Test Match Special

Simon Mann is alongside BBC Cricket correspondant Stephan Shemilt to look ahead to England's first Test against New Zealand at Lord's. Hear from England captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum, and New Zealand captain Tom Latham.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2026

Ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup, Henry Moeran is joined by Alex Hartley and Ffion Wynne to look ahead to the tournament and what team England will settle on as they attempt to win on home soil after white ball  series against New Zealand and India.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

Mark Chapman is joined by three men who all played for England, former captain Sir Alastair Cook, former batter Mark Ramprakash and former fast bowler Steven Finn. Not many England coaches survive a thrashing by Australia. But Brendan McCullum and Ben Stokes will continue to lead the side starting with that 1st Test against New Zealand on Thursday at Lord’s.There’ll be at least one man making his debut at Lord’s on Thursday - Durham batter Emilio Gay is expected to open after a piling on the runs during the opening block of the County Championship. Ollie Robinson is also back in the squad for the first time since being dropped after the tour of India in 2024.England’s Test summer begins where rain and grey skies are forecast. The panel get a look into the opposition and are joined by New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry.On Tuesday, it’s England women’s last match before the T20 World Cup which starts next week. They face India at Taunton with the series level at one all. All rounder Dani Gibson joins Test Match Special. TIME CODES00:00 Intro 00:50 Brendon McCullum 03:50 McCullum given a second chance 08:30 Mark celebrating Arsenal’s Premier League title 09:30 How England should approach the New Zealand test 17:00 Emilio Gay 22:00 The challenges of making your England debut as an opener 26:10 Making debuts 28:12 The recall of Ollie Robinson 29:53 New Zealand bowler Matt Henry joins the pod 37:30 Are New Zealand underestimated? 40:30 England Women’s final game before the World Cup 40:50 Dani Gibson joins the pod 48:50 The 15-year-old MVP in the Indian Premier League

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

Content creator and cricket fan Henry.vr joins Traitors finalist Faraaz Noor and Amber Sandhu in the Strategic Timeout studio to look back on this year’s IPL tournament as they pick their magic moments as well as the players who have delighted and surprised them.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2026

Mark Chapman is alongside former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior, former England fast bowler Steven Finn and the BBC’s cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt as they talk to Josh Tongue about his England career and discuss England's new National Selector.We also hear from England Women's Head Coach Charlotte Edwards in build up to the T20 World Cup and talk to Durham Coach Dani Hazell who won the competition in 2017.Timecodes: 1:30 Reflecting on the Ashes: Does Josh Tongue want to lead England attack? 08:00 England's self inflicted defeats 15:50 Process behind finding new National Selector 30:00 Does the new Selector need to be English? 34:50 Support for Zak Crawley: 37:45 Women's T20 World Cup 38:30 Charlotte Edwards speaking to Henry Moeran: 41:00 Durham Coach Dani Hazell: 45:00 Does success of other England Women's National teams add to T20 Pressure?:

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2026

Kevin Howells presents the best of the conversations around this week's County Championship results.He talks to England's record run-scorer Joe Root following Yorkshire's huge win over Surrey, and Liam Dawson looks back at his red-ball career. Kevin also speaks to Nottinghamshire's Director of Cricket Mick Newell, Yorkshire Head Coach Anthony McGrath, and Mail on Sunday's Richard Gibson.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

Australia all-rounder Chris Green joins Traitors finalist Faraaz Noor and Amber Sandhu to discuss the biggest stories in the IPL as well as discussing his career in franchise cricket and playing under Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2026

Henry Moeran is alongside World Cup winner Ebony Rainford-Brent & BBC Cricket Correspondent Stephan Shemilt for reaction to England Men's Test squad.They discuss Ollie Robinson getting recalled to the side, as well as Emilio Gay's possible chance to open the batting for England and the selections of James Rew and Sonny Baker.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

Henry Moeran is alongside England World Cup winners Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Alex Hartley as they look ahead to a huge summer of cricket for England's women, with the target of winning the T20 World Cup on home soil.How has the preparation been? What is the strongest part of Charlotte Edwards' squad? And what are the minimum requirements for this set of players?Test Match Special will have commentary of every ball of every match of the Women's T20 World Cup across BBC Sounds, 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport app & website.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

Watch Strategic Timeout on the BBC Sport Youtube channel and on BBC iPlayer.England fast bowler Mark Wood joins Traitors finalist Faraaz Noor and Amber Sandhu to discuss the biggest stories in the IPL and shares how he’s faring ahead of a busy summer of cricket.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2026

England have announced their squad for this summer’s T20 World Cup. Kevin Howells speaks with Isabelle Duncan about the squad and we hear from head coach Charlotte Edwards as well as 18 year old surprise inclusion Tilly Corteen-Coleman.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2026

Mark Chapman, Sir Alastair Cook, Jack Leach and, Phil Tufnell discuss the attitude towards spinners in England, how franchise cricket has affected the art of spin and whether England know what they want from their spinner heading into the summer.How do you become a spinner? Is it down to the player or coach? Jack Leach and Phil Tufnell give insight into how they found themselves becoming spinners and, whether a batters’ attitude changes as you get older and as they get older.As a spinner, what do you need from your captain? Is it blind faith? Is it protection if you are going for runs? The panel dive into the mind of a spin bowler and how they can adapt their game.TIME CODES: 00:00 Intro and London Marathon 01:50 County Cricket’s substitute rule 04:03 The art of spin bowling 05:30 Captains and spinners 15:32 The nuance of spin 17:30 How did it start? 25:05 English attitude towards spin 33:26 When were you at your peak? 35:00 What if you started as a spin now? 38:20 The mental side 41:40 What do England want this summer?

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

Indian prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues his meteorological rise in the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals. The batter, who has only just turned 15 stars with the bat yet again for his side, has made two 50+ scores this tournament - but how does he do it? Former England all-rounder Samit Patel and Traitors finalist Faraaz Noor join Amber Sandhu to discuss all the latest headlines from the Indian Premier League. Plus, Patel discusses his time in an England shirt and tells us what his only regret was when playing international cricket.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2026

Mark Chapman, Alex Hartley, Steven Finn and, Matt Prior discuss how England’s Test team is shaping up for the summer, the spots up for grabs and, who is best placed to take them. Less than two months to go until England begin their Test summer against New Zealand at Lord’s, by that time it will be nearly five months since Ben Stokes’ side trudged off the SCG having lost the 5th Ashes Test, losing the series 4-1.Who should remain in the side? What are the main positions up for grabs? And is there someone who has done enough to make the step up?They also discuss the new rules around replacing players in the County Championship which has proved controversial so far.TIME CODES 00:00 Intro 06:15 How does selection work? 12:38 Opening batting partnership 16:35 Time for a new opening partnership? 24:37 James Rew and a positional dilemma 27:08 The cricket structure in England 30:31 Jacob Bethell and the Indian Premier League 34:34 Scores in the league 36:17 Favourites in the IPL 36:42 England’s pace bowlers 43:09 Spin bowlers 47:30 County Championship substitutes rule

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

We’re bringing you something different today which we think you’ll like - an episode from the BBC’s Formula 1 podcast, F1: Chequered Flag.With the Formula 1 season on an enforced break, the Chequered Flag team pay a visit to the home of Haas F1 with the team currently sitting fourth in the F1 constructors’ standings. So how are F1’s smallest team performing so well? Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin investigate.They visit the team’s HQ to speak with Team Principal Ayao Komatsu about their success. Plus, just how did Ollie Bearman escape from that huge accident in Japan unharmed and what are the team’s ambitions for the future? Izzy and Harry also answer your F1 hot takes. Could Gianpiero Lambiase become McLaren’s Team Principal in the future, following the announcement of his switch from Red Bull in 2028? And which driver is the most likely to be a reality TV star?F1 returns next for the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May, with live commentary across the 5 Live network and BBC Sounds. If you enjoy this episode of F1: Chequered Flag, find more by searching ‘F1’ on BBC Sounds, and make sure to subscribe to get the latest episode every week.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

10 years ago former England batter James Taylor's life changed forever.Reflecting on being taken ill 10 years ago, he speaks to Kevin Howells about what he remembers from the day his doctor told him to not "wait for an ambulance, you haven't got enough time". He had just cemented himself in England's Test side and was forced to retire at the age of 26.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2026

Two Ashes winning England captains, Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook, join Steve Crossman to discuss the art of captaincy in cricket. Leading England makes you one of the most recognisable faces in sport, it brings with it all manner of responsibility, scrutiny, joy and despair. But how do you manage different personalities in the dressing room? What marks someone out as a future England captain? What’s it like to be in the spotlight and face scrutiny? How do you cope when it comes to an end? Plus, Ben Stokes leadership and the likely challenges the current England captain will face in his fifth summer as skipper.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2026

Strategic Timeout is available to WATCH, in full, on the BBC Sport Youtube channel and on BBC iPlayer.Amber Sandhu, Faraaz Noor and former England international Dawid Malan break down the biggest IPL 2026 talking points. From captaincy debates and pressure moments to high-scoring games and standout performances, the panel explore what’s shaping the tournament so far. With insight from Malan’s IPL experience, the episode dives into the role of captains in T20 cricket, the value of all-rounders in the modern game and whether experience is becoming more important than ever. Plus, the team discuss the Impact Player rule and a wider ball tampering controversy.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2026

Mark Chapman, Alex Hartley, Raf Nicholson and Kirstie Gordon are joined by England Head Coach Charlotte Edwards to preview a big year for England's women.Is the domestic game hampering the International team? How important could a home tournament be for the game? Have England's fitness issues been addressed? What's it like being part of The Hundred Auction?

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2026

Amber Samdhu looks ahead to the IPL 2026 with The Traitor's (and cricketer) Faraaz Noor and former IPL star Abhishek Jhunjhunwala.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2026

Mark Chapman, Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook and cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt are joined by Managing Director of England Men's Cricket Rob Key, who explains England's review into their 4-1 Ashes defeat. The panel talk through mistakes made in Australia, both in the planning and during the series, and why there won't be wholesale changes as a result. TIME CODES00:00 Intro 00:30 The review into English Cricket 02:00 Key management stay 06:00 Managing director Rob Key 08:00 What changes? 13:40 Lessons learnt from the Ashes 16:40 Style of play 22:30 What will look different this summer? 25:52 The connection with County Cricket 30:08 Have management been swayed by the coach? 33:14 Is the setup a clique or cult? 38:40 Opinions on the review 44:27 Should have everyone kept their jobs? 48:23 County Cricket

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2026

We report on a historic two days with the first major sporting auction taking place in the UK as teams were selected for the women’s and men’s Hundred competition.We hear from former New Zealand spinner Daniel Vetorri who’s coaching the newly named Sunrisers Leeds, World Cup winning bowler Anya Shrubsole who is part of the Southern Brave coaching set-up and Australian legend Meg Lanning who is leading another rebranded team the Manchester Superchargers.And there’s analysis by Stephan Shemilt, Aatif Nawaz and two former Hundred players Steven Finn and Alex Hartley.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2026

As the dust settles on India’s back-to-back T20 World Cup victories, Henry Moeran is alongside Matt Henry and Prakash Wakankar to discuss everything we can take away from the tournament. How did India triumph? How can we assess England’s performance? Plus, who dropped the worst catch of the tournament

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2026

Henry Moeran is alongside former Ashes winner Steven Finn, former IPL star Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, and commentator Prakash Wakankar for all the reaction from Ahmedabad as India win the Men's T20 World Cup. Hear from player of the match Jasprit Bumrah, as well as Varun Chakravarthy, Abhishek Sharma. Plus, both captains - Suryakumar Yadav and Mitch Santner.

