Root is a "very excited" as Key insists England have 'not wasted summer'

Root is a "very excited" as Key insists England have 'not wasted summer'

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live August 1, 2026 Duration: 28:05

England's new captain Joe Root speaks to Henry Moeran about being England Test captain once again. England's director of men's cricket Rob Key speaks to Henry Moeran just twenty-four hours after appointing Stephen Fleming as Test coach and Joe Root as captain.

Former England Test batter Dawid Malan and 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley discuss Key's interview and ask whether England have wasted their Test summer so far.

Plus, hear from Chris Jordan who played under Fleming at both Southern Brave in the Hundred and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and former New Zealand team mate and coaching contemporary Shane Bond.


There’s a particular sound to a summer’s day in England, often accompanied by the familiar voices of Test Match Special. For decades, this BBC Radio 5 Live institution has been the definitive audio companion to cricket, capturing its nuances, dramas, and occasional absurdities. Tune in and you’ll find yourself immersed in the heart of the action, whether it’s ball-by-ball commentary from major Test matches or thoughtful post-play discussions that unpack the day’s key moments. The analysis goes beyond mere scores, offering deep tactical insight and reaction from those who truly understand the game’s complexities. This podcast delivers that rich tradition directly to your ears, preserving the programme’s unique blend of expert scrutiny and warm, conversational charm. Woven into the feed is the popular No Balls podcast, hosted by England internationals Kate Cross and Alex Hartley. Their series strikes a brilliantly entertaining balance, mixing candid conversations with some of the sport's biggest names with a welcome dose of lighthearted fun. Together, these elements create a comprehensive audio experience that caters to both the purist and the fan who enjoys the game’s lighter side. It’s more than just a sports broadcast; it’s a community and a constant, covering cricket news and stories with an authority and accessibility that only this team can provide.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Test Match Special
Podcast Episodes
“Beat the Aussies” is goal for Fleming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:29
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…
Explosive England seal T20 series against Sri Lanka [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:22
We hear from England captain Harry Brook, and also Tom Banton who made an unbeaten half century. We also chat to the ECB chair Richard Thompson on England’s summer.
View from the Boundary - Count Binface aka Jon Harvey. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:57
Jon Harvey has worked on programmes like “The Thick of It” and “Have I Got New For You” but is best known for performing as the “intergalactic space warrior” who has taken on the likes of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Andy…
McCullum – I want to be challenged by KP. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:53
We hear from England white ball coach Brendon McCullum.Mark Chapman is joined by Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Steven Finn to look back on the Test summer, look ahead to the winter and discuss what England want to ge…
What have we learnt about England? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:48
Simon Mann is joined by Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, Jonathan Agnew and correspondent Stephan Shemilt to discuss what we've learnt about England’s Test side this summer.
Cox and Root guide England to clean sweep despite Edgbaston scare. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Simon Mann is joined by Jonathan Agnew, Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, Ramiz Raja, Phil Tufnell and Andy Zaltzman to review a dramatic 3rd Test against Pakistan, look back on the men’s red ball summer as a whole and…
Dominant England set target for Pakistan at Edgbaston [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:42
Simon Mann presents reaction from Edgbaston after the second day of England's third and final Test against Pakistan.Hear from Sir Alastair Cook, Phil Tufnell, Ramiz Raja and Jonathan Agnew after a dominant batting perfor…
England lead 'embarrassing' Pakistan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:04
Simon Mann presents reaction from Edgbaston after the first day of England's third and final Test against Pakistan.Hear from former England captains Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook, former Pakistan batter Ramiz Raj…
KP’s back, Jofra Archer and more Pakistan chaos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:13
Mark Chapman is alongside England's all-time leading wicket taker Jimmy Anderson, former England captain Michael Vaughan and BBC cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt to discuss Kevin Pietersen's return to the England fo…