Highest wicket takers in Test cricket ranked
A celebration of the most prolific wicket takers in the history of cricket.
The 10 players with the most Test wickets of all-time have all played at least part of their careers in the 21st century. Three are currently active, and one retired in 2023. Being a Test match bowler is gruelling work. Injuries are inevitable, and there are times when it feels like a mountainous task against set batters or on unhelpful pitches. There are some long days running in, but part of Test match bowling is perseverance, which all of these bowlers have exhibited throughout their careers. Match-winning spells will be best remembered, but there have been countless, fruitless days putting their bodies through pain on flat pitches. Fast bowlers, in particular, have to be incredibly durable to make this list. Each of the top eight have played 124 or more Test matches. After all of that, who comes out on top? RadioTimes.com brings you the full round-up of the top 10 wicket-takers of all time. Check out latest deals to watch cricket live on Sky Sports 10. Dale Steyn – 439 wickets Dale Steyn has the best strike rate of any bowler with over 300 Test match wickets, and the ninth-lowest average of players in that exclusive club. Injuries curtailed the South African’s prime in the mid-2010s, following a period where Steyn set an all-time record for the most consecutive weeks as the number one ranked Test bowler. A ferocious competitor with an intimidating glare, Steyn paired tearaway pace with control and considerable movement through the air. He was the greatest out-and-out fast bowler of his generation. 9. Ravichandran Ashwin – 507 wickets Ravichandran Ashwin claimed his 500th wicket during the series against England at the start of 2024. Ashwin will play in his 100th Test in the final match of that series – only Muttiah Muralitharan had more wickets through his first 99 matches. While not the biggest spinner of the ball, Ashwin works his magic with flight and variations. His three-delivery armoury, featuring a standard off-break, arm ball and the carrom ball, has bamboozled many a batter over the years. He has the best strike rate of any spinner with over 300 Test wickets. Only two players with more wickets can better Ashwin’s average. 8. Courtney Walsh – 519 wickets The first bowler ever to reach 500 Test match wickets, Courtney Walsh broke Kapil Dev’s record in 2000 and held top spot until he was overtaken by Shane Warne in 2004. Walsh had the earliest career of any player in the top 10, debuting in 1984 and playing his final Test in 2001. Half of one of the greatest fast-bowling pairs of all-time alongside Curtly Ambrose, Walsh was not the most hostile or graceful of West Indian quicks, but his action was efficient, repeatable and seemed to protect him from injuries. 7. Nathan Lyon – 527 wickets Only three spin bowlers in Test history have taken more wickets than Nathan Lyon. The Australia has the most wickets of any orthodox finger spinner, relying on drift, spin and bounce to deceive batters. Lyon, however, has the highest average of the top 22 wicket takers in Test history. He has delivered for Australia in different conditions throughout his career, but his lack of variation can make him vulnerable to batters who try to take him down. 6. Glenn McGrath – 563 wickets Glenn McGrath has the second-lowest economy rate of bowlers on this list, and the best average of any bowler with more than 406 wickets. At the time of retirement, the Australian had taken the most wickets of any quick bowler, but he has since been surpassed by England duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Renowned for his metronomic accuracy, McGrath maintained pressure on batters for long periods and challenged their judgement around off stump. While not a big swinger of the ball, a perfect seam position allowed him to generate enough lateral movement to draw the outside edge or beat the bat. 5. Stuart Broad – 604 wickets Since arriving on the Test scene as a fresh-faced all-rounder, Stuart Broad has had a career of ups and downs. His highs are spectacular, with a catalogue of match and series-winning spells to his name. There have been slumps in form, too, leading to periods where his place in the team is questioned. Broad has adapted to different roles, from enforcer to new-ball master. He has so often stepped up when England most needed him, no more so than the 8-15 spell at Trent Bridge in 2015. After claiming his 600th Test wicket earlier in the series, Broad stunned the cricketing world when he announced his retirement during the Ashes. In true Broad fashion, he went out at the very top, taking the final two wickets to ensure England avoided series defeat. 4. Anil Kumble – 619 wickets Somewhat overshadowed by Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan in the 1990s and 2000s, Anil Kumble is undoubtedly one of the greatest spin bowlers in Test history. Not a big spinner of the ball, Kumble doesn’t have a highlight reel of ripping dismissals, yet he was a tireless bowler and had his own means of manufacturing scalps. Standing at 6ft 1, Kumble relied on bounce and subtler variations to bamboozle batters. He altered his pace considerably, frequently trapping batters on the crease. Often wheeling away on flat Asian surfaces, Kumble bowled over 40,000 delivers in his Test career, which is second all-time. 3. James Anderson – 698 wickets James Anderson just keeps going. Anderson has by far the most Test wickets of a pace bowler, and has played the second most Test matches of any player, which is a testament to his unprecedented fitness levels. There have been points when injuries looked set to call time on Anderson’s international career, but he has come back again and again. If anything, Anderson is getting better with age. Even into his 40s, his career numbers are trending in the right direction. He has a lost little bit of pace over the last decade, yet his skills have only improved, making him a more effective bowler away from home. Anderson might not be the best fast bowler of his generation, but he is the most skilful and no one (aside from his long-time teammate Broad) has come close to his longevity. 2. Shane Warne – 708 wickets Over a 15-year Test career, Shane Warne was at the heart of a dominant Australian team, and revitalised leg-spin bowling in the process. Warne’s explosive leg breaks and mysterious variations posed problems for batters no one else could. A thoroughbred competitor and magnetic personality, Warne was box office with the ball in hand. Trying to survive an over from Warne was a test mentally as much as physically, attempting to overcome the mind games and sledging while figuring out which delivery was fizzing through the air. Perhaps Warne’s standout talent was his ability to generate spin on any surface. No pitch could be prepared to nullify his threat, and chasing against Warne in the fourth innings was a near-impossible task. 1. Muttiah Muralitharan – 800 wickets A controversial figure for many cricket fans due to his unorthodox action, Muttiah Muralitharan overcame several rounds of testing and investigation to put together a record-breaking career. Murali passed Warne for the most Test wickets in 2007, and added another 92 to finish on exactly 800. Statistically, Muralitharan is in a league of his own with 67 five-wicket hauls (30 more than anyone else) and 22 10-wicket matches (12 more than anyone else). An ultra-flexible wrist made Murali truly unique. With an off-spinning action, he was able to generate massive spin in both directions, and mixed in numerous other deliveries, including a fast topspinner and several which never received names. With many nations seeing a decline in the number of Tests played per year, this record could soon be seen as unbreakable. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Highest run scorers in Test cricket ranked
Your guide to the players with the most runs scored in the history of Test cricket.
