Test Match Special

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan and former Sri Lanka allrounder Russel Arnold for reaction as Sri Lanka bowl England out in 34 overs and begin their chase well in their quest to win the last test of this series. They discuss England’s attitude when batting in the second innings, Jamie Smith’s innings which stopped Sri Lanka from winning the game already, and what could have led to England’s below-par performance this test. England Assistant Coach Paul Collingwood gives his reaction of the day’s play. Plus, Moeen Ali speaks to Jonathan after he announced his retirement from international cricket.

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan & former Sri Lanka allrounder Russel Arnold for reaction to the second day’s play at The Oval between England and Sri Lanka. They discuss the potential complacency from England which let Sri Lanka back into the contest, as well as England’s batting collapse and the questionable tactics in the field. England bowler Ollie Stone says the side "took the aggressive option" on a day that could've look very different. Kate Cross reacts to her career best figures as England beat Ireland in the first One Day International of the series in Stormont. Plus, comedian & actor Miles Jupp speaks to Simon Mann about his podcast with Mark Wood, and how reflecting on his recent illness in his latest tour became cathartic when hearing from others who had experienced similar things.

Jonathan Agnew speaks to musician, and founding member of Genesis, Tony Banks in the TMS commentary box at The Oval. Tony discusses having Allan Lamb invite him to England's dressing room, his classical music work, and having to swap shirts with a stranger to gain access to the MCG.

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan & former Sri Lanka allrounder Russel Arnold for reaction to the first day's play of the final test at The Oval. They discuss Pope's innings, as well as Sri Lanka's performance with the ball and Ben Duckett falling short of a century. Duckett speaks to Henry Moeran, saying that the reason he fell short of a century was also the reason he also scored as many runs as he did. Plus, Team GB Paralympic swimmers Eliza & Scarlett Humphrey speak to Jonathan from the Paralympic Village in Paris.

Jonathan Agnew talks to the managing director of the England Men's Cricket, Rob Key. Key discusses his latest understanding of the situation ahead of England's test series in Pakistan, plus Brendon McCullum's new role taking charge of the men's white ball sides as well as the test side and how Jimmy Anderson "seems to be loving" and will continue his role as fast-bowling mentor for England.

Henry Moeran is joined by BBC Cricket Correspondent Jonathan Agnew and Chief Cricket Writer Stephan Shemilt to preview England’s final Test of the summer at the Oval. We’ll hear from England head coach Brendon Mccullum, after agreeing to take over both the Test and white-ball teams. We’ll also hear from captain Ollie Pope, who tells us what it’s like to face debutant Josh Hull.

Kate and Alex are back to reflect on Crossy being England captain for their upcoming tour to Ireland. We also respond to plenty of listener emails, and we find a new word that Alex can’t pronounce correctly.

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Alastair Cook, Steven Finn & Kevin Howells to discuss which young players could become England stars in the future. Following England’s white ball squad announcement, 5 uncapped players have been called up with Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali the big names to miss out. They look at Essex batter Jordan Cox, Hampshire seamer John Turner and Leicestershire left-arm bowler Josh Hull. Whilst also focussing on Warwickshire’s Dan Mousley and Jacob Bethell.

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan & former Sri Lanka allrounder Russel Arnold on the Lord's outfield for reaction to England beating Sri Lanka on day four and sealing the series victory with a test to play. Player of the match Gus Atkinson tells Jonathan that it was "incredibly special" to get his first century at Lord's whilst also starring with the ball and taking 5 wickets in Sri Lanka's second innings. Captain Ollie Pope looks back on his recent form with the bat saying "it hasn't worked" for him, but looks to lead from the front as captain going forward. Plus, Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya De Silva rues choosing to bowl when his side won the toss on day one. The MCC respond to criticism that ticket prices at Lord's were too high with Senior Head of Club Services Viv Brown & Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Katie Maier speaking to Jonathan. Plus, listen back to the lighter moments from inside the TMS commentary box during the test at Lord's.

Jonathan is joined by The Guardian's Ali Martin, Wisden Editor & Daily Mail journalist Lawrence Booth, the BBC's Chief Cricket Writer Stephan Shemilt, and Rex Clementine from The Island newspaper over from Sri Lanka to discuss the money involved in watching test cricket. They discuss the price of tickets, as well as the context of England men's test schedule and how low attendances reflect on test cricket in general.

