PODCAST · sports
Test Match Special
by BBC Radio 5 Live
The Test Match Special team bring you the very best cricket reaction, insight & analysis.Plus the No Balls podcast with Kate Cross and Alex Hartley brings a fine balance of nonsense and cricket as they welcome some of the biggest names in the sport.
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608
Clinical England power to series win over Pakistan
Daniel Norcross presents reaction to England's second Test win over Pakistan at Lord's and is joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja and the BBC's chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew.Hear from captains Babar Azam and Joe Root as well as Ollie Robinson who was named player of the match with figures of 8-35. Andy Zaltzman breaks down the Test with a stat-attack.
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607
View from the Boundary: Jon Sopel
Jonathan Agnew is joined in the Test Match Special commentary box by the BBC's former North America editor Jon Sopel who shares his love of cricket as well as stories from his time working around the world for the BBC as well as being in Washington DC covering three Presidents.
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606
England in pole position for a series win
Daniel Norcross is joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja and the BBC's chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew to look back at day three of the Second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's.Hear from Dan Lawrence who hit an unbeaten 50, his second half-century in as many Tests on a day where less than 25 overs were bowled.We also speak to England's fielding coach Sarah Taylor.
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605
Pakistan crumble as England seamers assemble
Daniel Norcross is joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja and the BBC's chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew to look back at day two of the Second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's.Hear from Jofra Archer who took three wickets as well as Azan Awais who top scored for Pakistan with 46. And Andy Zaltzman with his day two stat attack.
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604
Abbas masterclass as Smith stars on day 1
Daniel Norcross is alongside former England captain Michael Vaughan, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew and former England spinner Phil Tufnell to discuss day one of the Second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's. Hear from half-century hitter Jamie Smith, as well as Muhammed Abbas who took four wickets.Plus, Andy Zaltzman breaks down the day with a stat attack.
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603
What are the greatest ever Lord's moments?
Simon Mann, Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell, Jonathan Agnew, and Andy Zaltzman debate their greatest and favourite moments that have happened at Lord's.From the England Men's 2019 World Cup win, to the Women's World Cup glory in 2017. From Jonny Bairstow's infamous Ashes stumping in 2023, to Ben Stokes bowling the then New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum in 2015. Plus, an unforgettable story of when Aggers held some Bob Massie memorabilia.
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602
England drop Carse after nightclub incident & Pakistan's struggles
Mark Chapman, former England captain Michael Vaughan, former England bowlers Phil Tufnell and Steven Finn discuss the fallout from Brydon Carse's nightclub incident, how England can rectify their off-pitch behaviour problem and, how it all overshadows their dominant Test match win over Pakistan. Brydon Carse has been dropped from the England team ahead of the second Test against Pakistan after being arrested and de-arrested on a night out in Derby. Former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior calls for his sacking and for action from the ECB, so what can incoming head coach Stephen Fleming do to cull inappropriate behaviour amongst England cricketers? On the field, England secured a dominant first Test win over Pakistan at Headingley. Whilst England looked impressive, Pakistan put in a poor performance which raises doubts about the state of Test cricket in the country. Aatif Nawaz joins the podcast to look at Pakistan's performance and how they can improve.
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601
England's Men: The state of the nation
Cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt is alongside former England captains Michael Vaughan & Sir Alastair Cook, as well as Chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew to look at the current state of play of England's Test side.Hear from the skipper Joe Root, plus Brendon McCullum who still serves as England's white-ball coach.
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600
A rout for Root in first Test back as skipper
Simon Mann presents reaction from Headingley where England have beaten Pakistan inside three days in Joe Root’s first Test back as captain of the side.Hear from former England captains Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook, BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew, and former captain and PCB chief executive Ramiz Raja. Andy Zaltzman breaks down the Test with a stat-attack.Plus, hear the thoughts of Joe Root, Ollie Robinson, Marcus Trescothick, and Salman Ali Agha.
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599
England lead grows at a gloomy Headingley
Simon Mann presents reaction to the second day’s play from Headingley where 91 from Harry Brook and Jordan Cox’s first Test 50 helps grow England’s lead over Pakistan.Hear from England Test bowler Mark Wood, former England captains Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook, and BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew. Andy Zaltzman breaks down the day with a stat-attack.Plus, Cox gives his reaction to his innings 73 from 100 balls.
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598
Mark Wood on injury, Ashes, and Stephen Fleming
Jonathan Agnew and Steven Finn chat with Mark Wood about his injury recovery and the mental challenges of a long period out of the game. He also talks very honestly about the 25/26 Ashes down under and the incoming England Test head coach Stephen Fleming.
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597
5 a piece for Tongue & Robinson
Simon Mann presents reaction to the first day’s play from Headingley where England’s quicks Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson both take five-wicket hauls against Pakistan.Hear from former England captains Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook, and BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew.Plus, Josh Tongue reveals the groundsman at Headingley has split the ball in half for him and Ollie Robinson to share after their 5fers, and Imam-ul-Haq reflects on the day after an opening stand of 42 in tricky batting conditions.
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596
Root wants England to be “good role models”
Henry Moeran is alongside cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt and TMS commentator Aatif Nawaz to look ahead to the first Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley. Hear from England captain Joe Root and Jordan Cox, plus the team discuss Pakistan captain Babar Azam missing the Test through injury.
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595
Australia embarrassed, Brook opens up and Hundred reflections
Mark Chapman is alongside former England captain Michael Vaughan, former England spinner Phil Tufnell discussing Bangladesh thrashing Australia, the new 'era' for England as they prepare for their Test Match against Pakistan and reflecting on the winners of The Hundred last weekend...
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594
Harry Brook reflects on the last year
England white-ball captain Harry Brook speaks exclusively to the BBC's cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt.He talks about his early life and getting into the game, but also the fallout from the Wellington incident, missing out on the Test captaincy, and understanding why supporters get frustrated with his batting.
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593
History for Bangladesh as they beat Australia in Darwin
Reaction as Bangladesh complete one of the greatest shocks in cricket history, beating the number-one ranked Test side in Australia for the first time by nine wickets.We hear from player-of-the-match Hasan Mahmud, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Australia's skipper Pat Cummins and also batter Steve Smith. Plus, analysis from Jim Maxwell, Corbin Middlemas, Jason Gillespie, Phil Jacques, Xavier Doherty and Ed Cowan.
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592
Has year six of The Hundred been a success?
We hear from two men at the top of The Hundred - ECB CEO Richard Gould and Tournament Director Vikram Bannerjee - on whether this year transitional tournament has gone to plan. Plus, Steven Finn and Alex Hartley offer their thoughts.
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591
Has The Hundred changed?
Henry Moeran is alongside Ashes-winning bowler Steven Finn and winner of The Hundred Jake Lintott to discuss how The Hundred may have changed this year, following the influx of investment. They also look at the rule which allows four overseas players per side and how that could affect the development of domestic players.
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590
Have England picked the right players for Pakistan?
Henry Moeran and Daniel Norcross go behind the scenes at the Hundred to speak to the BBC team about the England squad selected for the first Tests of the Pakistan series.We hear from Dawid Malan, Tymal Mills, Steven Finn, Phil Tufnell. Ebony Rainford Brent and Michael Carberry plus we get the thoughts of national selector Marcus North.
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589
Is Buttler England's greatest white-ball player?
Daniel Norcross finds out if the TMS team think that Jos Buttler is England's greatest white-ball player. Hear from England Test opener Emilio Gay, former world #1 T20 batter Dawid Malan, Ashes-winning bowler Steven Finn, long-time teammate Mark Wood, 2009 World Cup winner Ebony Rainford-Brent, and TMS commentator Alison Mitchell. Plus, the man himself reacts to breaking the T20 run-scoring record.
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588
Can Fleming and Root bring success to England?
James Gregg is joined by Sir Alastair Cook, Steven Finn and, Alex Hartley who look at what’s ahead for Stephen Fleming, who has been appointed as the new England Test head coach - replacing his former New Zealand teammate Brendan McCullum. Joe Root has been made captain for a second time - 4 years after stepping down. Fleming will take charge after England’s three match Test series against Pakistan, with Marcus Trescothick taking interim charge for that series. Fleming’s first Test will come on England’s tour of South Africa in December. Does he have what it takes to bring that winning feeling back to the England team? Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 00:30 Alex’s ice cream prank 01:30 Stephen Fleming appointment 08:10 England Director of Men’s Cricket Rob Key 17:20 How across it will Fleming be? 22:18 Have England wasted the summer? 26:37 How will Fleming’s first few weeks look? 33:20 Joe Root captain again 44:20 Root’s record 48:00 Will we see Ben Stokes come back?
