Test Match Special

Dr Raf Nicolson reveals the untold story of the history of Women’s Cricket in England.

After a historic summer with a home World Cup and a first ever Women’s Test played at Lord’s Daniel Norcross and Alison Mitchell chat with Dr Raf Nicolson one of the leading writers and historians on the Women’s game.

We hear about some of the huge characters who were pioneers of Women’s cricket including Edith Bakewell and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint and we discover how the women’s game has often led the way with the invention of roundarm bowling, the first World Cup, the first T20 international and the first franchise tournament in England.

And there’s the amazing story of how Nicolson unearthed some previously unpublished archive from the early development of Women’s cricket in this country.

Stephan Shemilt speaks to the winners and special guests at the end of season celebration held in West London.

We hear from the Somerset duo who took home the main prizes Craig Overton and Sophie Luff.

We also chat with young player of the year Sonny Baker plus two other bowlers trying to establish themselves in the full England side Sam Cook and Henry Crocombe.

We’re also joined by England spinner Charlie Dean who found herself leading the team for much of hugely significant summer for the women’s side and Kate Cross who was one of those players honoured at the awards for her contribution to the game

And we hear from Blaze treble winners Kirstie Gordon & Georgia Elwiss & Oliver Hannon-Dalby who was part of the County Championship winning Warwickshire side and is also PCA President.

The TMS team look back at a sometimes chaotic English cricket season.

Henry Moeran is joined by fellow TMS commentator Simon Mann, World Cup winner Ebony Rainford-Brent and Matt Henry from the BBC website to discuss the themes of the summer. From the dramatic demise of Bazball to the rise of the men’s T20 side. From a home Women’s World Cup to the revamped Hundred.

England thrashed Sri Lanka at the Oval to finish the summer with a series victory.

Simon Mann is joined by Phil Tufnell, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Russel Arnold and Andy Zaltzman to review the Sri Lanka series and the limited overs summer and ask how strong England’s white ball unit looks going into the winter.

Plus, we hear from England captain Harry Brook, Player of the match Tom Banton, Player of series Will Jacks, Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis and England white ball coach Brendon McCullum.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen is back on England duty, this time as a mentor, and tells Henry Moeran he's "absolutely loving" his time working with the side.

Simon Mann is alongside former England fast bowler Mark Wood in the week he announces his retirement from international cricket.

Wood discuss is favourite moments in an England shirt, including *that* Usman Khawaja dismissal in the 2023 Ashes.

Mark Wood tells Henry Moeran why now is the right time to make the decision, and talks about his memories in an England shirt.

Plus, Simon Mann is alongside former England opener, and teammate of Mark Wood, Dawid Malan, as well as BBC Sport journalist Matt Henry to discuss Wood’s career after the bowler announced his retirement from international cricket.

Mark Chapman is joined by cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt, former England captain Sir Alastair Cook and former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior. We hear from England’s new Test head coach Stephen Fleming for the first time.

The former New Zealand captain was appointed on the 30th July but only arrived in England last week. Fleming talks about his relationship with Brendon McCullum, his coaching style, and his thoughts on England’s discipline issues and his love for English cricket.

There’s also a look ahead to the final round of the County Championship. Warwickshire captain Ed Barnard will join the panel with his side leading the way. The panel also talk about Leicestershire’s points deduction and what that might mean for the relegation battle.

Stephen Fleming gives his first interview since becoming England Test coach.

He discusses his style of leadership with cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt, his attitude towards discipline and how he shares the English obsession with the Ashes.

Fleming also reveals his thoughts about a possible Ben Stokes comeback after visiting him in Durham and he talks about his relationship with white ball coach Brendon McCullum.

There’s also analysis from Test Match Special commentator Alison Mitchell & former Test player Dawid Malan.

We hear from England captain Harry Brook, and also Tom Banton who made an unbeaten half century.