On 15 March 1877 play began between England and Australia in Melbourne. So began an extraordinary tradition of the finest form of sport: the Test Match. An incredible innovation that involved two teams playing cricket for up to nine days in one case, it is unique in sporting contests. However Test Cricket is bound up by Empire, class and race. Great teams have been barred from competing, and there have been moments of high controversy including Bodyline and the D ’Oliveira Affair. One thing remains constant: the England batting collapse.

Joining today is cricket writer Tim Wigmore, journalist at the Telegraph and author of a wonderful new book, Test Cricket: A History. He joins to discuss all the above and more.

Tim Wigmore Links

Test Cricket: A History

Aspects of History Links

Ollie on X

Aspects of History on Instagram

Get in touch: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices