The Ashes Baptism

The final episode in the series where the BBC’s Chief Cricket writer Stephan Shemilt discovers untold stories from the Ashes.

Few have experienced more of England’s modern Ashes history than Alastair Cook.

During a 12-year international career, Cook played every one of a possible 35 Ashes Tests, scoring more runs than any player on either side. Only Archie MacLaren, at the beginning of the last century, led England in more Ashes Tests than Cook’s 15 as skipper.

Cook was player of the series in a win down under, but was also captain when an England team fell apart in a 5-0 hammering. We find out why he wrestled Graeme Swann in the dressing room at The Oval and why he was reduced to tears after scoring what turned out to be his final Ashes hundred.

Don’t forget you can catch up on all the other episodes on BBC Sounds with guests Glenn McGrath, Steve Finn, Sarah Elliott and David Gower plus you can read much more on the BBC Sport website and app.