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2026

India won an incredible match in Mumbai by 7 runs to knock England out of the T20 World Cup and set up a date with New Zealand in the final on Sunday. Jacob Bethell scored a brilliant hundred, but England narrowly failed in what would have been a record run chase. We hear from England captain Harry Brook, coach Brendon McCullum, India captain Suryakumar Yadav and player of the match Sanju Samson Plus, there’s analysis from Henry Moeran, former England bowler Steven Finn and former IPL player Abhishek Jhunjhunwala. And with the Women’s T20 World Cup now fewer than 100 days away we hear from England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2026

Henry Moeran is alongside Michael Vaughan and Prakash Wakankar at a Holi celebration to look ahead to England’s T20 World Cup semi-final against India in Mumbai. Plus, Sam Curran gives his thoughts ahead of the match at the Wankhede Stadium.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2026

Daniel Norcross is alongside 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley and Aatif Nawaz for reaction to England's thrilling victory over New Zealand in Colombo. Hear from player of the match Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook and Mitch Santner.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2026

Daniel Norcross is alongside 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley and Aatif Nawaz for reaction to Harry Brook's incredible century which sees England reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2026

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley discuss everything we can take away from the Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. We look at discuss England's ability to 'solve problems' in an untypically 'crickety' conversation. Plus, Crossy talks us through the winter training programme at Lancashire after she signed a new one-year deal.

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2026

Daniel Norcross is alongside 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley for reaction to England's victory over Sri Lanka. They discuss England's bowling performance after they got Sri Lanka all out for just 95 runs. Plus, Phil Salt reflects on his half-century which helped steer England to 146.

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2026

As we reach the Super Eights stage of the Men’s T20 World Cup we look at England’s chances of lifting the trophy following an unconvincing group stage.Simon Mann is joined by former England bowler Steven Finn, BBL winner Michael Carberry and IPL player Abhishek Jhunjhunwala plus we hear from England captain Harry Brook and vice-captain Jacob Bethell.We also assess the chances of the other sides left in the tournament and ask if the current T20 World Cup format works.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2026

With the 2026 T20 World Cup being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka we look back at the first ICC World T20 to be held in Asia 14 years ago.The 2012 tournament took place In Sri Lanka with their team defeated in a extraordinary final by the West Indies who claimed their first title which was celebrated in iconic style.We look back at the event with Steven Finn who was the leading wicket taker for an England side who went into the competition as defending champions and TMS commentators Henry Moeran and Prakash Wakankar.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2026

Henry Moeran is joined by former England bowler Steven Finn and BBC journalist Matt Henry to find out what really happens behind the scenes at an ICC World Cup. Finn is the only England bowler to take a hat-trick at a men’s 50 Over World Cup and was also England’s leading wicket taker at the ICC World T20 in Sri Lanka in 2012. Finn shares stories of life as a player when you may be sharing a breakfast buffet with the opposition before taking them on in a crucial encounter whilst Matt Henry explains what it’s like to cover a World Cup as a journalist.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2026

Legendary Australia opener Matthew Hayden joins Daniel Norcross and Aatif Nawaz at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium just days after the Aussies’ defeat to Sri Lanka to give his damning indictment on the team’s elimination from the T20 World Cup.

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2026

England managed to get over the line against a spirited Italian team in Kolkata to qualify for the Super 8s. Henry Moeran and Steven Finn review the action from Eden Gardens and we hear from player of the match Will Jacks, Italy Captain Harry Manenti, England captain Harry Brook plus England all-rounder Sam Curran and Italy opener Justin Mosca.

Transcribed - Published: 16 February 2026

Daniel Norcross is alongside World Cup winner 2017 Alex Hartley and Aatif Nawaz for reaction to India’s T20 World Cup victory over Pakistan in Colombo. Get the thoughts of both captains, Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha, and player of the match Ishan Kishan who got India off to a flying start by scoring 77 off just 40 balls. Plus, the TMS team in Kolkata looks ahead to England’s final group match against Italy.

