Test Match Special

As cricket comes to terms with the death of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne at the age of 52, Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew and former England spinner Phil Tufnell to remember his life and career.

Former team-mate Stuart Law, friend Pat Cash and Hampshire chairman Rob Bransgrove discuss what made Warne so special. They also hear from Mike Gatting, the man dismissed by Warne’s ‘ball of the century’.

Australia captain Pat Cummins and England captain Joe Root also pay tribute to the man who took 708 test wickets, while cricket writer Geoff Lemon explains why Warne was a role model for a generation of young Australians.

TOPICS: 2.37 – Jonathan Agnew and Phil Tufnell discuss Warne’s life 4.59 – Geoff Lemon on Warne inspiring a nation 15.32 – Joe Root and Pat Cummins pay tribute 21.40 – Mike Gatting remembers Warne’s ‘ball of the century’ 29.26 – Stuart Law on being a team-mate of Warne 41.27 – Rob Bransgrove on Warne’s legacy at Hampshire 45.32 – Pat Cash on being Shane Warne’s friend

England bowler Kate Cross and World Cup winner Alex Hartley look ahead to this year's tournament. Plus, it turns out Alex remembers pretty much nothing from her success in 2017...

Kate's preparing to play in her first World Cup and the excitement is building. For Alex, it's quarantine and trying to keep herself entertained. Plus, a return for Danni Wyatt.

England stars Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt join Kate and Alex for a fascinating chat about life and love as international athletes. Look out for a VERY competitive quiz.

England Kate Cross is in quarantine in New Zealand ahead of the World Cup and Alex Hartley is in Melbourne recovering from commentating on a rollercoaster Women’s Ashes. They review the series and ask if England can beat Australia in their World Cup opener in March. They also answer your e-mails and there’s some revenge among the LBWs.

England bowler Kate Cross and World Cup winner Alex Hartley reflect on the near miracle of Manuka. Kate has the inside story of one of the most dramatic Tests of all time and Alex explains how she coped with the tension in the TMS commentary box. Kate talks us through how she ended up saving the game in the middle and what the dressing room was like at the end of the match. And Kate and Alex even have time to answer some of your e-mails.

After countless requests England batter Danni Wyatt (finally!) joins the podcast to preview the Women's Ashes, reveal how Virat Kohli reacted to her twitter marriage proposal, explain why her attempt to be Tarzan aged 10 helps her hit the ball to different areas of the ground, and why she once showered with a tubigrip on her face.

There's some cricket chat in there too.

Mark Chapman is joined by former England batter Michael Carberry and West Indian World Cup winner Carlos Brathwaite to look back at the final Test in Hobart and the 4-nil series defeat. The team dissect where it went so badly wrong for England this series. We also preview the women’s Ashes with England’s Kate Cross and look at the legacy of Virat Kohli following his departure as India Test captain.

England bowler Steven Finn chats to his hero: the legendary Glenn McGrath.

Our dynamic duo have made to Australia. Excitement for Alex as she commentates on her first men's Test, whilst Kate is easing into a busy schedule ahead of the start of the Ashes.

Mark Chapman is joined by Phil Tufnell and Paul Farbrace to look back on the dramatic 4th Ashes Test. We hear from the man at the centre of the drama, James Anderson and consider what changes England will make for Hobart later this week. Plus, Tammy Beaumont joins the podcast from Canberra ahead of the Women’s Ashes.

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley speak to their close friend and colleague H Cowen as they talk through a change in their life. This one really is a really special episode.

As Christmas approaches, Kate and Alex put up the tinsel and see what Santa has popped in the No Balls inbox. Plus, a look back on a tough start to the M-Ashes for England...

From Bodyline to 2010 glory, Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Steven Finn and commentator Simon Mann to share stories of matches played at the iconic Adelaide Oval.

With the men's Ashes underway, Alex and Kate discuss the first Test and get busy going through the No Balls email inbox.

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have a look ahead to the start of the Men's Ashes, launch a pronunciation argument and celebrate exciting news for a big friend of the podcast.

Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Ashes tour veteran Jonathan Agnew, 3 time Ashes winner Steven Finn, TMS commentator Simon Mann and statistician Andy Zaltzman to share first memories of following England tours down under.

Plus we hear how the very first ball of the series has often set the tone.

For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson, but also those lesser-known names who play crucial roles.

Ahead of the start of the series in Brisbane, Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Ashes tour veteran Jonathan Agnew, three-time Ashes winner Steven Finn, TMS commentator Simon Mann and statistician Andy Zaltzman to share memories of trips to Queensland. From David Gower in his Tiger Moth to England’s 2010 great escape at the Gabba.