With so much more Test cricket being played in the 21st century than in previous eras, the list of the players with the most Test runs is skewed towards modern greats. All of the top 10 have played at least part of their career since the turn of the century. Three have debuted in 2000 or later, with the most recent addition to the top 10 only starting his Test career in 2012. To put up over 10,000 Test runs, batters need exceptional technique, temperament, and the skill to adapt to different conditions. Of course, longevity is a must, which means maintaining production throughout their careers and avoiding career-altering injuries. We run the rule over the greatest batters the sport has ever seen. RadioTimes.com brings you the top run scorers in Test cricket history. Read more: Best cricket players in the world 2024 | Best cricket players of all time | Highest wicket takers in Test cricket Most Test runs in history 10. Joe Root – 11,626 runs After passing Sunil Gavaskar and Steve Waugh, Joe Root dislodged Allan Border to move into the top 10. Root only celebrated his 33rd birthday at the end of 2023, and remains at the very top of his game. With a Test average a shade under 50 after a run of low scores, Root is one of the greatest players of his generation. He’s far clear of the rest of the Fab Four in this category. Getting into the top five of all-time is well within reach. Catching Sachin Tendulkar is certainly possible if he plays into his late thirties. 9. Mahela Jayawardene – 11,814 runs Debuting in 1997 and playing his final Test in 2014, Mahela Jayawardene is a great of the modern game. An average of 49.84 in Test matches tells just part of the story of how the 5’6 right-hander became a universally admired player. Arriving on the international scene with plenty of hype, Jayawardene lived up to and exceeded all expectations with his quiet, steely determination and faultless hand-eye coordination. The Sri Lankan, though, had substance to accompany his elegance, with a knack for going big when he got in, which was particularly important on the flat pitches of the subcontinent. 8. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 11,867 runs Unorthodox in his stance, Shivnarine Chanderpaul began his international career as a stroke maker. As the West Indies team around him weakened, Chanderpaul became a far more defensive player, renowned for his backs-to-the-wall knocks and grinding opposition attacks with his nudges and nurdles. Chanderpaul was not a player for the purists. He was generally a hard player to watch, but there’s no doubting his effectiveness against some of the best bowlers in the history of the game. 7. Brian Lara – 11,953 runs Many would name Brian Charles Lara in their all-time Test XI. Muttiah Muralitharan selected him as the toughest opponent of his career. The swashbuckling left-hander has the highest first-class and international scores, plus he was responsible for one of the greatest innings ever played with his 153* against Australia in 1999. Lara transcended cricket. The face of video games and a charismatic personality, even people with no more than a passing interest in the sport recognise his name. 6. Kumar Sangakkara – 12,400 runs Owner of the highest average among players with over 10,000 Test runs, Kumar Sangakkara spent a good portion of his career as a wicketkeeper-batter for Sri Lanka before focusing on the role of specialist batter. A technically perfect and cool-headed left-hander, Sangakkara provided headaches for bowlers from 2000 all the way through to his retirement in 2015. Only Don Bradman has scored more Test double centuries. He is the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000 (joint), 11,000 and 12,000 Test runs. 5. Alastair Cook – 12,472 runs England’s all-time leading scorer and the top scoring left-hander in Test history, Alastair Cook was perhaps the most limited Test player to reach the 10,000-run threshold. Cook was not blessed with an array of shots, instead relying on unbreakable concentration and taking full advantage when bowlers allowed him to unleash his cut or pull. Cook has the lowest average of players with 10,000 runs, but he also had the toughest task of the lot as an opening batter in English conditions. His career had immense highs like the 2010-11 Ashes mixed with crushing lows, including the whitewash in Australia and considerable criticism of his captaincy. 4. Rahul Dravid – 13,288 runs Appropriately nicknamed ‘The Wall’, Rahul Dravid averaged north of 52 in Test cricket. An unshakeable character with an efficient and textbook technique, Dravid was comfortable occupying the crease and proved an immensely frustrating player to bowl to. While some of his teammates struggled when playing outside of Asia, Dravid had the technique to adapt to different conditions, leading to plenty of success in Australia, New Zealand, England and the Caribbean. Dravid is one of only two players to score 10,000 Test runs from a single position in the order. 3. Jacques Kallis – 13,289 runs Jacques Kallis is statistically the greatest all-rounder in Test history, with 292 wickets to accompany his 13,289 runs and 45 centuries. Kallis was exceptionally durable, too, playing in 166 Test matches between 1995 and 2013. In that time, he starred as South Africa became the number one Test team in the world and was frequently near the top of the Test batting rankings. Kallis was comfortable ticking over at a strike rate of 46, but he had all the shots to go after the bowling when the circumstances allowed. While not the most captivating player for the neutrals, there were very few weaknesses in the South African’s batting, allowing him to construct long innings. 2. Ricky Ponting – 13,378 runs Ricky Ponting was a ferocious competitor and aggressive shot maker, despite batting at number three for 196 of his 287 Test innings. As is the case for many Australians, Ponting was at his best on the back foot, and is renowned as one of the best players of the pull and hook in the history of the game. He was comfortable coming forward too, however, possessing shots all around the wicket. Many of his 41 Test centuries were match-winning knocks, with a strike rate of almost 59 reflecting how he could take the game away from opponents. Being an attack-minded batter came with its downsides, and he had a tendency for making himself vulnerable to LBWs, but Ponting sits as a true Australian great. 1. Sachin Tendulkar – 15,921 runs Miles clear atop this list and with 51 centuries to his name across 200 Test matches (also a record), Sachin Tendulkar has an argument to be considered the greatest batter since Don Bradman. Debuting for India as a 16-year-old, Tendulkar’s Test career spanned four decades with records tumbling throughout. The Little Master had perfect balance at the crease, enabling excellent timing whether rocking back for a pull or leaning into his trademark straight drive. Tendulkar is worshipped in India, and adored around the world. Beyond the favourable wickets of the subcontinent, he was able to excel, averaging over 45 in every Test-playing nation other than Pakistan. Owner of a catalogue of Test records, it is hard to see anyone catching Tendulkar’s run tally with the direction Test cricket is heading. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. 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We run the rule over the finest cricket players in the history of the game to determine the greatest of them all.
