Test Match Special

Nikesh Rughani, Steven Finn and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala react to the news Jofra Archer has been included in the England T20 World Cup squad, his first international call-up in more than a year. They also look at favourites India's squad, with Rishabh Pant returning after recovering from injuries sustained in a serious car accident.

And with the IPL heading towards the end of the group stage, the panel look at the fascinating battle to make the top four, with five teams currently separated by just two points.

TIMECODES 00:50 England's World T20 squad 03:00 Jofra Archer's return 08:00 Tom Hartley and England's spin options 15:10 The scrap for the IPL's top four 17:00 Can Sanju Samson take his IPL form into the World Cup?

With April being Autism Awareness Month, Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are joined by Thunder teammate Olivia Thomas to learn about her experiences of living with autism and ADHD.

Kevin Howells is alongside Tymal Mills and Emily Windsor to discuss this week's big stories coming out of the County Championship.

They react to the eight women's teams which have been awarded tier one status from 2025 onwards.

Warwickshire Men's captain and current highest run scorer in Division One Alex Davies joins them to talk about his great form so far this season, despite his struggles turning half-centuries into centuries. Also how he manages his bowlers who don't won't to be taken off and tales of Pakistan international Hassan Ali - the prankster.

Plus, Ben Bloom, the author of Batting For Time, talks about the future of the domestic game.

Why can't RCB find form despite the heroics of Virat Kohli? And can Rajasthan Royals continue their brilliant season? Nikesh Rughani and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala discuss it all.

Kate Cross and Alex Hartley give their thoughts on the new women's domestic set-up and have tales of their winter adventures. Plus, Alex is becoming a golf person...

Kevin Howells is alongside Tymal Mills & Emily Windsor to bring you all the huge stories from the County Championship this week.

They speak to Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson about the impact the Kookaburra ball has had on the competition and whether it's a good or bad thing for English cricket.

They discuss the pressures of a player proving themself when moving to a new team and how can you put a stop to a batting collapse.

Plus, Kevin speaks to the editor of Wisden, Lawrence Booth, about the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2024.

Tymal Mills and Steven Finn join Nikesh Rughani to discuss Jos Buttler's latest heroics after another dramatic week in the IPL. Plus, we hear from Punjab Kings' Kagiso Rabada.

Steve Crossman, Tymal Mills, Mark Ramprakash and Georgia Elwiss assess the key issues from the opening weeks of the County Championship season.

Vic Marks joins the team to reflect on the death of England's most prolific spin bowler Derek Underwood.

The team also look at whether using the Kookaburra ball is making it harder to take wickets and get results in the County Championship. And Georgia looks at England women's tour of New Zealand.

TIMECODES 03:50 - Vic Marks on Derek Underwood 14:52 - Start of the County Championship season 33:12 - Kookaburra ball v Dukes ball 43:59 - England women's white ball tour of New Zealand.

Kevin Howells is alongside Tymal Mills to bring you all the huge stories from the opening round of County Championship fixtures.

They speak to Sam Northeast who hit an unbeaten 335 for Glamorgan against Middlesex at Lord’s, which is now the highest first class score recorded at the ground - overtaking Graham Gooch’s 333 for England against India in 1990.

Sam Cook reflects on his season opener for Essex as he took 10 wickets in the match, leading Essex to beat Nottinghamshire by 254 runs.

Also, Kashif Ali talks to Kevin and Tymal about his journey to playing for Worcestershire and hitting two centuries in his two innings against Warwickshire.

Plus, the Chief Operating Officer of the Professional Cricketers’ Association Daryl Mitchell joins the podcast to talk about the schedule demands of cricketers, how players are looked after with the commercial demands of playing so much cricket, and making sure players are staying safe when travelling for matches.

And Emily Windsor wasn’t able to join Kevin and Tymal for the podcast, but she does send the guys a voice note as to why.

Simon Mann, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala and Nikesh Rughani talk through some Buttler and Kohli brilliance, and we've got an exclusive interview with Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan.

Guitarist Eric Clapton talks to Jonathan Agnew in 2008 about his remarkable career and love of cricket.

Nicholas Parsons - actor, comedian and long-time host of Radio 4's 'Just a Minute' - joins Jonathan Agnew for a View from the Boundary in 2007.

Dame Cressida Dick, the first woman to be Metropolitan Police Commissioner and self-confessed wicket-keeping disaster, joins Jonathan Agnew for a View from the Boundary in 2018.

Sir Trevor McDonald takes a View from the Boundary with Henry Blofeld in 2004, discussing his life and career in broadcasting.

Mark Chapman, Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan bring you the latest on when we may get some live cricket. West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave joins the discussion. Plus, they look back 10 years to England’s World T20 win and debate the best commentator XI.

10 years on from England’s first ever triumph in a men’s global tournament, man of the tournament Kevin Pietersen and captain Paul Collingwood look back on the 2010 World T20 win in the Caribbean.

Find out how a mascot called Lucky, taking golf clubs to training and a late change at the top of the order all helped England lift their first ever ICC trophy.

Darts commentary legend Sid Waddell chats to Simon Mann in 2005, reflecting on his life and career behind the microphone.

Motorsport star Mark Webber takes a View from the Boundary at the Oval in 2011, giving Jonathan Agnew a fascinating insight into life in an F1 car.

A special programme from 2015 as Michael Vaughan shares his memories of the 2005 Edgbaston Ashes Test. Plus, we hear from listeners telling us where they were when England won.

Comedian and broadcaster Paul Merton joins Aggers for a rainy 'View from the Boundary' at the Oval in 2013.

The final 'View from the Boundary' conducted by the legendary Brian Johnston as he's joined by comedian Roy Hudd in 1993.

Actors Hugh Grant (in 2005) and Russell Crowe (in 2009) visit the Test Match Special commentary box to discuss their love of cricket.

Oscar-winning director Sir Sam Mendes has a break from James Bond duties to take a 'View from the Boundary' in 2015.

Comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner joins Brian Johnston to take View From the Boundary during the Ashes of 1985 and gets a big surprise...

16-year-old Waleed Khan joins TMS at Headingley in 2018 to tell a remarkable story of courage, survival and hope.

Actor Peter O'Toole, star of Lawrence of Arabia, takes a 'View from the Boundary' with Brian Johnston in 1991.

Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe chats to Jonathan Agnew on his 18th birthday during a Test against India in 2007.

In honour of Jonathan Agnew's 60th birthday, we listen back to a special interview from 2016 when Aggers was asked the questions by Sir Michael Parkinson.

HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh chats to Brian Johnston about his love of cricket in a classic 'View from the Boundary' interview from 1987.

Actor and comedian John Cleese joins Brian Johnston for a memorable interview during a Test match Headingley in 1986.

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai chats to Simon Mann at Edgbaston in 2016 in a memorable View from the Boundary interview.

Pop star Lily Allen chats to Jonathan Agnew in a 2009 interview that remains one of Test Match Special's most famous moments.

Brian Johnston chats to playwright Ben Travers in the very first View from the Boundary interview. Look out for memories of watching WG Grace amongst and many extraordinary tales.

Mark Champan, Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan bring you the latest news from the world of cricket, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the sport. With professional cricket currently off – which area will feel it most? The County Championship, the Royal London Cup, the T20 Blast, England's Tests, ODIs or The Hundred? And once we're through this crisis, what could the domestic game look like? Will it have changed at all?

With rain forecast in Sydney, the two Women's T20 World Cup semi finals are in serious doubt and England could be eliminated without a ball bowled. Henry Moeran is joined by England stars Kate Cross and Alex Hartley, plus BBC Sport's Amy Lofthouse to discuss what it all means.

Mark Chapman brings you the first Tuffers and Vaughan of 2020. With Michael away, Graham Onions stands in to help Phil preview England’s third test. Plus, England opener Dom Sibley talks about life as a Test opener and we look at how Jimmy Anderson keeps himself going at the age of 37.

Eleanor Oldroyd pays tribute to former England captain Bob Willis, who has died at the age of 70. His teammates Mike Brearley, Vic Marks and David Gower share their memories of him, including Willis' memorable performance during 1981 Ashes series at Headingley.

We hear from Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Steve Smith after England's 135-run win at The Oval meant a drawn Ashes series for the first time in 47 years. Michael Vaughan has his say on why this result will be significant for Root's leadership of the side going forward, Alec Stewart says Ashley Giles has big decisions to make in the post Trevor Bayliss, and Glenn McGrath gets the final word on the pod as the urn heads back to Australia.

Michael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath and Alec Stewart have their say on England batting themselves into a strong position to win the match and tie the series. We hear from Joe Denly on his amazing week; the birth of his daughter now followed by a new highest Test score of 96 which Michael Vaughan says will be enough to ensure he's on the winter tours to New Zealand and South Africa.

Plus, Aggers chats to Kevin Roberts on leading Cricket Australia out of the ball tampering scandal, English crowds booing David Warner, and his upcoming visit to Pakistan with a view to touring the country in 2022.

Michael Vaughan says England will need a 'Michael Atherton in Johannesburg type innings' (185 not out off 492 balls having occupied the crease for over 10 hours) to secure a draw and keep their Ashes hopes alive heading into the final Test at The Oval.

Coach Trevor Bayliss says his side can pull off another incredible escape, and we hear from Australia's team mentor Steve Waugh on Steve Smith’s monumental performances.

Away from the cricket, we catch up with James Pattinson about his love of English football and in particular Grimsby Town!

Long-time BBC Middle East editor and fanatical cricket listener Jeremy Bowen joins Aggers to chat covering upwards of twenty wars across the globe, expecting to die in conflicts, and how following cricket enabled him to escape the gravity of his work.

Also up for discussion; how to interview figures like Colonel Gaddafi, and nine months on from his bowel cancer diagnosis, the importance of screening and early diagnosis of the disease.

Jonathan Agnew and ABC’s Geoff Lemon look ahead to the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford where England will look to capitalise on Ben Stokes' heroics at Headingley with the five-match series tied at 1-1.

You’ll hear from England captain Joe Root on why Craig Overton has replaced Chris Woakes.

Australia captain Tim Paine also comes on to the TMS podcast to talk about how Steve Waugh is helping them to prepare for the fourth test and the return Steve Smith which also means the return of his battle with England pace bowler Jofra Archer.

We also get an update from England bowler James Anderson now he's out for the rest of the Test series with his calf injury, as well as hearing from his opening partner Stuart Broad on his longevity in Test cricket.

Michael Vaughan says the Ashes are heading back to Australia as a dismal English total of 67 looks to have gift wrapped victory for the tourists at Headingley. Alastair Cook and Geoffrey Boycott have their say on why England's batting has been so bad for so long and what needs to change. You'll also hear from batting coach Graham Thorpe and Australian quick Josh Hazlewood who took 5-30.

Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook react to a day of a huge momentum swings at Headingley. Rain, bad light, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne frustrated England until a wild last session with Jofra Archer tearing through Australia's lower order. You'll hear from Archer himself and David Warner after his best innings of the series by far. Plus, Michael Vaughan has some strong opinions on the lack of English coaches in next summer's inaugural Hundred competition.

Jonathan Agnew and ABC’s Geoff Lemon look ahead to the third Ashes Test at Headingley where England have an opportunity to level the series – which Australia lead 1-0.

You’ll hear from England captain Joe Root on why he thinks Jofra Archer made such in impact in the second Test at Lord’s with his “unique bowling style.”

Australia captain Tim Paine also comes on to the TMS podcast to talk about how they are preparing ahead of the third Test after Steve Smith was ruled out with concussion.

You’ll find out why Geoff Lemon thinks Steve Smith is like a particular Lords of the Rings character and we get an update on England bowler James Anderson – will he recover from his calf injury in time to make the fourth Test at Old Trafford?

Phil and Michael talk about the momentum shift in the Ashes series after Jofra Archer’s hostile bowling at Lord’s, which will ‘send shivers down the rest of the Australian batting unit’. Michael has a warning for Joe Root over how much he uses Archer, and says that facing him in the nets should be banned for English batsmen.

Plus we speak to brain injury association Headway, who have some strong words for Cricket Australia over their decision to allow Steve Smith to bat again after being struck by Archer.

Mitchell Johnson joins the pod to chat about his first experience of playing international cricket at Lord's when he went at more than 6 an over. He talks about dealing with a lack of confidence, hitting his peak after turning 30, and the highs and lows of one of the most exciting careers in the history of Ashes cricket.

