Broad to join Test Match Special in Perth
Perth, Western Australia
England's three-day match against Victoria at the MCG was billed as a shoot-out between the three bowlers all hoping to replace Stuart Broad in the Test team on thursday.
Between them, Ajmal Shahzad, Chris Tremlett and Tim Bresnan - so it was not exactly the gunfight at the OK Corral. The match proved a rather tame affair on a flat pitch with few lessons learned. Everyone is waiting for the real action to resume at the Waca on Thursday.
It is a huge blow for England, and for Broad personally, that he has been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes. However he will still be involved in Perth, because I am delighted to confirm that Broad will be working for the 91Èȱ¬ at the Test match.
Broad will be able to offer a unique perspective on events at Perth (PA)
Broad has always been a good friend to Test Match Special and is really keen to try his hand at doing some radio work. I am thrilled he will be able to bring us his unique perspective.
and was a key performer when England regained the Ashes in 2009, producing the series-winning performance with his
The time difference in Western Australia will make it possible to enjoy much of our coverage without having to stay up all night. Play in Perth begins at 0230 GMT, still very early I know, but it will go through until around 1000 each day so you will be able to catch the drama over breakfast and beyond.
Plus we will still have our Ashes Highlights programme at the close of play, which will then be available to hear throughout the day on Five Live Sports Extra.
Even after the naming of Australia's squad - with Steve Smith and Michael Beer the spinning options - there has still been further speculation about whether Shane Warne should return to the Test team.
The fact that Warne did not immediately rule out the idea only fuelled the frenzy. When another great Aussie leggie, Richie Benaud, was asked for his opinion on the Warne debate he coolly replied: "I'm only annoyed nobody has asked me to come back."
There are still people here saying that Warne could come back at the MCG or even for a one-off match in Sydney. Former Aussie batsman Dean Jones has even suggested Warne may take the captaincy for a couple of years if things continue to go badly for Ricky Ponting.
However you may suspect that may discourage Cricket Australia from going down that path.
One correspondent to TMS has taken the idea of bringing back legendary players to another level, suggesting a return for the 70-year-old Geoffrey Boycott.
Toby Sculthorp e-mailed: "My son Fred and I feel England need a proper Test batsman to slow down the run rate. So far we have managed to raise the amount to purchase the stick of rhubarb that Geoffrey would face down the Australian pace attack with but any more funds would be greatly appreciated."
Alongside Broad and Jonathan Agnew, Jim Maxwell, Michael Vaughan, Michael Slater and Boycott will feature on our commentary team, with contributions from the analyst Simon Hughes and the Australian batting coach Justin Langer. Mark Pougatch will provide extensive coverage on 5 Live, plus Ashes Breakfast with England's most capped player Alec Stewart.
Lunch guests include former Australian captain Steve Waugh, former England skipper and ex-TMS commentator Tony Lewis and Cricket Australia chief executive, James Sutherland. During each tea interval, scheduled for 0710 GMT, we will present our Ashes Review with the key moments of the day so far and top analysis just in case you cannot be with us all night.
If you cannot wait until Thursday I urge you to take a listen to our special TMS podcasts including the reunion of Langer with his celebrated opening partner Matthew Hayden, the interview with the man at the top of world Cricket, Haroon Lorgat, and a special debate on the pressures of captaincy.
And while you hope for more magical Ashes moments to be created this week take a look at our section which has some real gems from the history of England's battles with the Aussies.
Hello I'm Adam Mountford and I'm the 91Èȱ¬ Radio Cricket producer. My main
responsibility is to produce Test Match Special but I also look after our cricket coverage on other 91Èȱ¬ outlets. My blog attempts to give you a flavour of life behind the scenes of the 91Èȱ¬ Cricket team. .
Comment number 1.
At 13th Dec 2010, neil wrote:Great! I look forward to it. Its good to keep trying out new people. Vaughan and simon Hughes have added to TMS in many ways.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 13th Dec 2010, DrCajetanCoelho wrote:Trying out youngsters in Team TMS is a good sign. Wishing Stuart Broad a speedy recovery and a quick return to his bowling mark.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 13th Dec 2010, pavilionopinions wrote:England will do well to win at Perth if the stats are anything to go by. Not a stunning record...
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 13th Dec 2010, wrinklydriver wrote:Given that we can't have him on the pitch, its great to have Stuart on the TMS team. Although I hope his knowledge of cake is up to it.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 13th Dec 2010, FleetJackHobbs wrote:All this sounds brilliant - if you happen to live in UK.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 13th Dec 2010, Aaron Geordie wrote:FleetJackHobbs,
TMS is available wherever you can get the internet. So unless you're in China, N Korea and most of Cuba, it will sound brilliant.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)
Comment number 7.
At 13th Dec 2010, splendidsparrow wrote:Interesting you mentioned Cuba, FJH:
We spent a two-week family vacation in Varadero this spring ...what a lovely vacation spot! When you are having so much fun in the sun, who really needs the Internet, Jack?