For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson, but also those less known names who play crucial roles.

In Episode Five, Aggers speaks to Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson to find out what they’ve learnt from previous Ashes tours, and what they’ll be telling teammates who have never experienced one.

Kate and Alex are joined by World Cup winner Mark Wood live from Australia ahead of the Ashes. Obviously, he weighs in on the Great Bread Knife Debate...

For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson, but also those less known names who play crucial roles.

In Episode Four, with the Ashes in doubt due to concerns around quarantine rules for players’ families, Aggers speaks to England bowler Mark Wood and his wife Sarah, to find out what impact being an international cricketer has on a family life.

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley explore an inbox full of remarkable emails. Plus, a trip to the Christmas market reveals Alex has a proper LBW habit…

For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson, but also those lesser-known names who play crucial roles.

In Episode Three, we meet the backroom staff – the Performance Director who has to work out how many cricket balls the team will need throughout the tour, the nutritionist who hides Frosties at the breakfast buffet, and then the Strength and Conditioning coach who puts players through their paces on the first day of the summer.

After a dramatic few weeks in the UAE, Kate and Alex reflect on victory for Australia. Plus, India superstar Jemimah Rodrigues joins the pod from the Women's Big Bash League.

For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson and many more, but also those names who are less familiar, but still play crucial roles – the tour planners, the nutritionists, the fitness teams.

In Episode One, we looked at England’s meticulous planning. But, as we’ve seen over the past twelve months, things don’t always go to plan. Injuries to key players, an entire team having to self-isolate, and a bowler whose social media past comes to light during his Test debut… it’s been another bumpy ride for English cricket.

For the last 12 months, Jonathan Agnew has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the England men’s cricket team’s planning to win back the Ashes. Throughout the year, Aggers has spoken to key players, including Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson and many more, but also those names who are less familiar, but still play crucial roles – the tour planners, the nutritionists, the fitness teams. In Episode One, we go back to January. Joe Root is in Sri Lanka, and Aggers catches up with him to find out what England’s long-term plans are. But as the tours of Sri Lanka and India continue, it’s clear that England’s rest and rotation policy is becoming increasingly unpopular, especially as England start to lose in India.

Isa Guha is joined by T20 World Cup finalist Dirk Nannes, T20 World Cup winner Carlos Brathwaite and former England World Cup spin bowler Phil Tufnell to review Australia’s 8 wicket win over New Zealand in Dubai. We also hear from Australia captain Aaron Finch, Australia coach Justin Langer, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, player of the match Mitchell Marsh and player of the tournament David Warner. We also review the tournament as a whole and discuss what the result could mean for the Ashes.

Tymal and Woody reflect on England's T20 World Cup journey coming to an end at the semi-final stage. We get the lowdown on being drug tested and reveal what Eoin Morgan said in the team meeting post-match.

Special guest Mark Saxby, AKA the most popular man in English cricket, joins the pod to chat his 15 years working with the squad. He's the masseur, unofficial DJ, and a leader on team culture.

Mark Chapman finds out more about West Indies T20 World Cup winner Carlos Brathwaite and former Premier League defender Micah Richards.

The pair met briefly on the Monday Night Club, but here they have a chance to discuss their shared Caribbean heritage, love of football and the difficulty they both faced after their ‘career-defining’ moment in sport.

Carlos goes into detail about those four infamous sixes he hit in the 2016 T20 World Cup Final and his subsequent West Indies captaincy, which wasn’t welcomed by many of his colleagues and teammates.

We find out if either could have played any other sport and delve into their new jobs in punditry.

Plus, the pair try their hand at reading the classifieds, and in a game of ‘This or That?’, we find out just how much they have in common.

TOPICS: 01’40 The first meeting on the Monday Night Club 3’30 A shared Caribbean heritage 6’00 Why Carlos moved to Portsmouth 9’00 The ‘Caribbean cricket’ stereotype 10’00 Did either know just how good they were at a young age? 16’00 Why Micah never played cricket 17’00 Micah tests his cricketer knowledge 20’00 The changing image of cricket 25’00 A love of football – Man City v Man United 29’40 Winning the T20 World Cup in 2016 and moving on from ‘career-defining’ moments 34’00 Micah on the pressures of playing for England and winning the Premier League 38’00 Criticism as a captain 41’00 When Micah knew it was time to retire 46’00 Getting into punditry and having to criticise former/current teammates 54’00 Reading the classifieds 58’40 This or that? Just how much do they have in common?

England are into a semi-final and Woody’s finally been fit enough to start a game! Though he did get told off by Eoin Morgan on the field… The boys discuss England’s defeat to South Africa, Jason Roy’s injury, and Sam Billings joins the pod to talk about what it’s like being on the fringes of a starting XI, as well as working out his team of best footballers from the England cricket squad.