Ahead of the Ruth Strauss Foundation Day at Lord’s, Andrew Strauss sat down with Glenn McGrath to talk about the impact of losing their wives to cancer, but also the foundations they’ve set up in their names, and how cricket can help raise funds and awareness.

Jonathan Agnew, whose wife is in remission from cancer, hosts the discussion as Lord’s prepares to turn red for the day.

Jonathan Agnew and Geoff Lemon look ahead to the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. We hear from Joe Root on what Jofra Archer could do on his Test debut. Australia captain Tim Paine explains why they’ve changed a bowler from Edgbaston, and Jack Leach tells us why, after being dropped for the Edgbaston Test, he paid £10 to play club cricket instead.

England coach Paul Collingwood joins the pod to talk putting Edgbaston behind them, a new-look side without Jimmy or Moeen, and whether there's an emotional hang over from the World Cup win. Plus, we hear from Jofra Archer on a potential Ashes debut and his knack for prophetic tweets.

Michael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath and Geoffrey Boycott have their say on a Nathan Lyon-inspired Australia taking a 1-0 lead in the Ashes. We discuss whether some of England's players are experiencing an emotional hangover from their World Cup victory, ask what changes should be made for Lord's, and ponder if Australia are simply the better side if there's not going to be any lateral movement in this series. We also hear from Joe Root and man of the match Steve Smith.

Michael Vaughan speaks to Sir Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Allan Border and Ian Chappell about what it's like captaining in cricket's oldest rivalry.

Andrew Strauss reveals how being insulted in a lift by a member of the Barmy Army fuelled his desire to win the Ashes in 2010-11, whilst for Allan Border it was being sledged by the Australian Prime Minister on TV.

Did that really happen?

Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan are back together after the most incredible cricket match that saw England crowned as World Champions.

We go through the last 20 balls of the match, ball-by-ball, to relive the most incredible drama Lord's has ever seen.

And Tuffers suggests that Jofra Archer 'roll his trousers up'. Us neither.

Jonathan Agnew presents all the reaction from Lords as England have won their first ever Cricket World Cup by scoring more boundaries than New Zealand in a super over after it ended as a tie.

Michael Vaughan, Jimmy Anderson, Phil Tufnell, Alec Stewart, Jeremy Coney and Simon Mann all reflect on England’s dramatic victory.

Eoin Morgan, Trevor Bayliss, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler all come onto the TMS podcast to celebrate an historic day.

The day before the World Cup final, Eoin Morgan joins Jonathan Agnew to explain just what winning the tournament would mean to him, and to the game in this country. We hear from Mark Wood, who promises that he’ll bring his horse back if England win, and from Brendon McCullum, the man who has heavily influenced both sides.

Jeremy Coney compares the final to Agincourt, with Kane Williamson as Henry V, and Jimmy Anderson talks us through England’s last World Cup failure in 2015, and we look at why it could be so different this time.

Jimmy Anderson, Isa Guha, Andy Zaltzman and Prakash Wakankar go through their team of the World Cup so far.

Plus Eleanor Oldroyd and Simon Mann reveal the results of a BBC Sport online poll to find out who has been selected by the public.

Did it really happen?

Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook join Jonathan Agnew to relive England’s emphatic win over Australia that puts them into Sunday’s final, where they’ll meet New Zealand.

Eoin Morgan exclusively reveals to us that this win is ‘definitely one of the better days’ that he’s had. In another understatement, Jofra Archer tells us that the world cup has gone ‘pretty alright’ for him.

Jonathan Agnew speaks to England captain Eoin Morgan ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Australia at Edgbaston - we're also joined by former Australia captain Steve Waugh, who possibly isn't the type of man to walk around a ground barefoot. But the current captain has gone to see The Queen's Corgi at the cinema in preparation for the match.

Meanwhile, New Zealand stun India to reach the World Cup final - we hear from Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and a very happy Jeremy Coney.

Jonathan Agnew is joined by former New Zealand captain Jeremy Coney and Prakash Wakankar on a frustrating day at Old Trafford, where rain has halted the semi-final between New Zealand and India after 46 overs of the New Zealand innings.