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587
Root is a "very excited" as Key insists England have 'not wasted summer'
England's new captain Joe Root speaks to Henry Moeran about being England Test captain once again. England's director of men's cricket Rob Key speaks to Henry Moeran just twenty-four hours after appointing Stephen Fleming as Test coach and Joe Root as captain.Former England Test batter Dawid Malan and 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley discuss Key's interview and ask whether England have wasted their Test summer so far.Plus, hear from Chris Jordan who played under Fleming at both Southern Brave in the Hundred and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and former New Zealand team mate and coaching contemporary Shane Bond.
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586
Fleming & Root to lead England Test team
Henry Moeran speaks to former England captain Michael Vaughan, BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew, and former New Zealand wicket keeper Katey Martin to discuss Stephen Fleming being appointed England's new Test head coach and Joe Root returning to captain the side.
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585
Flazball incoming? Fleming set to be Test head coach
Daniel Norcross is alongside Ashes-winning bowler Steven Finn and former England Test opener Michael Carberry to discuss the prospect of Stephen Fleming becoming the next England Test head coach.Finny & Carbs wonder what he needs to fix with England, and Jamie Overton, who played under Fleming at Chennai Super Kings, tells Daniel Norcross about playing under him.
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584
Should Root be captain? Behind-the-scenes at The Hundred
Aatif Nawaz is behind-the-scenes as the BBC TV team descends on Trent Bridge for Trent Rockets against London Spirit, but he's asking them - should Joe Root be the next Test captain?Hear from Ashes-winning bowler Steven Finn, former India batter Ajinkya Rahane, world cup winner Ebony Rainford-Brent, former #1 T20 batter Dawid Malan, and former India international Deep Dasgupta.Plus, Rahane speaks to Amber Sandhu about his time working for the BBC.
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583
What is the greatest cricket book?
2026 is the National Year of Reading and to mark the event the TMS team debate which is the best cricket book of all time?From the iconic “Beyond a Boundary” by CLR James to Harry Thompson’s “Penguins Stopped play”. From Duncan Hamilton’s biography of Harold Larwood to the groundbreaking autobiography of Marcus Trescothick “Coming Back to me”.Daniel Norcross is joined by award winning writer Simon Wilde, journalist and vociferous reader Jim Wallace and author and broadcaster Annie Chave who is also a judge for the Cricket Writers' Club Book of the Year. We also hear from Andy Zaltzman, Michael Vaughan, Jonathan Agnew, Jeremy Coney, and Simon Mann on their favourite cricket booksThe 2026 National Year of Reading is the biggest campaign in a generation designed to help more people to discover or rediscover the joy of reading with the theme to “Go all in” on passions and interests.
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582
Did Bazball work? Behind-the-scenes at The Hundred
Henry Moeran is at The Oval during The Hundred opener between MI London and SunRisers Leeds chatting to the Test Match Special team their thoughts on Bazball whilst not on TV.Hear from Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Carlos Brathwaite, Katey Martin, Steven Finn, and even Tymal Mills whilst he's having his makeup done before going on air!
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581
England continue hunt for new head coach & The Hundred preview
Henry Moeran is joined by former England spinner Phil Tufnell, London Spirit bowler Tymal Mills and Durham coach Ryan Campbell as England continue the hunt for a new head coach and captain, a month before the next Test Series against Pakistan. Whilst the search goes on for the new Test head coach after Brendon McCullum’s sacking last Sunday, McCullum has remained as England’s white-ball coach and has led England to a 2-1 ODI series win against India since his sacking. The panel discuss what England need from their test head coach and who the leading contenders are.The 2026 edition of The Hundred is set to get underway with significant changes from previous years. The panel are joined by Vikram Banerjee, managing director of The Hundred to go through the new changes and what it means for the tournament. Chair of Glamorgan Mark Rhydderch-Roberts and co-owner of Welsh Fire Sanjay Govil also join the podcast to discuss the business element of the tournament.TIME CODES: 00:00 Intro 01:00 England’s hunt for a head coach 10:00 Should it be a short-term appointment? 13:45 The search for a captain 20:40 Runners and riders for the coach position 29:20 Ben Stokes and Durham 32:45 A new era for The Hundred and managing director Vikram Banerjee 42:00 Is The Hundred different? 45:46 Mark Rhydderch-Roberts and co-owner of Welsh Fire Sanjay Govil 49:00 The business behind a team 53:34 Tymal and Tuffers ahead of the tournament
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580
England seal series with record Lord's ODI total
Simon Mann is joined by Sir Alastair Cook, the BBC chief commentator Jonathan Agnew and former India wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta to look back at England's ODI series win over India. We hear from captains Harry Brook and Shubman Gill as well as Ben Duckett who made the highest men's ODI individual score at the Home of Cricket in striking 141 off 135 balls as England won by 27 runs.And during the interval at Lord's, Jonathan spoke with both Sir Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara as the pair paid tribute to the great Sir Garfield Sobers who passed away at the age of 89.