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan at Lord's for reaction to Joe Root hitting his 34th hundred, taking him past Cook's record, and helping England take control of the second test against Sri Lanka. They discuss Root, Ollie Pope's management of the game situation with bad light stopping play, and how test cricket can adapt to be able to keep playing in darker conditions. Root says he's "still got a lot of work to do" despite hitting his record 34th century. Plus, Isa Guha, Steven Finn, Phil Tufnell & Andy Zaltzman take a look through what has made Root's career so impressive.

Jonathan Agnew speaks to actor and screenwriter Ben Willbond. Known for his role in the BBC sitcom Ghosts, Ben discusses the success of the series, as well as his work on Horrible Histories and Ben having a visit from Geoffrey Boycott while he was at school.

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, Steven Finn & former Sri Lanka allrounder Russel Arnold for reaction to day two of the test from Lord’s where Gus Atkinson’s maiden test century has helped England take control. They discuss Atkinson’s incredible start to his England test career, Ollie Stone’s return to the test side, and Dan Lawrence’s performances this series. Atkinson says seeing his name on the boards at Lord’s is “incredible” and a “very surreal” day. Plus, we hear how the South Asian Cricket Academy is giving young players more opportunities to turn professional.

Simon Mann looks back to 1984, when Sri Lanka played their first ever test in England. At Lord's, England captain David Gower chose to bowl after winning the toss on a warm late summer's day, much to the delight of one of England's bowlers at the time - Jonathan Agnew. Sri Lankan batter Sidath Wettimuny gave Aggers, and the rest of England's bowlers, grief scoring 190 in his first innings on the way to leading the experienced side to draw. The three of them recall the first time Sri Lanka came to town for a test.

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan for reaction to Joe Root’s record equalling 33rd hundred for England which saved the side from a potential collapse on day one against Sri Lanka. They discuss Root’s innings, as well as Ollie Pope’s batting record. Also, Andy Zaltzman gives a stat breakdown of the day. Root says that he's "in a good place" when talking about his recent batting form. Plus, Henry Moeran speaks to England head coach Jon Lewis and captain Heather Knight looking ahead to the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE in October.

Henry Moeran is joined by BBC Cricket Correspondent Jonathan Agnew and Chief Cricket Writer Stephan Shemilt to preview England’s second Test against Sri Lanka at Lords. England are 1-0 up in the series. We hear from captain Ollie Pope, off the back of his first game in the role at Old Trafford, and from fast bowler Olly Stone, who’s last Test was back in 2021.

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Michael Vaughan & former Sri Lanka allrounder Russel Arnold for reaction to England's win over Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, which sees them lead the 3 test series 1-0. England captain Ollie Pope, covering for the injured Ben Stokes, "enjoyed the challenge" captaining the side. Player of the match Jamie Smith reflects on the "relief" he felt getting the win over the line and achieving his first test century for England. Also, Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya De Silva says the ball change was when "everything changed" during his side's second innings. Plus, listen back to the lighter moments from inside the TMS commentary box during the test at Old Trafford.

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, Vic Marks & former Sri Lanka allrounder Russel Arnold for reaction to day four at Old Trafford where Sri Lanka have a slender advantage. They discuss Jamie Smith becoming the youngest wicketkeeper to score a century for England, Angelo Mathews’ insubmissive innings for Sri Lanka, and the drops that dampened the day. Jamie Smith describes the “incredible feeling” making his maiden test century for England. Plus, Daniel Norcross speaks to award winning writer Nicholas Brookes who chronicles the history of Sri Lanka cricket.

Jonathan Agnew talks to BBC 6Music presenter, writer & music journalist Stuart Maconie. They discuss Stuart starting to work in radio via NME, his experiences fell-walking, and the briefest of encounters Stuart had with Prince.

Jonathan Agnew is alongside Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan & former Sri Lanka allrounder Russel Arnold for reaction to England’s batters getting them ahead of Sri Lanka’s first innings total on day two at Old Trafford. They discuss what total England will want from their first innings, and how the pitch may help Sri Lanka’s fightback on day three. Plus England’s assistant coach gives his thoughts on the day’s play.