Test Match Special

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.

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.