BBC’s Jonathan Agnew and Stephan Shemilt are in the trenches down under in Perth. The cricketing world is a tumble of excitement heading into the men’s Ashes, beginning in just five days! The most recent Test Match Special (TMS) Podcast on Radio 5 Live. It takes a deep dive into important topics surrounding the new-look Test series, with words from current players and ex-Pros.
As Ollie Pope describes it in our podcast, it’s a pressure cooker environment. As the number three batsman for England he tries to keep it. More importantly, he conveys an overwhelming desire to do his best and earn his place in a constantly critiqued lineup. Pope, in pondering his recent loss of the vice-captaincy to teammate Harry Brook, reflects on what this adjustment will mean for his style of play and overall mindset on the gridiron.
You’ll hear from former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who reflects on his own experience in this episode. He joins the show to share how Josh Hazlewood’s injury changes the squad. He focuses on how Australia’s bowling plans could change over the course of the series. Gillespie would boost the alternative Brendan Doggett’s chances of an Ashes debut at some stage. He thinks new blood might be the key to performing better and winning the billion-dollar competition.
Audiences are welcomed to consume this fascinating 49-minute podcast. Go to BBC sounds to listen live, or if you missed it, stream it online for six days after November 16, 2025!
Agnew peppered his presentation with personal anecdotes from past visits to Perth. Looking back on unrepeatable experiences, he briefly recalls as we sit before the Ashes match, beating the England captain at tennis. He still recalls the extremely rare, severe privilege of bowling at England players in the nets. This experience afforded him a valuable perspective on his own process as well as where the team stands today.
We hope you’re as excited as we are for the Ashes series! The TMS podcast provides cricket fans thrilling glimpses behind the scenes at the pressures players will be under and game plans that could come out of this boiling cauldron of an exhibition match.
Leave a Reply