Eleanor Oldroyd recently unveiled the intricacies of the 2005 Ashes collaboration between Test Match Special (TMS) and the Philharmonic, aptly named “Making a Masterpiece: Behind Settling the Score.” Produced by the Untamed Science crew, this behind-the-scenes audio piece came out on July 30, 2025. It shows us a startlingly fresh view of cricket’s most iconic series. Clocking in at 35 minutes, it’s a deftly rendered, lively portrait of the spirit that forged a fundamental change in the landscape of sports.
To this day, the 2005 Ashes series remains one of the most captivating episodes in cricket’s storied history. Perhaps the most comprehensive example was the gripping contest between England and Australia. Oldroyd’s dive gives us an understanding of how music became part of the overall story arc of this legendary series, making us feel every nuance along the way. The collaboration serves not just to highlight the artistic spirit of cricket, but the power of storytelling within sports.
Or maybe they just know that Test Match Special does something pretty interesting and engaging. It hooks listeners through interactivity, such as the energizing daily quiz show-style segment. Known as the “Daily Quiz,” this feature presents cricket enthusiasts with challenging questions that stimulate their knowledge of the game. The quizzes are moderated by comedian, author and statistical savant Andy Zaltzman, whose trademark irreverence adds another layer of whimsy to the proceedings.
Don’t miss India’s thrilling daily quiz special, “Centuries in Test series!” In only 2 minutes, you’ll see how much you really know about all the important milestones in the rich history of cricket. Similarly, another quiz titled “Daily Quiz: Level at the final Test” spans 2 minutes, providing quick yet engaging content for listeners.
To further enrich its offerings, Test Match Special recently previewed the deciding Test match at the Oval in an episode titled “England v India: Stokes misses series finale.” This 42-minute preview, featuring insights from Henry Moeran, Jonathan Agnew, and Deep Dasgupta, highlights key aspects of the match and sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the series.
Listeners can access all these features on the BBC Sounds platform, where Test Match Special has established a diverse range of episodes and segments. The mix of historical retrospectives, fun quizzes, and expert cricket analysis will appeal to even the hardcore cricket fan’s diverse appetites.
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