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley speak to Kyle Coetzer, the man leading Scotland through a memorable T20 World Cup. Plus, there's LOTS of talk on how Kate's kitchen should be arranged.

Tymal may be out of the World Cup, but it doesn’t mean the podcast is over… Mark Wood and Tymal Mills discuss what it’s like to walk off injured during the middle of an over, and just how much PPE you have to wear when going for a scan outside the bio-bubble.

The two are joined by Nathan ‘Numbers’ Leamon, the England team data analyst, to find the most ridiculous question he’s ever been asked by a player, and what his signals from the boundary edge mean.

Plus they look back on two impressive wins against Australia and Sri Lanka, including a memorable century from Jos Buttler.

Jonathan Agnew is joined by World Cup winner Liam Plunkett and former Australian player Stuart Law to review a thumping 8 wicket win for England. We also hear from Liam Livingstone, Chris Jordan, Eoin Morgan and Aaron Finch.

Fresh from their holidays, Kate and Alex reconvene to catch up on all things travel, World Cup cricket and get stuck into some of the emails bursting out of the No Balls inbox.

Chris Woakes joins Tymal Mills and Mark Wood for the third episode of the podcast that takes you inside England’s World Cup bubble – Good Pace for Radio.

They talk about the best ball they’ve ever bowled, how they’ve changed as bowlers, plus why Tymal didn’t get full marks in his A Level cricket assessment, and just what went wrong on his Duke of Edinburgh expedition.

Five years ago, Carlos Brathwaite finished off one of the most remarkable ends to any final in any sport. The West Indies all-rounder hit four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes’ bowling to win the World T20. As England prepare to take on the West Indies again for this year’s tournament, Carlos Brathwaite looks back on the West Indies’ remarkable triumph.

England bowlers Mark Wood and Tymal Mills introduce a new podcast that will take you behind the scenes of England’s T20 World Cup campaign in the Middle East. In a preview episode, they talk about how Tymal is finding life back in the England camp after four years, the details of ‘scenario-based training’, and why Tymal’s been doing the Hokey Cokey.

After a very special birthday, Kate and Alex talk through the big day. Plus, Radio 1 presenter Greg James joins us from the Tailenders tour bus to talk all sorts of nonsense...

England all-rounder Moeen Ali joins TMS commentator Aatif Nawaz to discuss his retirement from Tests. Moeen explains his decision, goes through the highlights of his Test career and chats about the challenges of playing all formats in Covid times. Moeen also discusses his love of boxing and how Call of Duty helped him cope with quarantine.

As the summer of 2021 concludes, Kate and Alex decide if it was really long or really short. Plus, plenty of DM sliding and a few rogue emails to keep us busy.

As the season heads towards a close, Kate and Alex talk through their weeks and receive some wild emails. And with the IPL back underway, Graeme Swann checks in from Mumbai.

Jimmy Anderson (yes, THE Jimmy Anderson) joins Kate and Alex to talk India, Ashes, warm-ups and frogs. Plus, Crossy did something for the first time in seven years this week...

After a brief break, Kate Cross and Alex Hartley return to discuss cricket (briefly), best/worst birthdays and getting spotted by No Balls fans. Oh, and Crossy meets her heroes...

In 1991 Jonathan Agnew and Brian Johnston produced a piece of radio that has been replayed millions of times. Simon Mann is joined at the Oval by Aggers, Brian’s son Barry Johnston, former TMS Producer Peter Baxter and impressionist Rory Bremner.

Comedian, actor, writer and director Chris Addison takes a “View from the Boundary” with Jonathan Agnew at the Oval.

Addison discusses watching the 2005 Ashes climax at the Oval, his admiration for England opener Tammy Beaumont and what it was like playing Ollie Reeder in “The Thick of It”.

Jonathan Agnew looks back on India’s first Test victory over England at the Oval 50 years ago. We hear from Sunil Gavaskar and Farokh Engineer who played in the game and Deep Dasgupta and Prakash Wakankar put the victory into historical context.

Sir Alastair Cook looks back on his magical farewell Test against India in 2018. Cook reveals to Jonathan Agnew how he came to his decision to retire from international cricket and the inside story of that last innings century.

Sir Ian Botham joins Eleanor Oldroyd to remember the incredible Test match of 1981 when England produced an amazing fightback to win, despite being forced to follow on.

Manchester Originals men's coach Simon Katich talks through his career and reveals who he'd most like to be stuck on a desert island with. Plus, Kate and Alex feel a bit delicate.