Test Match Special

Tim Key joins Dan Norcross in the TMS commentary box. The comedian, actor, screenwriter and poet talks about trying to be creative during the pandemic, his work with Steve Coogan and, of course, his love for the game of cricket - inculding his memories of the 2005 Ashes series.

Alistair Bruce-Ball, Jonathan Agnew and Jeremy Coney preview the second test between England and New Zealand.Ben Stokes wants to bring the "fun" back into playing for England. You can hear from the England skipper on working with Brendan McCullum, Jimmy Anderson reveals what "Baz" said in the Lord's dressing room and Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson ponders how to remove Joe Root.TMS is back on air for Day One on Friday morning from 10.25.

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have ALL the gossip from an amazing game played in aid of the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Look out for a special contribution from Michael McIntyre...

Internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe joins Aggers to discuss his love for cricket, his life in music and Joe also managed to fit his keyboard in the TMS commentary box at Lord's.

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have plenty to chat about including the Sciver-Brunt wedding, the cost of Lord's tickets and whether you thought the people on TV were watching back...

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has caused a stir by suggesting the County Championship is replaced by a red ball franchise competition. Kevin Howells gets reaction from the ECB managing director of County Cricket Neil Snowball. They also discuss whether the T20 Blast is getting the attention it deserves with the emphasis on the Hundred and what lessons are being learnt following the Azeem Rafiq racism revelations.

England bowler Kate Cross is in India taking part in the Women’s T20 challenge, hopefully a forerunner of the women’s IPL. She’s joined by World Cup winner Alex Hartley who’s been enjoying mixed fortunes back in the ranks for the Thunder side playing in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. They answer your questions, set a new challenge and find out who Alex mistook for Hugh Grant on a train and why Kate was perturbed by pictures of Radio 1 and Tailenders host Greg James in the bath!

Kevin Howells presents a tribute to Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds who has died in a car accident at the age of only 46. We hear from TMS commentator Jim Maxwell on his Australia playing career and recent work as a commentator. Plus we discuss his contribution to the English county game hearing from his captains at Gloucestershire, Kent and Lancashire, Jack Russell, David Fulton and Mark Chilton.

After a short break England bowler Kate Cross and World Cup winner Alex Hartley are back with tales from the start of their cricket season, tuk-tuk buying fathers and playing cricket with Ed Sheeran and Bear Grylls. Plus they answer your questions and hear about your LBWs, Little Bit Weirds.

Alison Mitchell and Ebony Rainford-Brent look at the accessibility of cricket, and what can be done to engage more with people from all backgrounds and whether we should be feeling optimistic, or pessimistic about the direction of travel.We chat about the challenges of finances and what needs to be done to support younger players trying to fund their youth career.Scotland international Abtaha Maqsood also joins the team to discuss cultural differences and how the game has changed since she started playing.And Ian Martin, the ECB’s head of disability cricket, explains the launch of the ECB Disability Premier League.Topics:3:45 - Tom Brown, a researcher from Birmingham City University, on representation 14:30 - The ACE Programme18:20 - Reporter Jamie Reid speaking to youngsters at an ACE session21:00 - Troy Henry part of the ACE Programme25:15 - Finances in cricket 30:30 - Abtaha Maqsood, leg spinner with Birmingham Phoenix40:30 - Ian Martin, Head of Disability Cricket at the ECB

Jonathan Agnew is joined by former England spinners Phil Tufnell and Vic Marks to reflect on the resignation of Joe Root as England captain. We also hear from two men who know Root very well, Yorkshire’s interim director of cricket Darren Gough and former England captain Michael Vaughan.

England bowler Kate Cross and TMS commentator Alex Hartley are reunited in the UK a week after the World Cup final where England were defeated by Australia in a high scoring game. They reflect on the match and the tournament as a whole both on the field and in the commentary box. Plus an update on whether the “hunky umpire” is going to join the pod!

Kevin Howells is joined by two former England coaches, Paul Farbrace and Peter Moores, who are now involved back in the County game. They look ahead to the domestic season and ask if Championship cricket should be getting the criticism it is receiving because of the failures of the England Test team.And Kevin is joined by fellow commentators Nikesh Rughani, Mark Church and Emily Windsor to find out which teams will be challenging this season in the men’s and women’s game.

Alison Mitchell is joined by 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley, Henry Moeran and Stephan Shemilt to review Australia’s 71 run World Cup Final victory over England.Plus we get reaction from England captain Heather Knight, Australia’s captain Meg Lanning and the England head of women’s cricket Clare Connor.

Kate Cross has just helped England to the World Cup final, and quite rightly is ready to tell NBTCP listeners how it happened. Alex is rather excited, just so you're warned...

England bowler Kate Cross and 2017 winner Alex Hartley discuss the Women's World Cup up to now and look ahead to the knockout matches. Plus, how should you butter a sandwich?

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are joined by former England captain Nasser Hussain to discuss the current Women's World Cup and his stellar career as a player and broadcaster.

After a tough start to the World Cup, England bowler Kate Cross and Alex Hartley chat through what needs to change. Plus, former teammate Lydia Greenway joins the pod.

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.