Cricket has changed considerably in its 100-plus years of existence. New formats, law changes and technological advancements have altered how the game is played and made it challenging to compare players from different eras. There is so much to consider when pitting the best cricketers of all-time against one another. Some iconic modern players have pursued the riches of T20 cricket, which wasn’t an option for past generations. Others never even played in a 50-over World Cup. Test cricket has become less of a priority for some nations in recent years. Statistics can inform decisions for these rankings. After all, a lack of footage means the eye test is not an option for many players. Still, even with numbers at our disposal, it’s never going to be straightforward weighing up the ‘greatness’ of AB De Villiers and W.G. Grace. RadioTimes.com has taken in legacy, records and a variety of other factors to identify the best cricket players of all time. Check out latest deals to watch cricket live on Sky Sports 10. Kapil Dev Kapil Dev’s 434 Test wickets was the most of all-time until Courtney Walsh caught him in 2000. Some of Dev’s other records have held, however, as he remains the only player in Test history with 400 wickets and 5,000 runs. Plus, he is still the youngest player to captain his country to a World Cup win. Averages alone do not tell the full story with Dev. His impact was far greater than his unspectacular statistics might suggest, which is the case with so many hard-hitting all-rounders. 9. Imran Khan The 1980s was a golden period for all-rounders, with Dev, Ian Botham, Richard Hadlee and Imran Khan all in their respective pomps. Imran was the pick of the quartet, both for how he accelerated Pakistan’s love affair with the sport, and excelled as a revolutionary fast bowler, talented batter and influential skipper. Imran capped off his incomparable career with a triumph at the 1992 World Cup - a fitting end for a player who aged like fine wine. In his last decade of Test cricket, he averaged 50 with the bat and just 19 with the ball. 8. Jack Hobbs The leading run scorer and century-maker in first class cricket had to find a place on this list. Jack Hobbs, appropriately nicknamed ‘The Master’, averaged a shade under 57 in 61 Test matches. His career was disrupted by the First World War, with 22 years between his first and last Tests for this country. Footage of Hobbs in action is inevitably hard to come by, but many describe The Master as a fleet-footed, innovative batter. Hobbs won admirers throughout his playing career, and of those who were lucky enough to see him in action, a large percentage considered him the greatest of his time. 7. Sachin Tendulkar Since making his India debut at just 15 years old, Sachin Tendulkar has been far more than a cricketer. Tendulkar, the leading run scorer in Tests and ODIs, is a demigod in India, and one of the greatest batters the sport has ever seen. Owner of a near-perfect technique, Tendulkar excelled all over the world. His punched straight drive back past the bowler is an iconic shot in cricketing history, similar to a Ricky Ponting pull or Ian Bell cover drive. 6. Malcolm Marshall Of players to play more than 33 Test matches, only four can better Malcolm Marshall’s strike rate. At the time of his retirement, Marshall was the West Indies’s all-time leading wicket taker in Test match cricket with 376, and his average of 20.94 is the best of any bowler with over 200 scalps. Marshall shone even alongside fellow West Indian fast-bowling greats. He was not a towering man compared to many of his peers, yet Marshall’s bouncer was as fearsome as they come, and he honed his craft, adding an in-swinger and leg-cutter to his natural hooping out-swinger. If being arguably the greatest fast bowler the sport has ever seen wasn’t enough, Marshall was also handy with the willow in hand, finishing his career with 10 Test fifties. 5. Muttiah Muralitharan Overcoming almost constant scepticism about his action, Muttiah Muralitharan amassed 800 Test wickets and 534 ODI scalps. He is the all-time leader in both formats. Despite years of scientific research into Murali’s action, and the seemingly conclusive experiment of bowling with an arm brace, there will always be some doubters of his legitimacy. Muralitharan’s records stand regardless of his critics, though, and he has played a considerable role in the seismic change in how off-spin bowling is viewed. There will never be another bowler quite like Murali, and many of his records will stand for decades to come. 4. Viv Richards At the heart of all-conquering West Indies teams, Viv Richards averaged 50 with the bat in Test cricket and 47 in ODIs. Richards’s influence on a bowling attack surpassed the runs on the board, however. He dominated bowlers with crunching shots all over the ground, often dismissive in nature. His hand-eye coordination was outrageous, enabling strokes which others can barely imagine. In many ways, Richards’s ultra-aggressive, go-at-the-bowler approach was before his time. Numerous other greats name Richards as the best batter they ever saw, including Bob Willis, Brian Lara and Dennis Lillee. 3. Shane Warne Given that the late, great Shane Warne retired with 92 fewer Test wickets and 241 fewer ODI wickets than Muralitharan, it could be deemed controversial to put the Aussie this high up. Warne was a much superior batter and fielder than Muralitharan. His sheer competitiveness, his absolute adoration for the biggest moments, stands out against any other bowler in cricket’s history. If the match is on the line, Warne is the man you would want with the ball in hand. 2. Don Bradman Don Bradman’s greatness forced England into the controversial Bodyline tactics to slow his scoring. The Don skippered ‘The Invincibles’ after the Second World War and famously ended his Test career with a duck, leaving his average at 99.94. Where Richards was overpowering and Tendulkar was textbook, Bradman’s technique had quirks and his game evolved from attack-first to becoming more of an accumulator in the twilight of his international career. 1. Garfield Sobers An attacking, elegant batsman, a versatile, skilful bowler and supremely talented fielder, Garfield Sobers is simply the most complete cricketer of all-time. Two decades separated Sobers’s first and last Tests, which included 8,032 runs (at an average over 57), 26 centuries, a top score of 365 not out and 235 wickets through a variety of spin and seam up. Unfortunately, white-ball cricket only began towards the end of Sobers’s career, but there’s no doubt he would have been a star in the shorter formats. 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Our round-up of the best cricket players in the world right now.
There is so much to consider when evaluating the best cricketers in the world. How does a five-wicket Test haul compare with an IPL-winning 70? How much value is placed in being an all-format cricketer? Compiling these rankings meant balancing form with track record. We don’t want to succumb to recency bias, but if we're looking at the best cricketers right now, there had to be a weighting to performances over the last 12 months. All-rounders seemingly have an advantage. If you can influence the game in multiple ways, that surely puts you ahead of a specialist batter or bowler. Yet there is still huge value in the best players in their discipline, whether that's a T20 finisher with the willow in hand or a new-ball genius in Test cricket. Statistics are more accessible than ever, but a list of this nature will always be subjective and there are going to be players left out that many fans would want included. RadioTimes.com brings you our ranking of the 10 best cricketers in the world at the moment. Check out latest deals to watch cricket live on Sky Sports Best cricketers in the world 2024 10. Shakib Al Hasan The ICC rankings aren't everything. Shakib Al Hasan ranking in the top three among all-rounders in Tests, ODIs and T20Is is significant, though, particularly for a player who has maintained this standard over such a long period. His batting average is higher than his bowling average in all three formats. Shakib might be into his mid-thirties, and his career hasn't been short of controversy, but he remains one of the best players in the world. 9. Kagiso Rabada Kagiso Rabada made his international debut back in 2014. Since then, he has established himself as an incredibly effective, all-format, fast bowler. Rabada's control, pace and bounce make him an asset even on unhelpful surfaces. He averages just 22 with the ball in Test cricket, and has become a fixture on the franchise T20 circuit. Boasting the best Test match strike rate of bowlers to play more than 18 Tests, Rabada has flourished as the leader of the South African attack after the retirements of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. 8. Pat Cummins The last 12 months couldn't have gone much better for Pat Cummins. After retaining the Ashes and winning the World Test Championship, Cummins skippered Australia to World Cup glory, which included an exceptional bowling performance in the final. Named the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year for 2023, Cummins then became the second-most expensive IPL player ever at the 2024 auction. His diverse skillset with the ball is paired with useful lower-order batting, and there are signs he's improving as a captain. 7. Daryl Mitchell Daryl Mitchell might have arrived late to international cricket, but he's wasted no time making a major impact. Averaging over 50 with the bat in both Tests and ODIs, the New Zealander has also picked up several franchise gigs, including a big-money deal with the Chennai Super Kings for the 2024 season. Mitchell has constructed lengthy Test knocks and provided explosive white-ball cameos. He's among the most versatile batters in the world at the moment, and is one of the first names on the Black Caps' team sheet in all formats. 6. Joe Root England's greatest ever batter had to find a place in these rankings even after a lean spell. Joe Root is third in the Test batting rankings, and remains an excellent white-ball player. His majestic 122 not out in Ranchi was arguably his greatest innings of all, which is saying something for a player with 47 international centuries and an average just shy of 50 in both Tests and ODIs. With 11,626 Test runs to his name, and still only 33 years old, Root could catch Sachin Tendulkar for the most Test runs of all time. 5. Yashasvi Jaiswal Yashasvi Jaiswal has taken international cricket by storm. His pair of double centuries against England have accounted for numerous records. It's not just the runs, though, but the manner in which he has scored them. Jaiswal has attacked the new ball, he's dug in when required, and he's shown all the flair that’s made him an accomplished short-format player. At just 22 years of age, the sky really is the limit. Owner of the fastest 50 in IPL history, Jaiswal is going to be an all-format superstar. 4. Heinrich Klaasen Placing a batter with minimal Test experience this high up might be controversial. Heinrich Klaasen has played just four Tests at the time of writing, but his extraordinary white ball hitting means he has to be considered among the world’s best players. The South African has the second-highest strike rate in IPL history. Of the top 13 players by career ODI strike rate, Klaasen is the only one to average 40 with the bat. Capable of destroying any bowling attack, the Pretoria native has become a sought-after player on the T20 circuit thanks to his ability to hit boundaries in the middle overs and finish off innings with big hitting. 3. Rachin Ravindra Like Jaiswal, Rachin Ravindra has quickly grabbed the headlines. Excellent in the World Cup and impressing with the bat and ball in the Test series against South Africa, Ravindra is a key player for the Black Caps across all three formats. The numbers are yet to paint a full picture of just how good Ravindra is. Only turning 25 later this year, the best is still to come, and don't be surprised if we see some more statement performances from the all-rounder. 2. Jasprit Bumrah Jasprit Bumrah is the best bowler in the world. There is no debate at this point – Bumrah is the man you want with the ball in his hand whether it's the first over of a Test or the last of a white-ball final. His short run and unique, jerky action make it difficult for batters to pick him up. Awkward angles are created. He can swing and seam the red ball when conditions allow, plus he has a nasty bouncer, which is paired with some unplayable yorkers. 1. Ravindra Jadeja Top of the Test all-rounder rankings by a mile, Ravindra Jadeja is a complete cricketer. Not only an accomplished batter across all three formats, Jadeja is an excellent spinner, capable of attacking in the subcontinent and playing a holding role overseas. That's before we've even mentioned his fielding, where he's arguably the best in the world. Like so many all-rounders, his averages do not fully reflect his impact on the game, though averaging 12 more with the bat than the ball in Tests is an indication of his greatness. Sometimes his bowling is in the shadow of Ravichandran Ashwin, and he's never going to be the batting star alongside Virat Kohli and others. Jadeja is a fierce competitor, though, and would be in contention for a world XI in any conditions in any format. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Highest wicket takers in the Ashes all time
Which superstar bowlers have taken more wickets in the Ashes than anyone else?
For an Englishman or Australian, no wicket means more than one taken in the Ashes. To become one of the most successful bowlers in cricket's greatest rivalry requires immense skill, steely determination and prolonged success. The players who top the list of Ashes wicket takers are greats of the game. They have bowled their sides to Ashes wins, turned series, and helped to deliver the urn. Not only that, they have also consistently contributed even when others are taking the headlines No current England or Australia bowler makes the top five list but both Mitchell Starc (97) and Pat Cummins (91) will hope to reach 100 Ashes wickets this winter. RadioTimes.com brings you the five bowlers with the most Ashes wickets taken. <a id="menur5r7" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video">Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video Most wickets taken in the Ashes 5. Dennis Lillee – 128 wickets Half of cricket’s most fearsome bowling duo, Dennis Lillee is one of the all-time greats. The open shirt, trademark moustache and gigantic delivery stride were a terrifying combination for batters around the world, and English batters in the Ashes were no exception. Lillee was a tearaway pre-injury. Hostile, quick and always aggressive, he made a habit of torturing England’s batters to the tune of a 22.32 average in the Ashes. By the time of his retirement in 1984, he was the leading Test wicket taker in history. 4. Hugh Trumble – 141 wickets Playing between 1890 and 1904, all of Hugh Trumble’s Test wickets came in Ashes battles. Standing at 6’4", Trumble bowled quick off-spin, which was particularly difficult to face on the soft, uncovered pitches in England. His bounce challenged batters in Australia, too, where he was able to mix it up to remain effective. W.G. Grace named Trumble as the best bowler Australia had sent to England, such was his gift for varying his pace and his immense accuracy to land the ball in the right spot. He has the best Ashes bowling average of anyone to take over 101 wickets. 3. Stuart Broad – 153 wickets Stuart Broad has been through it all in the Ashes – from pantomime villain to drubbings down under and series-defining performances. Broad burst onto the scene in 2009, delivering a magic spell for England to regain the urn. He has had low moments since then, including some major struggles in Australia, but there have been plenty of highs along the way. The 8-15 at Trent Bridge in 2015 broke a catalogue of records and won England the series. In 2019, he tormented David Warner on his way to 23 wickets at an average of 26.65. Fittingly, he bowed out of Test cricket in the final Test of the 2023 Ashes series. Having announced his retirement the night before the final day, Broad bowled England to a victory that ensured the series was drawn. 2. Glenn McGrath – 157 wickets Glenn McGrath has the lowest Ashes strike rate of any bowler with over 87 wickets. Monotonous in his control of line and length, McGrath’s bowling was perfectly suited to English conditions. He averaged under 20 with the ball in England, taking advantage of seam movement and constantly challenging the outside edge of English batters. He was not exactly a liability for the Aussies in home conditions either. Invariably making breakthroughs with the new ball, McGrath played an integral role in Australia’s Ashes supremacy through the 1990s and early 2000s. The spectacular 2005 series might have turned out very differently if he didn’t stand on a ball during the Edgbaston warm-ups. 1. Shane Warne – 195 wickets In six more Ashes Tests than his long-time teammate, Shane Warne collected 38 more wickets. Warne thrived on the intensity of Ashes cricket, often leaving English batting line-ups bewildered. He produced many highlight dismissals from the Ball of the Century through to ripping past Andrew Strauss’s cut shot in 2005. It was in 2005 that Warne delivered his best Ashes performance, with 40 wickets at an average under 20. Where some of his teammates were villains to English fans, Warne was generally adored by cricket fans around the world. A ferocious competitor, a master of kidology and an incredibly skilled bowler, Warne is the greatest spin bowler in cricket history. Many of his standout moments came in Ashes action. How to watch the Ashes on TV and live stream The Ashes will be shown live on TNT Sports. There are multiple ways to get TNT Sports. If you already have BT Broadband, you can add TNT Sports to your existing contract from just £18 per month. You can add the ‘Big Sport’ package for £40 per month which includes all TNT Sports and 11 Sky Sports channels via a NOW pass. You can also access TNT Sports via discovery+ and stream directly to your smart TV. <a id="menur5r7" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video">Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video You can watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ Premium monthly pass without signing up to a contract. Regular subscribers can also stream matches on a variety of devices including laptops, smartphones and tablets via the discovery+ app. discovery+ is the new streaming home of TNT Sports, showing events including live Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Premiership Rugby, UFC, Boxing and MotoGP. Learn more here: discoveryplus.com TNT Sports and discovery+ have exclusive live TV coverage of the Ashes, which can also be watched through Amazon Prime Video, while fans can listen to every ball of the series via Test Match Special on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Highest run scorers in the Ashes all time
The Ashes is a crucible that makes or breaks legends, but who are the finest run-scorers in the greatest series of all?