Transcribed - Published: 15 February 2026

An unbeaten 63 from Tom Banton took England to a 5 wicket win against Scotland. Henry Moeran is joined by former England fast bowler Steven Finn and Scotland spinner Kirstie Gordon to review the game in Kolkata. We hear from Banton plus the two captains as well as Scotland's Michael Jones and England's Liam Dawson. We also look ahead to the massive India v Pakistan game on Sunday.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2026

Alex Hartley and Kate Cross are joined by Mattchin from Tailenders for another Valentine's special, offering unofficial advice to your romantic worries.

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2026

England lost by 30 runs to West Indies in Mumbai in their second match of the ICC T20 World Cup. Henry Moeran is joined by Steven Finn and Prakash Wakankar at the Wankhede stadium plus we hear from England's Jacob Bethell, player of the match Sherfane Rutherford and captains Harry Brook and Shai Hope. We also discuss the amazing match between South Africa and Afghanistan with two Super Overs and we hear from Daniel Norcross, Aatif Nawaz and Alex Hartley in Colombo as Ireland were comfortably defeated by Australia.

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2026

Mark Chapman is joined by T20 World Cup winner Tymal Mills, former England spinner Phil Tufnell and Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt to discuss the opening few days of the World Cup.The big news today is that Pakistan will play India in the Group match on Sunday after Pakistan's government lifted their boycott with Bangladesh's blessing. Wisden editor Lawrence Booth joins the panel to talk about the internal politics of world cricket. England are off to a winning start, just, so what did we learn about Harry Brook's captaincy? And are the smaller nations catching the established powers in international cricket?You can hear ball-by-ball commentary of every match of the T20 World Cup on BBC Sounds

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2026

Henry Moeran is with Steven Finn and Prakash Wakankar in Mumbai. Sam Curran joins the podcast to explain how he held his nerve at the end, plus we hear from player of the match Will Jacks and the two captains Harry Brook and Rohit Paudel. And we reflect on the exciting start to the tournament with associate nations like USA, Scotland & the Netherlands also coming close to shock victories.

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2026

We have the latest on whether the Pakistan v India game will go ahead or not, we assess the chances of England after their impressive T20 form in Sri Lanka and we ask whether Ireland or Scotland could spring a surprise and reach the Super 8s.   Every ball of the tournament is live on BBC Sounds with action clips and highlights on the BBC Sport website and app.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2026

Alex Hartley and Kate Cross speak to Scotland bowler Mark Watt as he and the rest of Scotland's team arrive in India for the Men's T20 World Cup. He talks about the scramble for visas and flights to get over to India, as well as the team's schedule ahead of their tournament opener against the West Indies.You can hear every ball of every match of the Men's T20 World Cup on BBC Sounds, 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport app and website.

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2026

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley discuss Sciver-Brunt scoring the first ever century in the WPL for Mumbai Indians. Plus, who makes it in to their dream dinner party line-up, who's qualified for the Women's World Cup, and what gave Crossy the ick during the episode?

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2026

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are actually in the same room recording a podcast! They discuss all the big changes coming to The Hundred in 2026 with huge rebrands, players already being signed, and an auction to look forward to! Plus, they give their thoughts on the salary differences between the men's and women's competition.Plus, Alex has her say on Alyssa Healy, Kate has a rule change proposal to better cricket, and can Alex become a 'chef influencer' after her recent Instagram revelations?

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2026

Kevin Howells is alongside Jonathan Agnew and Stephan Shemilt to discuss the future of England's leadership team ahead of the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. They question how big the series and the following T20 World Cup is for head coach Brendon McCullum and Harry Brook's off-field conduct.Plus, England's white-ball skipper speaks to Stephan about how he needs to 'earn the trust' of his team-mates.

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2026

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley speak to Australia and Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Grace Harris. They discuss the scale of fandom around the WPL, opening the batting with India great Smriti Mandhana, and what Australia will miss when Alyssa Healy retires from international duty. Plus, they also play '50 Shades of Grace'.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2026

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

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

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