Test Match Special

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

We profile India’s new test captain Shubman 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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…

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.

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.

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]

Stephan Shemilt has been speaking to some of the people who have known Nat Sciver-Brunt the longest to determine if they always knew she was captaincy material.Stephan speaks to former Middlesex captain turned commentator Isabelle Westbury who attended the same school as Nat Sciver-Brunt in the Netherlands and she shares her first thoughts on the all-rounder. Stephan is also joined by national selector Lydia Greenway who played alongside Sciver-Brunt for England and her former coach Mark Robinson who moved her up the batting order.Plus we go behind the scenes and speak to Nat Sciver-Brunt's wife and England legend Katherine, who shares her memories of playing and living with the new England captain.

Comedian & writer Geoff Norcott joins Jonathan Agnew is the TMS commentary box at Trent Bridge.He tells Aggers about his love for cricket starting when revising for exams in 1993, coaching his son's team, and being 6 not-out after batting for two hours.

Alison Mitchell speaks to Former Zimbabwe bowler Henry Olonga and former England captain Nasser Hussain about the black armband protest which caused Olonga and team-mate Andy Flower to flee Zimbabwe.Hussain & Olonga speak for the first time since 2003 when the England captain met with Olonga to understand to situation in Zimbabwe. Plus, Jonathan Agnew recalls covering the story as the BBC's Cricket Correspondent.

Alex Hartley & Kate Cross are back as a new era begins for England’s women with Charlotte Edwards as head coach and Nat Sciver-Brunt as captain.What was Alex’s experience leaving Pakistan following international tensions with India? What does Kate think of England’s new leadership team? And what’s the weirdest thing they’ve ever talked about during a match?Email us at: [email protected]

After 14 year old Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed record after record en route to his 35-ball hundred, Henry Moeran is joined by former IPL batter Abhishek Jhunjhunwala and commentator Matt Floyd to find out more about the teenage superstar. We learn more about his back story, how he’s been managed, and how Rajasthan Royals – and Indian Cricket – can look after and nurture such a precocious talent.

We bring you a special episode from Lords, where the TMS team had the honour of hosting the 2025 MCC Cowdrey Lecture. In this second part, Jonathan Agnew is joined by Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Ebony Rainford-Brent to discuss what the Spirit of Cricket means to them and their memories of TMS.There’s also chat around who will be England’s next white-ball captain, as well as a look ahead to a big year for both the England men’s and women’s teams.Make sure you’re subscribed to TMS wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you don’t miss any episodes over the summer.

We bring you a special episode from Lords, where the TMS team had the honour of hosting the 2025 MCC Cowdrey Lecture. In this first part, Jonathan Agnew is joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan to discuss what the Spirit of Cricket means to them, reflecting on moments from their playing careers.They also talk about the changing landscape of the sport & Michael shares his ideas for how to further modernise County Cricket.Part 2 will be out soon. Make sure you’re subscribed to TMS wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you don’t miss any episodes over the summer.

Mark Chapman is joined by Michael Vaughan, Jimmy Anderson and England men’s managing director Rob Key. They talk about where England’s men’s cricket is at the moment – what’s next? How will England look to change the picture across the board? And what will the process be to replace Jos Buttler as white-ball captain?

After England crash out of the Champions Trophy, Henry Moeran and the TMS team ask just what’s going wrong at the moment. Across the men’s and women’s teams, England have lost 16 out of the 17 games they’ve played in 2025. Is it an attitude problem? An image problem? Captaincy? Or is there more to it than that? Henry is joined by World Cup winner Alex Hartley, and TMS colleagues Aatif Nawaz and Daniel Norcross

Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by the BBC’s Sports Editor Dan Roan, Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt & TMS commentator Daniel Norcross to analyse ‘The Hundred’ team sales. We’ll hear from ECB Director of Business Operations Vikram Banerjee, as well as Southern Brave & Sussex fast bowler Tymal Mills. We’ll also be answering some of the questions you sent in to the BBC Sport website.

Alex Hartley & Kate Cross have a final catch-up before the Women’s Ashes get underway. Kate gives an injury update with the first game right around the corner, and they discuss why women should play more Test cricket.Vote for No Balls in the Sport Podcast Awards 2025 – we’re nominated for THREE categories, and it only takes a minute to vote:Best Cricket Podcast https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-cricket-podcast/Best Sports Comedy Podcast https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-sports-comedy-podcast/Diverse Voices Award https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/sports-diverse-voices-award/Listen to every ball of the Women’s Ashes from Australia on BBC Sounds, or via the BBC Sport website or app. The first ODI starts at 11:30pm on Saturday 11th January.

Alex Hartley & Kate Cross look ahead to the Women’s Ashes which starts in Sydney which week. They discuss who the star performers might be, and what the mentality is inside the England camp after a dominant tour in South Africa. Plus, Alex has some WAshes predictions. Listen to every ball of the Women’s Ashes from Australia on BBC Sounds, or via the BBC Sport website or app. The first ODI starts at 11:30pm on Saturday 11th January.