First played in the 1880s, Ashes records are some of the oldest in sport. The players with the most Ashes runs have enjoyed considerable success across multiple series in varying conditions. Inevitably, these players have been part of victorious teams, often enjoying periods of dominance in Test cricket’s most historic rivalry. The top five is dominated by Aussies, with one of their current greats aiming to climb higher in the 2025/26 series down under. No current England player makes the list but should Joe Root pile on the runs in Australia – we're talking 700+ – he could force his way onto it. RadioTimes.com brings you the five leading run scorers in Ashes history – as of the start of the 2025/26 series. <a id="menur5r7" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video">Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video Most runs scored in the Ashes 5. Steve Waugh – 3,143 runs Only Syd Gregory played in more Ashes Tests than Steve Waugh. Talismanic and ruthless as a captain, Waugh is the most successful skipper in modern Test history, leading two Ashes series wins, and claiming eight victories from nine Ashes matches as captain. As a batter, Waugh was very aggressive in his early days, but became more effective later in his career. A long-term back issue restricted the shots available to him at times, yet he remained incredibly imposing against both pace and spin bowlers. His Test average of around 51 was impressive, and he exceeded that in Ashes play with a mark of over 58. 4. Allan Border – 3,222 runs Captaining 28 Ashes Tests (six more than anyone else), Allan Border brought in a new era of Australian cricket. Border was a fierce warrior, averaging 55.55 in Ashes matches, and he instilled a hard-nosed attitude into the Australian team which they built on after his retirement to dominate the Test arena. A compact and in some ways limited batter, Border was not pleasing on the eye, and had an Ashes strike rate of under 43. He was stubborn, however, and very rarely gave his wicket away. 5. Steve Smith – 3,417 runs A modern great. Steve Smith is the only active player who makes the top five list. Smith was originally picked as a leg-spinning all-rounder but despite his unconventional technique, he has developed into perhaps the best batter in the modern era and one of the finest Australia have ever produced. A complete cricket obsessive, the 36-year-old has exceptional hand-eye coordination and is a brilliant shot-maker. However, what sets him apart is his determination, resilience and patience. It might not always be pretty but teams just cannot get him out. He has caused English bowlers headaches in previous Ashes series and will likely continue to do just that this winter. Smith climbed to third in the list of all-time Ashes run scorers in the 2023 series and will have Jack Hobbs in his sights. 2. Jack Hobbs – 3,636 runs Playing 41 Ashes Tests between 1908 and 1930, Jack Hobbs amassed 3,636 runs against Australia, making him the only Englishman in the top five Ashes run scorers. Hobbs notched 12 Ashes centuries, and was widely considered the best player of his era. Able to score around the ground, and with the technique to survive even in the most challenging conditions, Hobbs was one of the earliest cricketing stars. He was not necessarily the most elegant, but many have noted his quiet confidence and adaptability. 1. Don Bradman – 5,028 runs Accepted as the greatest batter in the history of the sport, Don Bradman averaged a shade under 90 in Ashes Tests, with a high score of 334. He was so dominant in 1930, scoring 974 runs in the series, that England adopted Bodyline for the 1932-33 tour, prompting further ill-feeling between the two teams. Bradman averaged only 56.57 in eight innings in the series, but he was back to his unstoppable best when Australia returned to England in 1934. England had no answer for Bradman’s brilliance throughout his career. His run tally in Ashes cricket is far clear of anyone else, and it’s one of Bradman's many records which look unbreakable. How to watch the Ashes on TV and live stream The Ashes will be shown live on TNT Sports. There are multiple ways to get TNT Sports. If you already have BT Broadband, you can add TNT Sports to your existing contract from just £18 per month. You can add the ‘Big Sport’ package for £40 per month which includes all TNT Sports and 11 Sky Sports channels via a NOW pass. You can also access TNT Sports via discovery+ and stream directly to your smart TV. <a id="menur5r7" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video">Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video You can watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ Premium monthly pass without signing up to a contract. Regular subscribers can also stream matches on a variety of devices including laptops, smartphones and tablets via the discovery+ app. discovery+ is the new streaming home of TNT Sports, showing events including live Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Premiership Rugby, UFC, Boxing and MotoGP. Learn more here: discoveryplus.com TNT Sports and discovery+ have exclusive live TV coverage of the Ashes, which can also be watched through Amazon Prime Video, while fans can listen to every ball of the series via Test Match Special on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Test cricket is the pinnacle, the sport's ultimate challenge. An examination of a cricketer's technical, physical, and mental ability. Conditions change, the physical workload can be immense, and there is time, time, time for numerous ebbs and flows. <a id="menur5r7" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video">Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video While the all-action nature of the white-ball game has brought money into the sport and attracts massive crowds, Tests remain the pinnacle for many players and fans. The format presents unique challenges rarely seen in mainstream sport. And always, always, the clock marches on, ball after ball, session after session, day after day, in sunshine or rain. RadioTimes.com brings you a simplified explainer of how long a Test match lasts, how it all works and what happens if the dreaded R-word pours from the sky. How long is a Test match? Ashes Test matches last for five days. There are three sessions per day, each scheduled to be around two hours apiece, and there is a target of 90 overs completed per day of play. Unlike in England, where session timings are uniform between grounds, the timings for Ashes Tests in Australia vary depending on the venue. Ashes Tests in Australia start between 10am and 10:30am, with players coming off for lunch, which lasts for 40 minutes, between 12pm and 12:30pm if there are no delays. The afternoon session begins after lunch, between 12:40pm and 1:10pm, and runs until tea, which lasts 20 minutes and is taken between 2:40pm and 3:10pm. The evening session is scheduled to start between 3pm and 3:30pm. An extra half an hour can be taken if fewer than 90 overs have been bowled in the allotted time and is commonplace due to slow over rates. Day/night Test matches run to different timings, with play beginning in the afternoon and running into the night with floodlights used for the final hours. Some other Tests – often those between lower-ranked nations – only last four days. Read more: Best cricket players in the world 2023 | Best cricket players of all time | Highest wicket takers in Test cricket How a Test match works In most Test matches, both teams will bat twice. A coin toss on the first morning of the game gives the winning captain a choice of whether to bat or bowl first. The team batting first will bat until they have lost 10 wickets or choose to declare. The other team then begin their innings, aiming to catch and ideally go past their opponent’s score. Usually, the team which batted first will also bat in the third innings, though they can force their opponent to follow on if they trail by more than 199 runs after both teams have batted. A team wins a Test match by scoring more runs than their opponent over the two innings. If by the end of the five days, the final innings has not been completed, either by one team chasing down the target score or taking all 10 wickets, then the match will be drawn. What happens if it rains? As a summer sport, cricket is not played in the rain. Play will not begin if it is raining or if the ground is too wet. Players will be instructed to pause play by the umpires if there is significant rain during a Test match, which can lead to adjusted schedules and timing. There are no reserve days in Test cricket (apart from the World Test Championship final) to compensate for rain. Considerable rain, including losing a full day, significantly increases the chance of the match ending in a draw. Umpires will also postpone play due to bad light. Light meters are used to take a reading for the first time this happens in a match, and play will be halted if light gets to that level again during the Test. How to watch The Ashes on TV and live stream The Ashes will be shown live on TNT Sports. There are multiple ways to get TNT Sports. If you already have BT Broadband, you can add TNT Sports to your existing contract from just £18 per month. You can add the ‘Big Sport’ package for £40 per month which includes all TNT Sports and 11 Sky Sports channels via a NOW pass. You can also access TNT Sports via discovery+ and stream directly to your smart TV. <a id="menur5r7" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/channel/d944a714-1f03-4662-8cf0-ca3aefb2f0ea?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2344812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video">Watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video You can watch the Ashes on TNT Sports via discovery+ Premium monthly pass without signing up to a contract. Regular subscribers can also stream matches on a variety of devices including laptops, smartphones and tablets via the discovery+ app. discovery+ is the new streaming home of TNT Sports, showing events including live Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Premiership Rugby, UFC, Boxing and MotoGP. Learn more here: discoveryplus.com Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Your simplified guide to the complex world of cricket fielding positions.
