The Ashes 2013
The BBC is bringing audiences every single moment from the Ashes with exclusive live ball-by-ball radio commentary from Test Match Special available to all on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, BBC Radio 4 LW, the BBC Sport website and via the BBC Sport app and iPlayer radio app.
Published: 27 June 2013
It’s an exciting time for 5 live and BBC Sport, with this being the first time people can follow the Ashes through our iOS and Android apps in addition to radio and online, so people can keep up with the action wherever they are."
Combined with a raft of special programmes and top names on Radio 5 live for the summer, including Kevin Pietersen in conversation with Andrew Flintoff for Ashes Legends (2 July), Flintoff's Ashes Roadshows, Greg James' Not Just Cricket – The Ashes' and 6-Duck-6 with Tuffers and Vaughan, plus extensive content on the BBC Sport website this makes for an exciting summer of cricket on the BBC.
Jonathan Wall, Controller of BBC Radio 5 live and 5 live sports extra, says: “We are really looking forward to the Ashes, with ball-by-ball coverage and programmes designed to really bring cricket alive to all our audiences. Bringing the talent of Greg and Freddie in alongside our illustrious team at Test Match Special means there’s something for everyone throughout the series.
"It’s an exciting time for 5 live and BBC Sport, with this being the first time people can follow the Ashes through our iOS and Android apps in addition to radio and online, so people can keep up with the action wherever they are.
"We’re really using our great programming ability to deliver the atmosphere, excitement, news and tension as well as the laughs and fun along the way. Old fans and new fans need look no further than the BBC to get involved in one of this summer’s greatest sporting events.”
Test Match Special (TMS) takes pride of place on 5 live sports extra throughout the series. Back for its 57th year, the historic programme starts from the opening day of the series from Trent Bridge.
TMS is fronted by Jonathan Agnew, with commentators Henry Blofeld, Simon Mann and Ed Smith, and summarisers Michael Vaughan, Geoff Boycott, Phil Tufnell and Vic Marks. Joining TMS for the first time at the Ashes in England this summer will be legendary Australia fast bowler, Glenn McGrath.
As well as live TMS commentary, a wealth of in-depth cricket content will also be available online at bbc.co.uk/cricket - from the latest scores and news, to expert analysis and the opportunity to get involved in the interactive live text commentary.
Meanwhile, the full range of BBC Radio 5 live’s programming will be available with a host of additional content on the station’s all-new Ashes portal at bbc.co.uk/5live.
If you’ve missed any of the day’s live action then 19:00 every night of play on Radio 5 live is your destination for the definitive review of the day’s action on 5 live sport, plus at 22:00 on every day of play there will be the reaction from down under as they wake up, with ABC presenter Gerard Whateley giving the Aussie opinion on events live from Australia.
Andrew (Freddie) Flintoff will share his cricket insight and unique banter to a live audience in a series of Flintoff’s Ashes Roadshows, from each of the Ashes locations ahead of the test. Guests include Aussie legends Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist, plus many more top names. The roadshows will be broadcast on Radio 5 live, BBC red button* and the BBC Sport website, with an accompanying live text commentary on the popular Sportsday Live service, capturing the best bits of the show and audience interaction
Radio 1 DJ and cricket fan Greg James will present a new Saturday morning show on Radio 5 live through July and August. Starting Saturday 6 July 'Not Just Cricket - The Ashes' follows on from Greg’s successful Not Just Cricket show, with guests from all walks of life, cricket chat and an irreverent look at the game, sharing his love of the sport and showing listeners that there is more to cricket than whites and wickets.
Plus, the inimitable pairing of Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan continue with their weekly cricket show throughout summer on 5 live sport with in-depth discussion on all the latest Ashes news and look ahead to the week’s action. Plus, from Thursday 13 July they will host phone-in 6-Duck-6, a special cricket edition of the much loved 5 live 606 football phone in show where audiences can offer their views and put questions to Tuffers, Vaughan and their guests on all the talking points of the week.
Coverage of The Ashes will be followed by coverage of the Women’s Ashes on 5 live sports extra. The BBC team includes Alison Mitchell, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Isa Guha and new addition Claire Taylor, who has the accolade of the only women to be named one of Wisden’s ‘5 Cricketers of the Year’. This year the women’s Ashes is made up of a Test, three ODI’s and three T20’s, with all the action beginning on 5 live sports extra and the BBC Sport website on Sunday 11 August.
GS
Ashes programme planner
BBC Radio 5 live and 5 live sports extra are offering audiences a raft of programming around this summer’s Ashes series.
The Tuffers And Vaughan Cricket Show*
From Monday 1 July, 20:00-21:00, Radio 5 live
Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan return to 5 live to discuss all the latest cricketing news.
Begins Monday 1 July and continues weekly throughout the Ashes series
The Ashes: Flintoff's Ashes Legends – Kevin Pietersen
Tuesday 2 July, 20:30-22:30, Radio 5 live
Andrew Flintoff interviews England’s superstar batsman Kevin Pietersen. Pietersen discusses his amazing Ashes career to date and gives a unique insight into what motivates him and his personality on and off the field.
The Great Ashes Pub Quiz
Wednesday 3 July, 21:00–22:00, Radio 5 live
England face Australia to compete for the only trophy that matters, the 5 live Ashes Quiz Trophy
The Ashes: Flintoff’s Ashes Roadshows*
From Monday 8 July, 19:30–21:00, BBC Radio 5 live
Freddie Flintoff takes to the road to offer Ashes wit and banter in front of a live audience.
First of 5 roadshows beginning Monday 8 July and continuing two days before the start of each test. Simulcast live on the red button.
Test Match Special
From Wednesday 10 July, 10:25–18:30, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and BBC Radio 4 LW
Follow ball-by-ball commentary of all the Ashes action with the legendary TMS team.
Begins Wednesday 10 July and continues every day of Ashes play
The Ashes*
From Wednesday 10 July, 19.00–20.00, BBC Radio 5 live
5 live sport starts after every day of play with content devoted to The Ashes – catch up on everything.
The Ashes: The Ashes Down Under
From Wednesday 10 July, 22.00–2.30, BBC Radio 5 live
The final 30 minutes of 5 live’s regular sport programme comes live from Australia on each day’s play
Not Just Cricket – The Ashes
From Saturday 6 July, 09.00–11:00, BBC Radio 5 live
Greg James and his celebrity guests look at the Ashes off the field. Begins Saturday 6 July and continues weekly throughout the series.
6-Duck-6*
From Saturday 13 July, 18.00–20.00, BBC Radio 5 live
Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan take calls and opinions on all the Ashes play.
Begins Saturday 13 July and continues every weekend throughout the 2013 Ashes series.
*times and dates vary, please check listings for details