Liam Plunkett tells us that he doesn’t think England will be adopting Australia’s barefoot Edgbaston walkabout approach, the outgoing chief exec of the ICC, Dave Richardson, talks free-to-air tv, World Cup formats, and the progress he’s made as he departs his role, and we hear from a family of India fans who drove to the World Cup. From Singapore.

Tuffers is off again this week, so Paul Farbrace takes his place as he joins Michael to look ahead to the World Cup semi-finals.

Michael works out a unique way to motivate the England players, Paul tells a story about when Tuffers once hid behind a sightscreen to avoid a fielding drill, and Ebony Rainford Brent explains where it's all going wrong for England in the Women's Ashes.

Rohit Sharma became the first man to score five centuries in a single World Cup as India chased down 265 with 6.3 overs to spare at Headingley. We hear from Charles Dagnell, Prakash Wakankar and Jeremy Coney on their assessment of the match. Meanwhile Australia fell 10 runs short in the competition's final group game at Old Trafford. We hear from former England cricketer Graeme Swan for his thoughts ahead of England’s semi-final against Australia, and England women all-rounder Natalie Sciver ahead of their third and final ODI.

Eoin Morgan joins the pod ahead of England’s date with destiny against New Zealand. The England captain discusses the success of the team meeting he held prior to the India win, why the loss to NZ in the 2015 World Cup remains one of the lowest moments of his career, and if he's going to bat first if he wins the toss going forward.

There’s also reaction from Edgbaston as India book their semi-final spot and eliminate Bangladesh in the process. Criticism of MS Dhoni won’t go away but Prakash Wakankar tells us he’s India’s most selfless cricketer.

After his heroics against India, England's Jason Roy takes us inside the mind of an opener. Graeme Swann and Jeremy Coney look ahead to England against New Zealand. We reflect on Sri Lanka beating West Indies in a thriller at Chester-le-Street with Sir Curtly Ambrose, and you'll hear from captain Heather Knight as England prepare to face Australia in the Women's Ashes.

Jonathan Agnew, Michael Vaughan, Prakash Wakankar, Vic Marks and Andy Zaltzman discuss England’s crucial 31-run win over India at Edgbaston in the Cricket World Cup.

Meanwhile, Aggers chats to Google chief executive Sundar Pichai and we make further inroads into our quest to find a listener to this podcast from every country in the world.

The pressure is mounting on England after Pakistan squeezed past Afghanistan on day 31 – Aatif Nawaz and Daniel Norcross were watching at Headingley.

Meanwhile Eoin Morgan joins the podcast to talk about Jonny Bairstow’s comments, Jason Roy’s fitness and the pitch at Edgbaston.

Australia win yet again, this time against New Zealand at Lord’s, and we make progress in our efforts to find a listener to this podcast from every country in the world.

As a swarm of bees interrupts play at the Cricket World Cup, Charles Dagnall, Scott Read and ex-England assistant coach Paul Farbrace review South Africa's victory over Sri Lanka. It was a result which leaves Sri Lanka on the brink of elimination from the tournament. Jos Buttler speaks to Jonathan Overend as England's crunch game with India edges ever nearer. Ex-New Zealand captain Jeremy Coney and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie assess the significance of Australia against New Zealand ahead of the sides' meeting at Lord's.

West Indies are knocked out of the World Cup after being comprehensively beaten by India at Old Trafford - Prakash Wakankar and Curtley Ambrose join Simon Mann to give their reaction.

And with India still unbeaten and looking in fine fettle, can England get the result they desperately need on Sunday? James Anderson and Kris Srikkanth give their views on the crunch match at Edgbaston. Anderson also reflects on the career of Marcus Trescothick who has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

Jeremy Coney and Aatif Nawaz join Charles Dagnall to reflect on Pakistan keeping their hopes of a World Cup semi-final place alive as they moved to within a point of England with a six-wicket victory over New Zealand.

Also hear from Graeme Swann on England's troubles and Joe Root looks ahead to his side's vital match against India on Sunday.

Michael Vaughan says England turned up at Lord's this morning with the look of a side who thought they could lose the game. Is the pressure of tournament cricket and the favourites tag really beginning to tell on Eoin Morgan's side? He says not, but that confidence needs to be re-built. India await at Edgbaston on Sunday by which time England could find themselves on the outside looking in for a semi-final qualification spot.

