Pull up a chair and grab a mince pie as everyone is welcome around our metaphorical festive table for our ‘Christmas Special 2023’. Mattchin is on hand to supply the music and quizzes, special guest Shaun Keaveney provides some unexpected poetry and find out what cricketers do at Xmas. Ho Ho Well! This episode is available exclusively on BBC Sounds, head to the free app to listen: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02pcb4w

The Christmas Special 2023

Greg James, Jimmy Anderson and Felix White take an alternative (and sometimes musical) look at cricket...

Sports

While in India Jimmy turned down the chance to meet the Dalai Lama, but who would he get out of bed for? Find out in Mattchin’s new, listener generated quiz ‘Meet or No Meet’. Plus we discover another side to Felix, big hitting in the IPL, Jofra’s back for England and the joys of a day watching country cricket.

Who Am I?

Writer, comedian, broadcaster, documentary maker, presenter and all round genius Sir Michael Palin joins Greg, Jimmy and Felix for a very special episode of Tailenders.  In a wide-ranging interview he discussed his career with Monty Python, his legendary travelogues including his new series on Nigeria, his films and his love of cricket. Included are tales about George Harrison, Keith Miller, watching cricket around the world, his first job at the BBC and the perils of eating rotten camel meat. Plus, what happened when Jimmy was invited to meet the Dalai Lama.

The Michael Palin Special

On day one of the County Championship we were invited into the boardroom at Lord's to sit down with ECB Chair, Richard Thompson, the boss of English Cricket. Topics included cricket in state schools, TV deals, The Hundred, racism and cricket, the development of the women's wame and THAT presentation to Jimmy in India.

The Boss

The County Championship is back so we headed to Lord's to celebrate everything that’s great about county cricket. This episode includes an explanation of how the competition works, the difference between Kookaburra and Dukes balls, hybrid pitches, the standard within the game and whether day one of the County Championship is like Xmas Eve, Xmas Day or New Year's Eve. Plus we’re joined by TMS Producer Adam Mountford.

Christmas all Summer

Following in the footsteps of the likes of Brian Lara, Richie Benaud, Stephen Fry and Andrew Strauss, The Tailenders assembled at Lord's to deliver the 2024 Cowdrey Lecture. Greg, Jimmy and Felix were joined on stage by guests Stuart Broad, Isa Guha and Mark Nicholas.

The Christmas Special 2023

Download our free app to listen on your phone