Getting to grips with fielding positions is important for cricket fans and players alike. Understanding the terminology for field placings will make it much easier to understand when the commentators and pundits on Sky Sports or Test Match Special are debating strategy, tactics or, generally, what is going on! Positions have developed over time, names and titles have changed and evolved and roles continue to be refined as this glorious game will never be truly perfected. Watch The Ashes live on Sky Sports Navigating your way through the complex maze of positions and terminology can be daunting, but we're on hand with a simplified guide to help you work it all out. Even better news, we have a wonderful handwritten drawing of the field by cricket broadcaster Alison Mitchell to help you visualise the positions as we describe them. RadioTimes.com brings you a rough guide to explain how cricket fielding positions work, including some of the key principles to remember while you watch The Ashes. Read more: Best cricket players in the world 2023 | Best cricket players of all time | Highest wicket takers in Test cricket Cricket fielding positions The basics The majority of fielding positions are described using: A) the side of the pitch the fielder is standing in, B) the distance from the batter, and C) the angle of the fielder from the batter. First up, the field is divided into two sides: leg side and off side. This is a foundational principle to build up from. Leg – the side of the field the batter’s legs are on. (This can also be referred to as the on side.) Off – the opposite side of the field to leg side. Second, distances from the batter are generally described using five words: silly, short, mid, long and deep. Silly – very close, often requiring fielders to wear protective equipment Short – close, but further from the batter than silly Mid – roughly halfway between the wicket and the boundary Long/deep – close to the boundary rope, used interchangeably Third, angles play a role in determining a player's position. Square – an imaginary extension of the line along the crease (between 9 and 3 on the diagram) Backward – behind square and the batter Forward – in front of square and the batter Fine – behind square, closer to the wicket keeper (closer to the line between 12 and 6 on the diagram) Wide – behind square, further from the wicket keeper (closer to the line between 9 and 3 on the diagram) There are 11 players on each team, with a bowler and wicketkeeper used in every single ball delivered during a match. This leaves nine players to deploy among the positions listed below. Captains will choose where to place their fielders based on who the bowler is, how they will bowl and where they are most likely to catch the ball, or at least prevent runs and boundaries from being a scored. Areas of the Field While there are nuances, and captains will always try to experiment with their setups, cricket fielding positions can generally be broken into three categories: Close infield – Fielders here are considered to be in attacking positions with the aim of taking wickets. This includes the slip cordon (or slips), silly point, short leg and other close fielding positions where the fielders will be static as the bowler runs in. The aim of the close catchers is in the name. If a batter edges a ball (the ball flicks off the bat behind the batter), the row of slips are well positioned to catch the ball. Infield – In white-ball cricket, this is marked on the field as 30 yards from the pitch. The aim for these fielders is generally to prevent runs. Depending on the format and game situation, fielders in the inner ring will either be looking to prevent singles or stop the ball reaching the boundary. They may catch lower drives that failed to have enough power or height to run closer to the boundary. Outfield – These players are positioned right on the boundary rope. Mainly, they are trying to stop fours and sixes, but they can also be candidates for a catch if a shot is miscued or misjudged. List of cricket fielding positions Wicketkeeper Slip Gully Silly point Point Deep point Backward point Deep backward point Short third Deep third Short leg Square leg Deep square leg Backward square leg Deep backward square leg Long leg Short fine leg Deep fine leg Cover Extra cover Deep extra cover Mid off Long off Mid on Long on Mid wicket Deep mid wicket Of course, there are endless variations of the positions above, with wide, fine, forward and backward tweaks able to be made with regards to almost any of the positions above. However, the above list and diagram should be able to give you a working knowledge of the principles behind cricket fielding positions so you can begin to decipher the code spoken by commentators. How to watch The Ashes on TV and live stream You can watch The Ashes live on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event. You can add the Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Football channels for just £18 per month combined or pick up the complete sports package for just £25 per month. Find out more about the best Sky packages Sky Sports customers can live stream The Ashes via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices including most smartphones and tablets as part of their subscription. You can also watch The Ashes via NOW without signing up to a contract. NOW can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs, phones and consoles. NOW is also available via BT Sport. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Test Match Special Ashes commentators: Meet the presenters and pundits
The Test Match Special team will be on hand to guide us through the summer months with full radio coverage of The Ashes.
Test Match Special is a sporting institution. The team have provided commentary on numerous iconic cricketing moments. Amid the jargon and technical talk of Test cricket, the TMS team weave in humour and anecdotes as the match meanders in the background. There are TMS staples, including long-time commentator Jonathan Agnew, but they also have guests during each series. The Ashes, of course, is no exception, with TMS rolling out a bumper list of commentators and presenters for cricket’s oldest rivalry. The excitement is palpable for this summer’s series, as the Bazball revolution meets its latest era-defining challenge in the shape of the World Test Champions. England are looking to regain the urn after a brutal time down under a couple of years ago. RadioTimes.com brings you the full Test Match Special team set to guide you through The Ashes. More from The Ashes: Ashes TV coverage | Ashes radio coverage | Ashes schedule | Ashes squads | Ashes predictions | Ashes highlights | Sky Sports Ashes commentators | Test Match Special Ashes commentators Test Match Special commentators and presenters Jonathan Agnew Alastair Cook Alex Hartley Isa Guha Simon Mann Alison Mitchell Jim Maxwell Daniel Norcross Michael Vaughan Phil Tufnell Glenn McGrath Jason Gillespie Ebony Rainford-Brent Vic Marks Now it's time to get to know the key names a little better... Jonathan Agnew A part of Test Match Special since 1991, Jonathan Agnew’s voice is synonymous with cricket coverage in the UK. Agnew primarily provides ball-by-ball commentary on TMS, and will often lead interviews and discussions during lunch and tea. Alastair Cook Alastair Cook is England’s all-time leading run scorer, and joined TMS in 2019 as a summariser. A former England skipper, Cook still has a close relationship with many of the current England squad. In 2019, he claimed Ben Stokes’ 135 not out at Headingley was the "greatest innings ever played by an Englishman". Alex Hartley Alex Hartley broke onto the scene through her podcast ‘No Balls’ with friend Kate Cross. Hartley has since become a staple of TMS coverage, and will be a feature throughout the Ashes summer. In May 2023, Hartley announced she is taking an extended break from playing to focus on her mental health. Isa Guha Alongside presenting duties for the BBC and other broadcasters, Isa Guha will be a TMS commentator during the Ashes this summer. Guha played 91 matches for England before retiring in 2011. Simon Mann Joining the TMS team for the first time in 1996, Simon Mann’s voice will be very familiar to British cricket fans. Mann co-hosts The Analyst Inside Cricket podcast with Simon Hughes. During this summer’s Ashes, Mann will take on the role of ball-by-ball commentary. Read more: Best cricket players in the world 2023 | Best cricket players of all time | Highest wicket takers in Ashes history | Highest run scorers in Ashes history Alison Mitchell The first woman to become a regular on TMS, Alison Mitchell is a ball-by-ball commentator. She has covered various sports around the world, but cricket has always been Mitchell’s main focus. While best