sir Alastair Cook, as well as Andy Zaltzman.England captain Ben Stokes reflects on the momentous win, and century-hitter Ben Duckett gives his thoughts on the game. Plus, India captain Shubman Gill looks back on his first Test as captain.Former England coach, and now Nottinghamshire head coach, Peter Moores about the rise of Ben Duckett. And, should Test cricket be cut down to four days?

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction from Headingley where England require 350 runs to beat India on the final day of the first Test.Hear analysis of the day’s play from former England captains Michael Vaughan & Sir Alastair Cook, as well as England Ashes winner Steven Finn and commentator Prakash Wakankar.Hear from bowler Josh Tongie who helped England rattle through India’s lower order. Plus, Jofra Archer discusses his return to first class cricket.

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction from Headingley as India steadily build a lead, despite England’s great efforts to get close to India’s first innings total.Hear analysis of the day’s play from former England captains Michael Vaughan & Sir Alastair Cook, and commentator Prakash Wakankar.Ollie Pope gives his thoughts on the state of play after his century and Jasprit Bumrah looks back on his five wickets in England’s first innings.Plus, TMS remembers the late great David ‘Syd’ Lawrence with his friend and author Dean Wilson.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2025

Jonathan Agnew is alongside former England captains Michael Vaughan & Sir Alastair Cook, and commentator Prakash Wakankar for reaction of the second day’s play at Headingley between England and India. They discuss Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance with the ball and England’s temperament with the bat.Ben Duckett gives his thoughts on the day after hitting 62.Plus, TMS superfan and Lord’s Taverners Super 1s player Ravi is surprised with a trip to the TMS commentary box.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2025

Jonathan Agnew presents reaction from Headingley where India start well against England despite being put in to bat by Ben Stokes.Hear analysis from former England captain Michael Vaughan, Ashes winner Steven Finn, former India opener Cheteshwar Pujara, and commentator Prakash Wakankar. Plus, India’s century-hitter Yashasvi Jaiswal & England bowling consultant Tim Southee give their thoughts on the first day’s play.Also, former England captain and current Yorkshire President Dr Jane Powell talks about her time as President of Yorkshire and memories of her tour of India in 1981.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

Elly Oldroyd is alongside former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta, England Ashes winner Steven Finn, commentator Isa Guha, and BBC Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt to look ahead to England’s first Test against India at Headingley.What are captain Ben Stokes’ thoughts ahead of the match? How will Shubman Gill prepare for his first Test series as captain of India? And what are Jimmy Anderson & Sachin Tendulkar’s thoughts on the new trophy honouring them?

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

Henry Moeran is joined by Jonathan Agnew and Stephan Shemilt to talk through the England side to face India at Headingley. Plus, we hear from home-Test debutant Brydon Carse.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

Mark Chapman is joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan, former England spinner Phil Tufnell, and former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta to look ahead to the Test Series between England and India starting on Friday at Headingley. Timecodes:06:27 - Chris Woakes on the change in culture within teams he's played in 11:54 - England's approach 18:52 - Ollie Pope or Jacob Bethell at 3? 24:14 - England's bowling attack 33:49 - India's new era

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

Mark Chapman is joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan, former England spinner Phil Tufnell, and former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta to look ahead to the Test Series between England and India starting on Friday at Headingley.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2025

Full reaction as South Africa finally win their first ever major global tournament, beating Australia at Lord’s by 5 wickets. We hear from player of the match Aiden Markram, as well as captain Temba Bavuma, an emotional Keshav Maharaj, as well as South Africa legend Graeme Smith.

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2025

Jonathan Agnew is joined by Steven Finn, Firdose Moonda and Jim Maxwell as South Africa stand just 69 runs short of their first ever major ICC global title. We hear from South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince, as well as Australian all rounder Beau Webster.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

Jonathan Agnew is joined by Sir Alastair Cook, Firdose Moonda and Jim Maxwell after the second day of the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. 14 wickets fell for the second day in a row to leave the contest in the balance. We hear from Australia pace bowler Mitchell Starc as well as South African bowler Lungi Ngidi.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

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: [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Jonathan Agnew is joined by Sir Alastair Cook, Firdose Moonda and Jim Maxwell after the first day of the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. 14 wickets fell on a dramatic day – we hear from Australia top scorer Beau Webster, as well as South African fast bowler Marco Jansen.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Henry Moeran presents reaction from Southampton to England beating the West Indies to win the T20 series 3-0. West Indies World Cup winner Carlos Brathwaite & England World Cup and Ashes winner Ebony Rainford-Brent look at the big hitting from Harry Brook’s team.Hear the thoughts of player of the series Jos Buttler, captain Harry Brook, and head coach Brendon McCullum as England recover from a tough winter in the white-ball game. West Indies captain Shai Hope reflects on what his side can take from the tour.Plus, TMS commentator Fazeer Mohammed reacts to the shock news that West Indies star Nicholas Pooran retires from international cricket at the age of 29 and what the implications are for the international game.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

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…

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

Daniel Norcross is alongside England World Cup winner Alex Hartley & West Indies World Cup winner Carlos Brathwaite for reaction to England’s four wicket victory over the West Indies to seal the series with one game still to play.Luke Wood looks back on his return to the first, getting a wicket with his first ball and captain Harry Brook gives his thoughts on the win.Plus, author & journalist Dean Wilson shares his memories of working David ‘Syd’ Lawrence whilst writing Syd’s book as the former England bowler battles motor neurone disease

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2025

England sealed a comprehensive one-day international series clean sweep over West Indies with a nine-wicket thrashing in a rain-affected encounter at Taunton.Melissa Story is joined by World Cup winner Alex Hartley and TMS scorer Phil Long to reflect on the match at Taunton and the Summer so far. Plus Daniel Norcross speaks to England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and coach Charlotte Edwards.

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

Henry Moeran presents reaction to England beating the West Indies at The Oval to win the ODI series 3-0. West Indies World Cup winner Carlos Brathwaite & England World Cup and Ashes winner Ebony Rainford-Brent analyse the result.Jamie Smith gives his thoughts on the win with the batter starring as England’s opener, Brook reflects on a winning start to life as England white-ball captain, and West Indies captain Shai Hope looks back on a tough series for West Indies.Nikesh Rughani, Matt Kabir Floyd, and former IPL batter Abhishek Jhunjhunwala give their reaction to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Virat Kohli winning the IPL. Plus, an emotional Kohli gives his thoughts on finally winning the Indian Premier League.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

Simon Mann, England Ashes winner Steven Finn, and former England batter & West Indies Roland Butcher react to Joe Root's vintage 166 in a thrilling victory for England against West Indies which sees them win the ODI series with a game to spare.Root discusses his best ever ODI knock, whilst captain Harry Brook runs out of superlatives to describe Root. Plus, West Indies captain Shai Hope reflects on a game which got away from his side.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2025

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: [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

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: [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025