We review another absorbing Test as Australia won by six wickets at the SCG to take the series against India 3-1 and reclaim the Border Gavaskar series for the first time in over a decade.We get analysis from Alison Mitchell, former Australia coach Darren Lehmann and former Australia bowler Stuart Clark. Isa Guha speaks with player of the match Scott Boland plus captains Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah and we also hear from Australian opener Usman Khawja.

Henry Moeran is alongside the BBC’s chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew and TMS statistician Andy Zaltzman to look ahead to England’s Men’s 2025. With a home Test series against India and the Ashes down under at the end of the year, it could prove to be a pivotal year for Ben Stokes as captain.

Henry Moeran is alongside commentator Dan Norcross & TMS statistician Andy Zaltzman pick their global cricketing awards for 2024 - the Full Tosscars. Which India bowler has had an incredible year? Which English batter(s) gets nominated for worst shot of the year? And which side goes home with the best win of the year?

2024 is going to be a memorable year for Joe Root. He became England’s highest ever run scorer, and overtook Sir Alastair Cook’s Test century record for England too, but how did that feel and how did he get there?In his own words, along with England captain Ben Stokes and friend & longtime teammate Jimmy Anderson, he talks us through his incredible year, and how he came to be one of England’s greats.

Alex Hartley and Kate Cross have a festive catch up after Kate’s return from South Africa.They discuss Kate’s back injury which meant she hardly played in South Africa and the road to recovery ahead of next month’s Ashes series in Australia. They also reflect on England’s success in all formats across the series which served as good preparation before heading down under.Plus, what do they both want for Christmas?

It’s been 10 years since the death of former Australia player Phillip Hughes. The 25 year old passed away after being struck on the neck by a short ball during a Sheffield Shield match.It was a tragedy which sent shock waves across the cricketing world and the anniversary is being marked with commemorations throughout Australia.In a special tribute ABC commentator Andrew Moore speaks with Tom Cooper who was Hughes’s batting partner that fateful day, legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath and former Australia coach Darren Lehmann who reveals Hughes was set to be told about an international recall the day he died.

Alex Hartley & Kate Cross discuss England’s dominant displays in England’s T20 series win against South Africa Women, and how the tour is great preparation ahead of the Women’s Ashes next month. Plus, they ask you for your best cricketing look-alikes after Jacob Bethell was likened to… Pat [email protected] to every game of England's tour of South Africa on BBC Sounds, with commentary of the first ODI in Kimberley at 11:45am on Wednesday 4th December.

Alex Hartley & Kate Cross look ahead to England’s tour of South Africa with Kate in the ODI and Test squad. She discusses how she’s been preparing for the series having had six weeks away from cricket. They speak to a listener who has named their puppy after one of them, and have you named a pet after someone [email protected]

Alex Hartley & Kate Cross talk about how Kate’s preparation has gone as she gets ready to head to South Africa for England’s ODIs and Test. They discuss the tent which has been built at England’s High Performance Centre to help players acclimatise to pitch conditions around the world, as well as more of your stories on naming pets after sport stars. Plus, they play a game to get Kate ready for her trip.Listen to every game of England's tour of South Africa on BBC Sounds, with the first T20 starting at 12pm on Sunday 24th November.

Jonathan Agnew speaks to former Pakistan captain Urooj Mumtaz.Now splitting her time between cricket commentary and dentistry, Mumtaz talks about the struggles of not being allowed to play cricket as a child, the opportunities for women in cricket now compared to when she was growing up, and how she'll be straight back to her dental practice once England's tour of Pakistan is over.

Henry Moeran is joined by England bowler Tash Farrant and Daniel Norcross to look ahead to the Women's T20 World Cup Final between South Africa and New Zealand in Dubai.

Kevin Howells is alongside Surrey correspondent Mark Church to speak to former Surrey Director of Cricket Alec Stewart.They discuss Stewart’s legacy as he moves into a new role with Surrey, as well as his thoughts on the long-term future of the County Championship and how Dan Worrall was his “best signing” at the club

Jonathan Agnew and the TMS team share memories of the astonishing England tour to Pakistan in 2022.England won the first series they’d played in Pakistan in 17 years, becoming the first side to complete a 3 nil victory with some record breaking batting and outstanding bowling. Aggers is joined by Simon Mann, Andy Zaltzman, Aatif Nawaz and Alex Hartley plus we also hear reflections from Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

It's finally here! Kate and Alex take on umpires Anna Harris and Sue Redfern in the first No Balls Players-Umpires golf day. But who will come out on top?Kate also tells us about second part of England's white-ball tour of Ireland and her feelings now her stint as captain has finished.

Simon Mann is alongside Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell & Russel Arnold to discuss the pressures of test cricket.From trying to settle in as a debutant to controlling the anxiety of a batter, they tell all as to what was needed to face the challenges at the highest level and where they found their strengths in tough moments. Opening up about issues facing Glenn McGrath, keeping calm when rain delays play, and being “allergic to fielding practice”.

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are in Belfast after Kate secured her first series win as England captain. She tells us she is enjoying the responsibility of captaincy after taking six wickets in the opening match at the weekend. And we're joined by record-breaking batter Tammy Beaumont, after her latest ODI century.