

Tailenders
BBC Radio 5 Live
Greg James, Jimmy Anderson and Felix White take an alternative (and sometimes musical) look at cricket...
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 3min
Mark Wood I Lie To You?
Fast bowler Mark Wood joins the banter-filled quiz that sparks laughter and competition. The crew dissects the thrilling drawn Test match between England and India, celebrating Joe Root's impressive feats. Amusing cricket anecdotes are shared, alongside quirky player names and tech mishaps in officiating. Discussion even takes a light-hearted detour into chocolate's potential effect on performance. Finally, plans for a whimsical beach cricket match add a fun twist, showcasing their camaraderie and love for the sport.

Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 2min
Ashes (The other ones)
Issy Wong, an England international cricketer, brings fresh insights from the England Women’s camp. The discussion playfully fluctuates between cricket nuances and witty anecdotes, including amusing travel habits and food preferences on the go. Wong also humorously addresses unique restroom experiences while touching on cricket legends like Jimmy Anderson. The camaraderie amongst players shines as they reflect on the spirit and traditions of cricket, highlighting the sport’s blend of competition and joy.

Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 11min
Emergency Podcast: Theatre and Needle
The hosts dive into the thrilling finish of England's close victory over India at Lord's. They reflect on how Jimmy inspired Joe Root’s astounding century. Humorous banter about cricket’s emotional theater highlights team dynamics and player antics. A scorecard project shares struggles and connects music with sports through Brian May's unique involvement. The discussion also embraces community celebrations and a charity run while teasing future topics, including notorious sports crimes. It's a cricket fan’s dream filled with insightful commentary and laughter!

Jul 7, 2025 • 36min
Edgbaston and The Crucible
A full review of the 2nd Men's Test between England and India as the visitors square the series 1-1. Plus, should England play Jofra Archer in the 3rd Test? Jimmy's travel woes, The County Grind and having a blast in the Blast. Plus we’re live (ish) from The Crucible Theatre with snooker, GCS and a special Yorkshire edition of ‘Meet or No Meet'.

Jun 27, 2025 • 48min
Headingley delivers again
1981, 2019 and now 2025 - Headingley delivers another classic Test Match. Plus, ‘How do you bowl at Rishabh Pant?’, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Felix takes a ‘temperature check’ on Test Cricket in Europe, Jimmy the Captain, Kookaburra balls and Jofra is back! We’re also joined by journalist and author Dean Wilson to look back on the life of the late, great David ’Syd’ Lawrence.

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 2min
We’re back with a VERY special guest
The Tailenders are back and we’re joined by the one and only Kagiso Rabada. The legendary bowler, who helped South Africa claim the World Test Championship at Lord's at the weekend, gives us the inside story as to how they beat the Aussies, what the celebrations were iike, how he sat in ‘Jimmy’s place’ and what inspired him to get into cricket, plus he makes Jimmy feel 'a hundred years old’.Also Mattchin returns with a brand new quiz format ’The Wheel of Catch-Up’, Jimmy talks Knighthoods and Wickets and there’s the small matter of the Mens Test series between England and India.

Apr 7, 2025 • 1min
An update from G-Force
An update from G-Force on a lovely day at Lord’s and some exclusive BBC Sounds content.

Mar 14, 2025 • 46min
You scratch your back, I'll scratch mine
The Hundred Draft, breaking news from Greg and Fe, some homework for Jimmy and Mark Wood news. Plus new laws, another trip to The Tat Modern, Jack Russell Stories, Thunderbirds and a surprise appearance from a former England captain.

Mar 7, 2025 • 45min
The Shark Sized Banana
This episode dives into the most pointless topic ever ignored alongside a cheeky quiz. The hosts bring humor to their cricket discussions, sharing hilarious anecdotes and insights about player dynamics. One memorable tale involves an unexpected encounter with Jedward during a dog walk. They also reflect on the joys of childhood cricket, celebrating community moments and notable players. As they tackle football woes and share indie music updates, the camaraderie and banter keep the atmosphere lively and entertaining.

Feb 28, 2025 • 37min
England are out. Didn’t want to win it anyway. Next.
The Tailenders are joined by Roushan Alam from ‘The Bangla Cricket Podcast' to get all the reaction to England going out of the tournament we’d all forgotten about. Plus we sent Jimmy out as our roving reporter to find out about ‘life on tour’, Dry Cleaning with Mahmudullah and trapping India on a plane.