known for her radio commentary, Mitchell has also featured as a presenter and commentator on TV for several networks. Jim Maxwell The voice of Australian cricket, Jim Maxwell first appeared on TMS back in 1983, and took up a regular role during Ashes tours for the spectacular series in 2005. Maxwell has delivered some of the most famous lines in cricket commentary, including his voice over for Shane Warne’s ripping dismissal of Andrew Strauss in 2005. He was also the featured commentator on several cricket video games. Daniel Norcross Daniel Norcross is renowned for his alternative angle on cricket commentary. Observational and often amusing, Norcross made his name through ‘Test Match Sofa’, which was an amateur commentary platform designed to rival TMS. The BBC brought Norcross on board for the 2017-18 Ashes, and he quickly became a very popular contributor with cricket fans across the country. Michael Vaughan Dropped from TMS in 2021, Michael Vaughan returned to the BBC in 2023 after charges against the former England captain were dismissed by the ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission. Vaughan has over a decade of commentary experience, having quickly moved into media after retiring from playing. An Ashes-winning captain, the ex-Yorkshire batter is one of the more opinionated commentators in the TMS team. Phil Tufnell A member of the TMS crew since 2003, Phil Tufnell was a cult hero for his jovial personality during his playing days, and has brought the same upbeat nature to the commentary box. Alongside summarising the action, Tuffers has also hosted ‘The Phil Tufnell Cricket Show’ and the ‘Tuffers and Vaughan Cricket Show’. You’re bound to hear a few stories from Tufnell this summer. Glenn McGrath One of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the sport, Glenn McGrath has been a part of the TMS team for several years, and has been involved in their sell-out tours. Famed for his 5-0 prediction before every Ashes series, McGrath brings immense cricketing nous and experience to the commentary box. His presence naturally provokes the Ashes rivalry with his TMS colleagues. Jason Gillespie Jason Gillespie was part of those dominant Australia teams alongside McGrath. Since ending his playing days in 2008, Gillespie has embarked on a successful coaching career. Gillespie has talked up Australia’s chances leading into this summer’s Men’s Ashes, and would obviously love to see the tourists retain the urn. Ebony Rainford-Brent Featuring on TMS for over a decade, Ebony Rainford-Brent was one of the first female pundits on men’s international cricket. A former England international and the current Director of Women’s Cricket at Surrey, Rainford-Brent is one of the most insightful summarisers in the country, and has also featured on Sky’s cricket coverage. Vic Marks Vic Marks is a former spinner for England and Somerset. He transitioned from player to journalist after retiring in 1989, regularly contributing to The Guardian and The Observer until 2020. Marks first appeared on TMS in 1984, and has been a feature on BBC’s cricket broadcasting ever since. How to watch The Ashes on TV and live stream You can watch The Ashes live on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event. You can add the Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Football channels for just £18 per month combined or pick up the complete sports package for just £25 per month. Find out more about the best Sky packages Sky Sports customers can live stream The Ashes via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices including most smartphones and tablets as part of their subscription. You can also watch The Ashes via NOW without signing up to a contract. NOW can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs, phones and consoles. NOW is also available via BT Sport. If you’re looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who won The Ashes last time? Ashes holders and how it works
What happened last time England and Australia duelled for The Ashes?
The Ashes takes centre stage this summer for a hugely-anticipated duel between a resurgent England, fuelled by the pursuit of relentless entertainment thanks to 'Bazball', and World Test Champions Australia. One of sport’s oldest rivalries will be competed across five Tests starting on Friday 16th June at Edgbaston, the first day of up to 25 glorious days of action this summer. England have been exceptional since coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes took the reins, playing scintillating cricket last summer before making history with a 3-0 series victory in Pakistan. Australia are fresh from dominating India at The Oval in the WTC Final. Watch The Ashes live on Sky Sports Cricket from £15 per month (limited time offer) But how did each side fare in the last Ashes series? We're here to round up the 2021/22 series. England fans, we forgive you if the events of that series Down Under evade your memory. RadioTimes.com rounds up the state of play ahead of The Ashes 2023, including who currently holds the urn and what happened in the last series. More from The Ashes: Ashes TV coverage | Ashes radio coverage | Ashes schedule | Ashes squads | Ashes predictions | Ashes highlights | Sky Sports Ashes commentators | Test Match Special Ashes commentators Who won The Ashes last time? Australia currently hold the Ashes. It is England’s task this summer to regain the urn. England have not held the Ashes since 2017. Australia are aiming to make it four consecutive series as Ashes holders, a feat which has not been achieved by either team since England broke the Aussies’ streak in 2005. What happened in the last Ashes series? Australia thumped England 4-0 in the last Ashes series. England were thoroughly outplayed throughout Down Under, with the final scoreline matching their disappointing performance four years prior. England’s batting was a mess. They failed to reach the 300 mark during the series. Australia scored 400+ on three occasions. Joe Root, who was still skipper at the time, top scored for the tourists but averaged only 32 with the bat. This was one of many low points for the England Test team in the last few years. Root clung on as captain through the following West Indies tour, but ultimately removed himself from the position in April 2022. Chris Silverwood was head coach for the 2021-22 Ashes, and was heavily criticised for his role in England’s heavy defeat. Silverwood left his post after the series. Of the England team which started the last Ashes, only Root, Stokes, Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood are in the 2023 Ashes Test series squad. Of course, there has also been a complete overhaul of the way England approach Test cricket under the leadership of Rob Key, McCullum and Stokes. Very little has changed for Australia over the last 18 months. The team and style of play remains much the same. Read more: Best cricket players in the world 2023 | Best cricket players of all time | Highest wicket takers in Ashes history | Highest run scorers in Ashes history How does a team win The Ashes? For a team to win the Ashes, they need to win the best-of-five match Test series. If the series ends in a draw, the team which currently holds the Ashes will retain the urn. This is exactly what happened four years ago, when the teams tied the series two wins apiece, meaning the Aussies kept hold of the urn. For England to win the Ashes in 2023, they need to win more Tests than Australia. In this era of Bazball fireworks and England’s refusal to draw matches, that likely means they need to claim three Test match wins. If a match ends in a draw this summer, Australia will only need to win two Tests to retain the urn once again. Australia have not won a Test series in England since their dominant 4-1 victory back in 2001. How to watch The Ashes on TV and live stream You can watch The Ashes live on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event. You can upgrade to the Sky Sports Cricket channel from just £15 per month as part of a limited time deal or pick up the complete sports package from just £24 per month. Find out more about the best Sky packages Sky Sports customers can live stream The Ashes via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices including most smartphones and tablets as part of their subscription. You can also watch The Ashes via NOW without signing up to a contract. NOW can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs, phones and consoles. NOW is also available via BT Sport. If you’re looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Sky Sports Ashes commentators: Meet the presenters and pundits
Sky Sports boast wall-to-wall coverage of the men's and women's Ashes in 2023, so it's time to get to know the voices who will guide us through it all.