You'll also get the post-match thoughts of Alec Stewart and Jim Maxwell, with interviews from Ben Stokes and Aaron Finch.

Sir Curtly Ambrose and Robin Smith explain the arts of both bowling fast, and facing pace. Curtly tells us that it’s all about building up a reputation, whilst Robin says that it helps to imagine a line half way down the pitch.

Plus Ebony Rainford Brent joins us in place of Tuffers to speak about where England went wrong against Sri Lanka, and what they need to do against Australia.

And we hear a from a very prescient Virat Kohli, with his pre-tournament prediction.

Eoin Morgan joins the pod on the eve of England and Australia at Lord's. We ask if England will stick to their guns after the Sri Lanka defeat, look ahead to some of the tournament's most impressive fast bowlers going to head-to-head, and hear from Paul Farbrace on how to get David Warner out.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh take care of business and beat Afghanistan thanks to you know who, Shakib Al Hasan, and there's a spectacular meltdown from Usman Shinwari at being stranded on 49.

After a fifth defeat in seven matches South Africa become only the second side to be eliminated from the World Cup. We ask why they've been so sub-par. Predictably Pakistan bring their A-game in a backs-to-the-wall scenario, but do they have enough to mount a late assault on the semis? We hear from Jofra Archer as we look ahead to a massive match between England and Australia, plus Jimmy Anderson reflects on the 2007 tournament in the Caribbean where England failed to qualify from the Super 8s amidst the pedalo fiasco.

Two thrilling matches to recap as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami combine at the death to deny Afghanistan arguably the greatest upset in World Cup history before six-hitting machine Carlos Brathwaite was a metre shy of completing what looked an impossible chase for the West Indies against New Zealand.

The Cricket World Cup cat is well and truly amongst the tournament pigeons as England suffer a second defeat of the group stage to bring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh back into the semi-final qualification picture. Michael Vaughan puts the shock loss down to failing to play intelligent cricket, Paul Farbrace says they didn't adapt to a slower pitch, and Eoin Morgan admits Sri Lanka would've been robbed had Ben Stokes seen his team home.

No blame apportioned to England's bowlers for the result, we get James Anderson's analysis on their success so far, and we catch up with a cricket-loving star from the Harry Potter films.

The new-look, less cavalier David Warner hits the highest individual score of the World Cup so far, his 166 the key to Australia's 48-run win over Bangladesh.

Jim Maxwell thinks the new approach is at least partly injury enforced, Graeme Swann says he's trying to be a nicer guy to win people over within the game. Either way, is he a better batsman now? And what might that mean for the Ashes?

We check in with Moeen Ali ahead of his 100th ODI appearance for England as they prepare for Sri Lanka. He chats the new addition to his family, Eoin Morgan's sublime innings, and the change in the team's identity since he first came into the side.

Jeremy Coney and Natalie Germanos join Simon Mann to look back on Kane Williamson’s superb century that helped New Zealand past South Africa in the tournament’s closest finish so far. We hear from Williamson himself, as well as a very disappointed Faf du Plessis.

Plus, in a podcast exclusive, Chris Woakes explains just what goes through his mind when he bowls the final over of an innings, especially when defending a total. We also hear from former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu, who has a warning for the future of the game in South Africa.

England have gone top of the World Cup standings thanks to an astonishing blitz of six hitting from Eoin Morgan, writing himself into the record books in the process.

And whilst it was Afghanistan's bowlers on the receiving end of the barrage, we discuss their remarkable journey from the sport being banned by the Taliban to mixing it with the best on the world stage.

Tuffers, Michael and Chappers are joined by former England batsman Robin Smith, who speaks very frankly an openly about his mental struggles when playing and after retiring, including depression, alcoholism and contemplating suicide.

If you are feeling emotionally distressed and would like details of organisations which offer advice and support, go online to bbc.co.uk/actionline.

