Test Match Special

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.

John Aiken, a former first-class cricketer from New Zealand and now a relationship expert on 'Married at First Sight', shares his fascinating journey. He discusses his transition from cricket to clinical psychology and how reality TV transformed his career. John reflects on memorable opponents like Brian Lara and Brendan McCullum, and dives into the challenges of public scrutiny after gaining fame. He also contrasts his analytical cricket mindset with his role on TV, where he provides candid relationship advice, proving his versatility beyond the pitch.

In this engaging chat, Aaron Finch, the former Australia white-ball captain and World Cup-winning leader, shares insights on Australia's Ashes hopes and the mindset in the dressing room. He discusses his smooth transition into commentary and reflects on the evolution of England's white-ball cricket. Finch also touches on his preparations for future World Cups and reveals amusing thoughts on life after cricket, including hypothetical animal-catching scenarios. It's a fascinating mix of cricket strategy and light-hearted banter!

Phil Tufnell, a former England Test cricketer and beloved cricket analyst, joins local guide Barrett Sundarason, who shares his love for Adelaide's charm. Tufnell fondly recalls meeting Don Bradman and the unique vibe of the Adelaide Oval. They discuss the pitch characteristics and the relaxed atmosphere for players. Henry Moran brings optimism about England's chances, while Andy Zaltzman provides a humorous statistical analysis of teams facing a 2-0 deficit in the Ashes. Local tips for exploring Adelaide round out the conversation.

Dive into a captivating cricketing quiz with clever conundrums posed by comedian Andy Zaltzman. Explore England's remarkable bounce-back stats while grappling with mind-bending questions about winless runs in Ashes history. Did you know England's scoring patterns have dramatically shifted over the decades? Unravel the mysteries of cricket statistics and share the challenge with friends. Tune in for engaging insights from legendary players and commentators, making this quiz both fun and educational!

Glenn McGrath, former Australian fast bowler, shares tactical insights on England's cricket strategies, emphasizing their missed opportunities. Michael Vaughan, ex-England captain, critiques the team's batting failures and proposes necessary changes. They discuss England's mentality, highlighted by Ben Stokes’ candid reflections on pressure and accountability. The panel dives into Australia’s match tactics, with insights from Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc, who praises their approach. There's a call for a change in attitude as the Ashes series unfolds.

Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath shares his expert insights on how to exploit England's batting weaknesses, emphasizing the need for adaptability in challenging conditions. England's assistant coach, Marcus Trescothick, discusses the team's tactics and preparation after a tough day, asserting the importance of partnerships to turn the tide. The conversation also touches on the debate over England's readiness for pink-ball cricket and their internal pressures, highlighting contrasting perspectives and missed opportunities.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan and international batsman Joe Root discuss a frustrating second day in Brisbane, where England's missed catches allowed Australia to dominate. Vaughan critiques England's lack of control and preparation, while Agnew highlights the impact of hot conditions on the team's focus. Root reflects on his century and the importance of partnerships. The conversation covers England's bowling performance and Australia’s aggressive scoring, leaving listeners wondering if England can still mount a comeback.

Glenn McGrath, a former Australian fast bowler with a keen eye for bowling analysis, joins cricket pundit and comedian Andy Zaltzman, known for his witty insights and statistics. They dive into Joe Root's impressive milestone century and discuss the rollercoaster of the day's play, including England's recovery from a shaky start. McGrath analyzes the impact of Mitchell Starc and the pink ball, while Zaltzman sheds light on Root's serene batting under pressure. The conversation even debates England's declaration strategy and the omission of spin in Australia’s attack.

Glenn McGrath, a legendary Australian fast bowler turned analyst, joins former England captain Michael Vaughan and cricket journalist Melinda Farrell for a deep dive into the Ashes series. They discuss the pivotal nature of the second Test in Brisbane, dissecting England's adaptation to the pink ball and the challenges their batting lineup faces. Glenn highlights Australia's historic success with pink-ball cricket, while Melinda provides insights on Gabba conditions. The trio weighs in on England's need for a strategic shift and how crucial it is to manage bowling workloads in the heat.