Sky Sports have shaken up their broadcasting team over the last few years, waving goodbye to huge names such as Ian Botham, David Gower and David Lloyd in favour of a new generation line-up. Rob Key also departed Sky when he took the job of Managing Director with the ECB but the broadcaster is back with a full line-up they hope to delight fans at home with. The decision to move on from Botham, Gower and Lloyd has split opinion among fans, but Sky’s product remains popular with its blend of in-depth analysis, humour and lively debate. Watch The Ashes live on Sky Sports Cricket from £15 per month (limited time offer) As well as a stellar cast of former England stars, Ricky Ponting, Mel Jones and Mark Taylor provide Australian representation, while the late Shane Warne's presence will be sorely missed by all – on each side of the divide. Sky Sports is the only place to watch this summer’s Ashes live in the UK, and these are the faces and voices you'll see and hear more than most over the course of the series'. RadioTimes.com brings you the full Sky Sports team set to guide you through The Ashes. More from The Ashes: Ashes TV coverage | Ashes radio coverage | Ashes schedule | Ashes squads | Ashes predictions | Ashes highlights | Sky Sports Ashes commentators | Test Match Special Ashes commentators Sky Sports commentators and presenters Ian Ward Nasser Hussain Ricky Ponting Mel Jones Mark Taylor Michael Atherton Eoin Morgan Kevin Pietersen Kumar Sangakkara Mark Butcher Dinesh Karthik Andrew Strauss Nick Knight Isa Guha Simon Doull Charlotte Edwards Lydia Greenway Lauren Winfield-Hill Charles Dagnall Now it's time to get to know the team a little better... Ian Ward First involved with Sky in 2001, Ian Ward became a big part of the broadcaster’s coverage after his retirement. Ward gradually took on more responsibilities, including regularly presenting international white-ball matches. He was at the forefront of the 2019 Cricket World Cup as a presenter and commentator before succeeding David Gower as primary presenter in 2020. Nasser Hussain Nasser Hussain was announced as part of the Sky team hours after his retirement. The former England captain has travelled all over the world covering cricket with Sky, and has led several excellent documentaries for the broadcaster. Secrets of Success Watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket from 7pm on Wednesday 28th June Nasser has interviewed some of the greatest leaders in sport, including Jurgen Klopp, Ben Stokes, Emma Hayes, Totto Wolff and Christian Horner. The documentary explores multiple themes, from dealing with mavericks to implementing a top-to-bottom culture of success – whist providing an intimate look into what makes some of the most well-known sport stars and teams standout above the rest. Hussain told RadioTimes.com: "I didn't leave any of those 12 interviews thinking there was a bit of bluffing, I left every single one going: "Wow, I would like to have either worked for or played for this individual. All of them." "There were a lot of common threads throughout the documentary, but with hugely different personalities. You couldn't have two more different personalities than Toto Wolff and Christian Horner! Hugely different, but all very successful. "There was authenticity, they all used the word authentic. They were authentic as leaders – what they say, they did. There was no bluff, there was no hiding, they were true to themselves and true to their team. "They're all very much about the people that they hire and looking after the people that they hire, but also hiring people not just on how many goals they scored, or runs they got, but on their character." Check out our exclusive Ashes 2nd Test preview with Nasser ahead of the Lord's showdown. Ricky Ponting The first of three Aussie representatives in the Sky Sports team, Ricky Ponting is one of the greatest batters in the modern era. He captained Australia during the 2005 Ashes, and scored 13,378 Test match runs. The Tasmania native has worked with Sky during several other Ashes, proving to be an excellent pundit. Mel Jones One of two commentators working on the Men’s and Women’s Ashes, Mel Jones was born in Barnstaple, but represented Australia in 67 matches between 1997 and 2005. Mark Taylor Mark Taylor has been a staple of Australia’s Channel 9 cricket coverage since retiring as a player at the start of the century. Taylor was involved in Sky’s coverage of the 2019 Ashes alongside former teammate Shane Warne. Michael Atherton Michael Atherton is the Chief Cricket Correspondent for The Times, and made an immediate jump into media after retiring from playing. Atherton worked as a pundit and commentator with Channel 4 between 2002 and 2005 before joining Sky Sports when they acquired broadcasting rights for England matches. The former England captain often presents post-match ceremonies. Read more: Best cricket players in the world 2023 | Best cricket players of all time | Highest wicket takers in Ashes history | Highest run scorers in Ashes history Eoin Morgan Eoin Morgan oversaw England’s white-ball revolution, captaining the side to glory at the 2019 World Cup. He retired from international cricket in 2022, and has gradually taken on more media work over the last few years. Morgan knows many of the current England players well. Kevin Pietersen A controversial figure during his playing days, Kevin Pietersen has continued to divide opinion as a pundit and commentator. Pietersen was an entertaining and devastating batter for England, starring in several Ashes series wins. Kumar Sangakkara Former Sri Lanka batter Kumar Sangakkara has been a regular on Sky Sports’ cricket coverage since first joining in 2018. Sangakkara was admired around the world as a player, and has continued attract plaudits for his insightful analysis. Mark Butcher Along with Mel Jones, Mark Butcher will be involved in the coverage of both the Women’s and Men’s Ashes series. Butcher pulls no punches as a pundit, and has deservedly received a bigger role in Sky Sports’ cricket broadcasts over the last couple of years. Dinesh Karthik First commentating for Sky Sports in 2020, Dinesh Karthik was involved in coverage of the first season of The Hundred and India’s white-ball tour in 2021. Karthik brings an upbeat personality and a bold dress sense to the Sky Sports commentary box. Andrew Strauss Ex-England skipper Andrew Strauss will be part of the commentary team for the Lord’s Test, which has a fundraising day for the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Nick Knight Nick Knight is one of Sky’s presenters for the Women’s Ashes in 2023. Knight joined Sky in 2006. He often features on their coverage of domestic men’s matches, and will pair presenting duties with commentary. Isa Guha Isa Guha will be working for Sky Sports during the Women’s Ashes as a presenter, pundit and commentator. Guha has covered men’s and women’s cricket with Sky in the past, and is a regular on Test Match Special. Simon Doull Former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull has worked with Sky for several years. Doull was a leading voice during the 2019 Men’s World Cup, and will be providing commentary and analysis during the 2023 Women’s Ashes. Charlotte Edwards One of the most influential figures in the history of women’s cricket and a former England captain, Charlotte Edwards regularly works a commentator for Sky Sports. Edwards will be involved as a pundit and commentator during the Women’s Ashes. Lydia Greenway Lydia Greenway retired from international cricket in 2016. She launched a cricket academy for girls in the following year, and will be commentating and analysing this Women’s Ashes this summer. You will also hear Greenway on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. Lauren Winfield-Hill Left out of squad for the Women’s Ashes, Lauren Winfield-Hill is expected to be involved in Sky’s coverage of the series. Winfield-Hill was Player of the Year in the 2022 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, and has been in good form for the Northern Diamonds so far this summer. Charles Dagnall Charles Dagnall is a former Warwickshire and Leicestershire seamer turned commentator. Dagnall has over a decade of experience covering men’s and women’s cricket around the world, including multiple Ashes series. He will be one of Sky’s main commentators for this summer’s Women’s Ashes. How to watch The Ashes on TV and live stream You can watch The Ashes live on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event. You can upgrade to the Sky Sports Cricket channel from just £15 per month as part of a limited time deal or pick up the complete sports package from just £24 per month. Find out more about the best Sky packages Sky Sports customers can live stream The Ashes via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices including most smartphones and tablets as part of their subscription. You can also watch The Ashes via NOW without signing up to a contract. NOW can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs, phones and consoles. NOW is also available via BT Sport. If you’re looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.