Test Match Special

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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 CODES

00:00 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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?

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'.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.