We're in the England camp ahead of the match with Afghanistan; Eoin Morgan refuses to rule out a return for the axed Alex Hales, whilst Mark Wood gives us the lowdown on his TV schedule. Curtly Ambrose is withering in his assessment of the West Indies' bowling as Bangladesh knock off the second highest run chase in World Cup history, and on its twentieth anniversary we replay the unbelievable finish to the 1999 semi-final at Edgbaston between Australia and South Africa.

A Pakistani supporter may have arrived at the ground on an beautiful horse but there was nothing elegant about the performance of the men in green at Old Trafford. Former star all-rounder turned Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted before the match that Sarfaraz must be bold and bat first....he put India in and Rohit, Rahul and Kohli all made him pay. Graeme Swann and Prakash Wakankar give their assessment of the match whilst Aatif Nawaz has another chastening loss to his big rivals to stew on. You'll also hear from the two captains and KL Rahul.

All eyes on Old Trafford for the most eagerly awaited match of the tournament as India and Pakistan face off. In this pod you’ll hear from Waqar Younis on what it’s like to play and coach in these games, plus a brilliant account of what this fixture means to fans with Doosra podcast host Aatif Nawaz.

Meanwhile, Australia have gone to the top of table with victory over Sri Lanka. We speak to Jason Gillespie about Mitchell Starc’s brilliance, David Warner’s confusing scoring rates and why he thinks individual milestones in one-day cricket are overrated.

Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook and Jonathan Agnew reflect on England’s ‘perfect performance’ to beat West Indies by 8 wickets, but there are concerns about injuries to Eoin Morgan and Jason Roy. We hear from Joe Root, who scored a century and took two wickets, as well as Morgan and an angry Fazeer Mohammed tells us why he’s had enough of West Indies’ ‘showboating’.

Glenn Hoddle joins the podcast to talk about his love of cricket, and what it was like to face Joel Garner.

And Andy Zaltzman gets very excited as history is made as England win back-to-back victories at a World Cup against Test level opposition, and then even more excited as someone e-mails him about ‘Eddie Hemmings World’.

Alastair Cook chats England's task against the West Indies, whether or not Jason Roy could feature in the Ashes, the sleepless nights he had when leading England, and is joined by old friend Graeme Swann to reminisce about their days in the slip cordon.

Plus, we check in with Eoin Morgan to ask if there's been a whip round for Moeen and his wife after the birth of their child.

And as the quest for a listener in every country in the world hots up, we do our best to pronounce some of the lesser-known towns and cities from where you've been emailing in.

Finally a day with no rain! David Warner’s brilliant century helped Australia squeeze past Pakistan in a thrilling match in Taunton, despite a superb bowling display from Mohammad Amir – Waqar Younis tells us just what he thinks it will do for Amir, plus Michael Vaughan, Geoff Lemon and Aatif Nawaz give their thoughts on a brilliant match.

Trevor Bayliss explains to us why he hasn’t been watching any non-England games at the World Cup, and we continue our quest to find a listener to the podcast in every country in the world. We’re nearly half way there.

Yet more rain means Sri Lanka and Bangladesh never even take the field but fortunately Graeme Swann and Paul Farbrace are in superb form as they guide us through what happens in the dressing room during rain delays, how not to coach a player and the mentality of a successful spin bowler. Plus, Dan Norcross and Andy Zaltzman debate the pros and cons of moving the tournament to Mauritania.

Pacemen Curtly Ambrose and Tymal Mills talk about their careers and how fast bowling has evolved and former Protea captain Graeme Smith discusses the mess South Africa find themselves in following AB de Villiers' attempted retirement U-turn.

Michael Vaughan says India are the best team in the tournament so far after a 36-run win over Australia. We try to make sense of the conservative Aussie chase, particularly from David Warner, and ask if it's only a matter of time until a sticky bail incident proves pivotal in the outcome of a match.

Plus, we speak to Jimmy Anderson about his first World Cup experience with England back in 2003 when a decision to boycott their match in Zimbabwe ultimately cost them a place in the Super Sixes.

Jonathan Agnew and Michael Vaughan react to England piling on their highest World Cup total in a 106-run defeat of Bangladesh, whilst New Zealand comfortably defeated Afghanistan.

