Test Match Special

Andy Zaltzman hosts a lively awards show reflecting on cricket's highs and lows in 2025. Highlights include Laura Wolvaardt's stunning semi-final innings and Aiden Markram's century clinching the World Test title for South Africa. The panel shares quirky moments, like Siraj’s bizarre dismissal and West Indies’ staggering 27 all out. Chris Woakes earns the coveted Noosa Award for his brave performance despite injury. With discussions about shifting Ashes circumstances and memorable stats, it’s a celebration of cricket's most unforgettable moments.

Alex Hartley and Kate Cross celebrate England's Ashes win in Australia after nearly 15 years. They explore the surreal two-day Test at the MCG and candidly discuss the challenges female players face during menstruation. The conversation about normalizing periods takes center stage, alongside supportive strategies for athletes. With humor and insight, they reflect on social media's toxicity and the significance of open discussions surrounding women's health in sports.

Dive into a cricketing brain teaser with Andy Zaltzman as he challenges listeners to uncover England's average first-innings score in past Ashes wins. Perfect for group chats, this quiz promises a fun mix of stats and friendly competition. Tune in and test your knowledge, while also enjoying insights from cricket legends like Michael Vaughan and Glenn McGrath. The excitement builds as answers are revealed the next day, keeping fans engaged throughout the Ashes.

Brooke and Jackson Warne, children of the legendary Shane Warne, share heartfelt insights about their father's legacy. They discuss the MCG exhibition honoring his cricket memorabilia and the free cardio health checks initiative launched in his name. The siblings reminisce about warm memories of their father and highlight how the screenings aim to save lives. Additionally, they reflect on fan reactions and the profound impact Warne has had on cricket culture, making this a poignant conversation about memory, health, and cricket heritage.

Phil Tufnell, the witty former England spin bowler, and Glenn McGrath, the legendary Australian fast bowler, join Test captain Ben Stokes to dissect England's thrilling Ashes win. They analyze England's bold decision to bowl first and the impressive tactics that led to victory. Stokes reflects on his leadership under pressure and praises the team's character, including Jacob Bethell's remarkable debut. The trio also debates the controversial MCG pitch and looks ahead to Sydney, considering the implications for team selection and strategy.

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley spread festive cheer while reflecting on England's disappointing Ashes series. They dive into the differences between Christmas in England and Australia, sharing holiday plans and family visits. The duo critiques England’s preparation and selection missteps, lamenting the pressures of heavy defeats. They also enjoy a fun quiz guessing cricketing elves, identifying legends like Glenn McGrath and Matthew Hayden. The hosts wrap up with Christmas wishes, leaving listeners with a taste of both sport and seasonal spirit.

Phil Tufnell, a former England off-spin bowler and commentator, shares insights on spin selection and England's touring mentality. Jason Gillespie, former Australian fast bowler, discusses the stark differences in preparation between Australia and England. Dawid Malan, an England batter, reflects on the crucial missed opportunities and selection debates. The trio dives into why England appeared underprepared and how small moments shifted the series' momentum, emphasizing the need for better communication and a focused touring mindset.

Rob Key, Managing Director of England men's cricket, dives into the fallout from the Ashes defeat, admitting the team's performance has been at just 20%. He discusses the implications of past selections and the decision to focus on white-ball cricket in New Zealand. Joined by experts George Dobell and Stephan Shemilt, the trio analyzes England's preparation, on-field errors, and Australia’s bowling strength. Key's candid reflections on leadership and culture spark debate about the future of the team and their approach to upcoming challenges.

Join comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman as he challenges listeners with cricketing conundrums during the Ashes. Discover England's dismal record in the first three Tests since 1990, winning only one out of thirty matches. Test your knowledge with a quiz about England's wins between 1901 and 1987. Tune in for the answers and engage in friendly competition with friends. Don't miss out on the insights and humor that make cricket captivating!

Ben Stokes, England's fearless Test captain, shares insights on the team's mentality and the impact of their recent Noosa break. Cricket writer Stefan Shemilt dives into team selection and the pressure of the upcoming Test, while journalist Bharat Sundaresan highlights Australia's growing strength and tactical depth. Together, they tackle the high stakes of the Adelaide match, discuss England's preparation strategies, and whether strong leadership can shift on-field performance. It's a crucial moment for both teams as tensions mount!