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579
View from the Boundary: Red Roses World Cup winner Sarah Bern.
Alison Mitchell is joined at Lord’s by World Cup winning Rugby player Sarah Bern. The tighthead prop was part of the Red Roses team that triumphed at Twickenham last summer.
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578
Root's 99 not out helps England beat India to level ODI series
Simon Mann is joined by former England spinner Vic Marks and former India wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta to look back on England's four wicket win over India at Sophia Gardens to level the ODI series at 1-1 with the deciding match to come on Sunday at Lord's. We hear from both captains as well as Joe Root who finished unbeaten on 99.We also hear from Formula 1 driver Arvid Lindblad who spoke with Elly Oldroyd and shared his passion for cricket, family and what it's like being in such a high octane environment.
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577
England's one-day woes continue with India defeat
Simon Mann is joined by former India wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta and former England spinner Vic Marks to look back at England's six wicket defeat to India in the first One Day International at Edgbaston. They hear from Harry Brook and Shubman Gill as well as discussing the decision to drop Brendon McCullum as the coach of the Test side.And today was the last Blue for Bob day after five years raising money and awareness for the Bob Willis fund. Jonathan Agnew spoke to Bob’s wife Lauren Clark & his great friend Sir Ian Botham.
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576
England outclassed at Lord's as McCullum speaks for first time since sacking
Alison Mitchell is alongside England World Cup winners Alex Hartley and Katherine Sciver-Brunt, and Indian commentator & journalist Annesha Ghosh for reaction to England's Test loss to India at Lord's. Hear from captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, head coach Charlotte Edwards, retiring England legends Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, and one of India's star bowlers Snee Rana.Plus, BBC cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt speaks to Brendon McCullum for the first time since he was sacked as the Men's Test head coach.
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575
Knight bows out at Lord's
Isa Guha speaks to England's record-appearance-holder Heather Knight as she retires from international cricket.Alison Mitchell speaks Isa, as well as former team-mates Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Alex Hartley about her legacy as an England great, the impact she's had on, and off, the field, and where her nickname 'Trev' comes from.
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574
McCullum sacked as Test coach
Eleanor Oldroyd is alongside Jonathan Agnew, Steven Finn, and Stephan Shemilt for reaction to Brendon McCullum losing his job as England Men's red-ball head coach. They discuss how we got here, and who could take over?Plus, Alison Mitchell speaks to ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould.
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573
Buttler blasts England to victory & India pile on pressure in Test
Simon Mann is alongside former England batter Michael Carberry and former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta for reaction to England’s 4-0 thrashing of India in the five match T20 series. Hear from Jos Buttler who scored 131 for England, as well as England captain Harry Brook who hit an unbeaten 95. Plus, India captain Shreyas Iyer reflects on a tough series for the tourists.Also, Alison Mitchell is alongside 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley and Indian cricket journalist Annesha Ghosh, and TMS statistician Phil Long to discuss the second day of the four-day Test between England and India at Lord’s. Amy Jones gives her reaction to a long day for England, despite the wicketkeeper hitting a half-century. India bowler Sneh Rana looks back on a great day for her side.
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572
Ecclestone landmark on an historic day at Lord’s
Alison Mitchell is alongside 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley, Indian cricket journalist Annesha Ghosh, and Ashes-winning bowler Steven Finn for reaction to an historic day at Lord’s where Sophie Ecclestone became England’s leading wicket-taker as the stadium hosts its first ever Test match.Hear from Ecclestone, as well as Smriti Mandhana who scored 83 for India on the first day of the Test.Plus, Alison speaks to some of England’s past greats.
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571
England inflict record defeat on India
England beat World Champions India by 125 runs at Trent Bridge to go two up in the T20 series. It’s India’s heaviest T20 defeat. England made 201/5 and then bowled out India for only 76.Simon Mann is joined by former England bowler Steven Finn and ex India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta. Plus, Henry Moeran speaks with the two captains Harry Brook and Shreyas Iyer.The 4th T20 is on Thursday with commentary on 5 Sports Extra from 5.15pm.
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570
England well beaten as Australia get SEVENTH world title
Alison Mitchell is alongside 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley, former New Zealand wicketkeeper Katey Martin, and Australian commentator Geoff Lemon for reaction to Australia’s seventh world title, beating England in a full-house at Lord’s.Also, hear from England head coach Charlotte Edwards, Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney.
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569
Sciver-Brunt on T20 World Cup Final: "You don't want any what-ifs..."
Nat Sciver-Brunt chats to Henry Moeran looking ahead to the World Cup Final against Australia. Plus, the thoughts of 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley and BBC Sport's Matt Henry.
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568
Inside the Women’s T20 World Cup: Dunkley and Jones give us the goss!
Head inside the England camp during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. England World Cup winner Ebony Rainford-Brent speaks to batter Sophia Dunkley and wicketkeeper Amy Jones about featuring in Vogue magazine, as well as their funniest cricketing moment and which England legend was once Jones’ landlady?You can WATCH this episode in full on BBC iPlayer just by searching 'Test Match Special'.
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567
Sciver-Brunt 75 sends England into World Cup Final
Henry Moeran is joined by England World Cup winner Alex Hartley and South Africa broadcaster Firdose Moonda to reflect on England’s 40 run semi-final win in front of a record crowd at the Oval. We hear from player of the match and England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt plus England spinner Sophie Ecclestone and the South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt. And we discuss how England can beat Australia on Sunday in a final you can hear on BBC Sounds from 3pm.
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566
The 2017 World Cup winners’ reunion
Isa Guha gets together some of England’s key figures from their 2017 World Cup victory. Captain Heather Knight, player of the final Anya Shrubsole, player of the tournament Tammy Beaumont, fellow opener Lauren Winfield Hill and Danni Wyatt-Hodge who was part of the squad then and like Knight is in the current team hoping to lift another World Cup trophy at Lord’s this week.
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565
What next for England's Men?
Daniel Norcross is alongside former England captain Sir Alastair Cook and former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta to discuss what comes next for England.Is Harry Brook the answer? Is there another experienced member of the squad who could step up in the meantime? And could a captaincy candidate come from outside the current squad?
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564
Ben Stokes: the man of the moments
Jonathan Agnew is alongside former England captains Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, and Ashes-winning bowler Steven Finn for a look-back at Ben Stokes' England career.Hear some of Stokes' iconic moments, and retired captain speaks to Simon Mann. Plus, cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt puts Stokes' career into context.
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563
“I’m Done” Stokes says no going back on retirement.
Ben Stokes joins the podcast as he ends up on the losing side in his last international game.Jonathan Agnew also gets the thoughts of Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, Steven Finn, Andy Zaltzman and Jeremy Coney.Plus, we hear from Brendon McCullum, Joe Root, Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell.
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562
Stokes retires from international cricket
Simon Mann speaks to out-going England captain Ben Stokes as he announces his retirement from international cricket during the final Test match at Trent Bridge between England and New Zealand.Hear reaction from former England captains Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook, as well as Jonathan Agnew and Steven Finn.
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561
View from the Boundary: Luke Kempner
Jonathan Agnew is joined by comedian, actor, and impressionist Luke Kempner at Trent Bridge. Kempner has just finished a West End run and World tour playing the iconic Master of the House Thenardier in the musical Les Misérables. Kempner tells Aggers how he was introduced to cricket by his TMS loving Nan, he shares the story of his most embarrassing batting experience and of course there are plenty of impressions including Henry Blofeld, Geoff Boycott, Richie Benaud, Jim Maxwell, Jeremy Coney and Aggers himself.
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560
England Women overpower New Zealand at The Oval
Henry Moeran is joined by World Cup winner Isa Guha, Geoff Lemon and Annesha Ghosh to look back at England's convincing win over New Zealand to power into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. We hear from player of the match Danni Wyatt-Hodge, both captains as well as the England head coach Charlotte Edwards. And Alex Hartley tells Dan Norcross what it's like playing in a World Cup semi-final.
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559
New Zealand dominant in decider at Trent Bridge
Daniel Norcross is alongside former England captains Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook, as well as BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew for reaction to the third day's play between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge.Hear from England spinner Shoaib Bashir, and New Zealand allrounder Nathan Smith.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Test Match Special team bring you the very best cricket reaction, insight & analysis.Plus the No Balls podcast with Kate Cross and Alex Hartley brings a fine balance of nonsense and cricket as they welcome some of the biggest names in the sport.
HOSTED BY
BBC Radio 5 Live
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