We also hear from James Anderson and Paul Farbrace as they reflect on England's elimination from the World Cup four years ago.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka fall foul of only the third washout in World Cup history so we speak to Eoin Morgan as England prepare to face their bogey side Bangladesh. We discover Mark Wood's been to Harry Potter World and Tymal Mills tells us about Jofra Archer’s many variations. Plus, we speak to the only English coach in the whole tournament.

Nathan Coulter-Nile with the bat then Mitchell Starc with the ball earn Australia victory, their tenth ODI win on the spin. The West Indies may have come up short today but we get the inside story on this rejuvenated side with Curtly Ambrose and their recent Head Coach Stuart Law. We also hear from Liam Plunkett on diet, match preparation, and why he's given up alcohol.

India's tournament is up and running with Sharma, Chahal and Bumrah all in top form. We discuss Dhoni's role as the team's invaluable 'CPU', why South Africa's challenge still hasn't got going, and after his chopper flew over the Hampshire Bowl during play we ponder what kind of cricketer Donald Trump might be.

Jeremy Coney and Mel Jones join Simon Mann in a soggy Cardiff as Sri Lanka edge past Afghanistan.

Chris Woakes and Mark Wood try to identify which of their teammates are Beliebers, which like Friends, and which like Made in Chelsea, based on old tweets.

And will we ever see Dale Steyn in a South Africa shirt again? He’s out of the World Cup, but India are finally about to make their debut.

Injured England batsman Sam Billings sits in for Phil Tufnell as Pakistan shock the hosts to win by 14 runs at Trent Bridge.

We discuss where England went wrong, how Wahab Riaz proved his own coach wrong, and why this has been a bowler's World Cup so far.

Plus there’s an appearance from a hovercover. Or is it Michael’s hairdryer?

Well, well, well, Pakistan stun England in a major tournament once again. You'll hear from Michael Vaughan, Joe Root and Wahab Riaz on where the match was won and lost.

Were there nerves in the England ranks? Sir Viv Richards drops by to explain what it's like to handle the pressure of being pre-tournament favourites. And Graeme Swann and Fazeer Mohammed have a bit of a ding dong over Mankadding.

Are South Africa's worst nightmares about this World Cup already materialising? Do Bangladesh have the quality to challenge any side at the tournament? Questions posed by Dan Norcross and answered by Alec Stewart, Natalie Germanos and Roushan Alam on this episode of the TMS podcast at the World Cup. Andy Zaltzman's also on the pod to discuss whether 'pulled crickets' will ever become a thing, and the best crowd catches he's ever seen. You'll also hear from Eoin Morgan ahead of England's second match against Pakistan.

Reaction to Australia and New Zealand opening their World Cup campaigns with straightforward wins over Afghanistan and Sri Lanka with Jimmy Anderson, Graeme Swann, Paul Farbrace and others. David Warner looks solid if unspectacular, is that typical of the Aussies' style under Justin Langer? Could Sri Lanka could well be the tournament's weakest side and how long before batsmen start playing the short ball properly?

Curtly Ambrose joins the pod as the West Indies get their World Cup campaign off to the perfect start with victory over Pakistan at Trent Bridge. He chats their hostile bowling, being able to hide Chris Gayle in the field, and his experience on TV reality show 'Dancing with the Stars'. Plus, Jos Buttler interviews friend and team-mate Adil Rashid on the secrets of successful leg-spin in white ball cricket.

Michael Vaughan and Sam Curran join Jonathan Agnew at the Oval for reactions to England's opening World Cup win over South Africa.

Ben Stokes tells us that his stunning catch was 'a fluke', plus we hear from Eoin Morgan, Graeme Smith and Imran Tahir, who's not happy with his side's batsmen.

Sam Curran explains what it's like to get an IPL hattrick without realising, and we begin our quest to find the listener in the most obscure place.

The day before the World Cup starts, Jonathan Agnew speaks to Eoin Morgan at the Oval about expectations, performing, and what he’ll say to the Queen.

South Africa coach Ottis Gibson answers whether he’d be interested in the England job after Trevor Bayliss, plus Natalie Germanos and Dean Wilson give their thoughts on the World Cup opener.

Then Aggers heads off to the World Cup launch party, and speaks to the great and good of world cricket, including Sir Viv Richards, Mahela Jayawardene, Azhar Ali, Jacques Kallis and Kevin Pietersen.