logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
38m 7s

Test cricket: Past, present and future

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are at Lord's for the World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa. They are joined by Charu Sharma in India to delve into Test cricket's past, present and future. We hear about the history of the format, the challenges faced and what we can learn from its past with cricket journalist Tim Wigmore who has written a book called Test Cricket: A History.

We assess where Test cricket is at now focusing on Australia and South Africa and hear from two legends who have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith speak to Alison Mitchell about if they believe Test cricket is in danger. Plus, the team debate what needs to be done to save Test cricket and how will it look in the future.

Photo: A general view as members look on from the Pavilion during match play of the first South Africa innings on Day One of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 11, 2025 in London, England. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)

Up next
Nov 20
South Africa win first Test in India for 15 years
<p>We celebrate South Africa’s first Test win in India for 15 years, and Charu Sharma tells us what India will look to do differently to ensure they do not lose the two-Test series. </p><p>The Ashes is upon us, so Nikesh Rughani and Jim Maxwell discuss how pivotal the first ball ... Show More
33m 14s
Nov 13
England Ashes winner Steven Finn on the secret to winning the urn in Australia
With just one week to go until the Ashes in Australia begins, we hear from England captain Ben Stokes and debate how both teams are shaping up and which team has got their preparation ‘correct’ after all the criticism. Plus, three-time Ashes winner Steven Finn joins Alison Mitche ... Show More
37 m
Nov 6
India win their first Women's Cricket World Cup
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are celebrating India women’s first ever World Cup victory! Former India women’s captain Anjum Chopra tells us how she felt at the winning moment, what it was like to be in the commentary box and what it means to all the former player ... Show More
34m 16s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Following On: Cricket Collective - England's Series Decider & The Greatest Day In New Zealand Cricket?!
Neil Manthorp is joined by the former England fast bowler Steve Harmison to look back at England's 152-run defeat to Pakistan to set up a series decider in Rawalpindi this week. They hear from the England captain Ben Stokes, and debate if England have a problem playing on spin-fr ... Show More
1h 5m
Mar 2025
Jonty Rhodes & Makhaya Ntini Predict India vs SA or NZ CT 2025 Final Clash!
Explore the thrilling world of cricket with Cyrus Says! featuring legends Jonty Rhodes (iconic fielder and current fielding coach) and Makhaya Ntini (former Proteas fast bowler turned commentator). Dive into South Africa’s cricket history, including Rhodes’ electrifying fielding ... Show More
1h 14m
Jan 2025
Red ball rivalries & white ball worries
Henry Moeran is alongside the BBC’s chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew and TMS statistician Andy Zaltzman to look ahead to England’s Men’s 2025. With a home Test series against India and the Ashes down under at the end of the year, it could prove to be a pivotal year for Be ... Show More
49m 23s
Oct 2024
NZ are world champions, India all out for 46 and pitch preparations in Rawalpindi
Ahead of England's third and decisive Test in Pakistan, Nasser and Athers look ahead to the action in Rawalpindi, discuss the home side's pitch preparations and the selections for both teams.<br /><br />Plus, they chat about New Zealand's Women's T20 World Cup triumph, India bein ... Show More
30m 12s
Mar 2025
Following On: Cricket Collective - All Change With England Women & Jofra Archer's Unwanted Record
Neil Manthorp is joined by the former England fast bowler Steve Harmison to discuss the week's biggest stories. The Times' Cricket Writer Lizzie Ammon joins the show to reflect on the news that both Jon Lewis and Heather Knight have left their roles with England Women and discuss ... Show More
56m 21s
Feb 2025
Virat Kohli’s 2025 Return? Dhoni, Sachin, Raina & ICC Champions Trophy Predictions ft. Billy Bowden
Legendary umpire Brent Fraser "Billy" Bowden unleashes cricket chaos on Cyrus Says! Dive into iconic cricket debates: Was Sachin Tendulkar wrongly dismissed? Mankad Rule controversy decoded, DRS & Hawk-Eye tech secrets, and Virat Kohli’s fiery aggression analyzed! Discover Billy’ ... Show More
1h 4m
Jun 2024
US gets taste of cricket with T20 Cricket World Cup
Many in the United States are getting their first intorduction to cricket with the T20 World Cup kicking off over the weekend. The tournament opened with the hosts taking on northern neighbours Canada, the U.S claiming a comfortable seven wicket win. Sports reporter Jonty Dine sp ... Show More
3m 42s