Test Match Special

Simon Mann is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Phil Tufnell, Andy Zaltzman and Glenn McGrath to look back on an improved day for England. However, they are still on the brink of defeat as Australia lie 4 wickets away from retaining the Ashes. There’s also reaction from Zak Crawley, Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc plus a fascinating chat with former Australia fast bowler turned coach Jason Gillespie.

Phil Tufnell, a vibrant former England spin bowler and now a broadcaster, joins Andy Zaltzman, a cricket-loving comedian known for his statistical insights, and Jeetan Patel, England's spin bowling coach bringing tactical reflections. The trio dives into Travis Head's stellar century, sealing Australia's dominance. They discuss England's challenges, including selection choices, tactical gaps in bowling, and Ben Stokes' captaincy under scrutiny. Zaltzman rounds it off with compelling stats, highlighting England’s struggles and the need for a stronger strategy.

Glenn McGrath, a legendary Australian fast bowler, shares his insights on bowling strategy and the challenging conditions in Adelaide. Dawid Malan, a former England batter, critiques England's batting technique and highlights the tour’s scheduling issues. Marcus Trescothick, England's assistant coach, emphasizes the team's mindset amidst technology troubles. The panel discusses Ben Stokes' gritty performance, Australia's superior bowling, and the frustrations with DRS technology, offering a comprehensive look at the tensions of the Ashes.

Glenn McGrath, the legendary former Australia fast bowler, lends his expertise on bowling techniques and match tactics, while Australia's wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey reflects on his impressive century. They dive into the controversies surrounding snickometer technology, discussing its impact on dismissals and matches. The conversation also critiques England's bowling lengths and strategies—highlighting the critical role of Cummins and Archer. Carey's emotional insights on his performance under pressure reveal the intense stakes of the Ashes, making for a thrilling analysis.

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!

Former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior, known for his leadership, discusses the crucial role of the wicketkeeper in driving team energy, likening it to being the 'drummer of the band.' Steven Finn offers insights on player selections and the importance of net practice, while Simon Katich shares his views on Nathan Lyon's return and the tactical challenges ahead. The trio anticipates a pivotal match in Adelaide, emphasizing that England must balance aggression with pressure management for success.

Join comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman as he poses challenging cricket conundrums during the Ashes series. Discover England's slim chances of achieving three wins, with surprising statistics backing up a mere 4.4% probability. Delve into historical win rates and England's recent form, which lowers the estimate to just 1.1%. Get ready to tackle the intriguing question of the average score difference between first and second innings worldwide since 2000. Tune in for insights, quizzes, and exciting cricket discussions!

Brendon McCullum, head coach of the England Test cricket team, shares insights ahead of the pivotal third Ashes Test. He discusses the team's productive break in Noosa, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a mindset shift to combat pressure. McCullum hints that the top seven will likely remain unchanged, while also addressing the challenges of public scrutiny and the need for players to perform under stress. Rory Dollard adds match analysis, highlighting the heightened stakes for England and the possible inclusion of new squad members.

Historian and broadcaster Tom Holland shares his passion for cricket and his journey as a lifelong fan. He reveals how his podcast, The Rest is History, began and its surprising links to Jack the Ripper. Tom reminisces about pivotal cricket moments that reignited his love for the game, discusses the challenges of covering ancient history, and reflects on engaging younger audiences. He also shares insights on his playing style, love for the sport, favorite cricketers, and his approach to making history accessible and exciting.

Mark Nicholas, a former cricketer and seasoned broadcaster, fondly remembers his late teammate Robin Smith, known as 'The Judge'. The discussion reveals Smith's powerful batting style and his struggles with identity and loneliness off the field. Using archival footage, listeners hear Smith’s reflections on his career, revealing the stark contrast between his confident on-field persona and quieter private life. Nicholas shares poignant stories of Smith’s challenges, including battles with alcoholism and searching for support after retirement.