Broad will be looking at the action from a unique perspective, indeed. But is he a radio man?
Well, the real action begins in about 52 hours hence...and that will be a long 52 hours, I'm afraid.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 7)
Comment number 8.
At 13th Dec 2010, FleetJackHobbs wrote:Crikey, Aaron Geordie! It looks as if you're right. Not only right, but my saviour! I've spent two tests, that's ten nights (!) glued to the thrills of live-text only. - If I manage to tune in to Agnew & co on Thursday, I owe you a pint - or ten!
And sorry, sparrow, I have never been to Cuba. A mi me gustarÃa pero me falta el dinero!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 8)
Comment number 9.
At 14th Dec 2010, Down Under Dan wrote:Hi Adam,
Any chance that the TMS podcast from Day 5 could be re-posted? I've only just noticed that I didn't download it for some reason and it looks like it's now been taken down. I must've missed it by only a couple of hours but really would like to have it as a memory of such a great win.
Cheers,
Dan
Complain about this comment (Comment number 9)
Comment number 10.
At 14th Dec 2010, SportsFan wrote:Excellent news
Complain about this comment (Comment number 10)
Comment number 11.
At 14th Dec 2010, duckmachine wrote:I'm sure he'll come off the long run - but England are going to miss his bowling.
Wishing a speedy recovery.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 11)
Comment number 12.
At 15th Dec 2010, BobbyPosh wrote:I agree with your correspondent with regard to Geoffrey. If they pick Warney we should definitely drop Cook bring him in. Its all very well knocking up centuries and double centuries, Geoffrey can sort them out with a dead bat. It wouldn't matter how many quicks the Aussies pick with Warnie.
I was at Trent Bridge when Geoffrey made his test debut against McKenzie and his mates. He wore glasses in those days, no helmets either and he made 48, no problem. Bring him on, rhubarb and all.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 12)
Comment number 13.
At 15th Dec 2010, L A Odicean wrote:Are you crazy? Boycott's too old to bring back now. Good God, it would be a disaster. 4 years ago yes, but now we have to look forwards.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 13)
Comment number 14.
At 15th Dec 2010, L A Odicean wrote:Great to have Broady on the TMS team. Let's hope Tremletty's height makes him the man for the job in Perth.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 14)
Comment number 15.
At 16th Dec 2010, Michael S wrote:Will be good to have Broady in the box, inspired words from Staussy before the start "but we're not going to get complacent because we know as soon as complacency sets in, it bites you". This is a tough place to play cricket and we need to be tougher. Nice start but not a summer yet 2 swallows required
Complain about this comment (Comment number 15)
Comment number 16.
At 16th Dec 2010, cheapest jerseys wholesaler wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 16)
Comment number 17.
At 16th Dec 2010, Davey Bones wrote:At the end of the first day of the third test it looks almost certain the will be Ashes retained. The Australians will be out for less than 250 and if the in form England batsmen can see off the awful Kookaburra ball then 500+ should be on the cards against the rubbish Aussie attack.
Who'd have thought the ashes would be secured by Christmas? Well me actually
Complain about this comment (Comment number 17)
Comment number 18.
At 16th Dec 2010, Davey Bones wrote:I should have checked my post before posting, should have said.
At the end of the first day of the third test it looks almost certain the Ashes will be retained. The Australians will be out for less than 250 and if the in form England batsmen can see off the awful Kookaburra ball then 500+ should be on the cards against the rubbish Aussie attack.
Who'd have thought the ashes would be secured by Christmas? Well me actually
Complain about this comment (Comment number 18)
Comment number 19.
At 17th Dec 2010, smiler2033 wrote:why dont the ex players like alex stewart keep their mouths shut and stop winding the aussie players up by saying they have had it??
why dont they learn from the clown austin healey when he called harrison a 'plank' and the lions lost the test series down under after they raised their game
take a leaf out of the master alex ferguson - dont like the bloke myself but he knows how to play the mind game better that anyone
Complain about this comment (Comment number 19)
Comment number 20.
At 17th Dec 2010, Davey Bones wrote:Fair dues to Australia, well Mitchel Johnson anyway. I thought England would get a massive lead but that obviously didn't happen. Even over the top poor teams have their golden days and good teams their bad ones and I am convinced that's what has happened here.
It will be almost impossible for England to save this match but that adds to the excitement, Swann will be very important in the last two matches, especially at the SCG. England to win the series 3-1.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 20)
Comment number 21.
At 17th Dec 2010, G_K___ wrote:Personally, I would like to see Geoff's granny brought into the fray, a suitable stalk of celery having been procured. Ah, the gentle thrunch of cellulose on leather!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 21)
Comment number 22.
At 18th Dec 2010, uptothestumps wrote:Really enjoying the TMS lineup for this test.
I hope we'll be hearing more of Michael Slater - he seems to understand
the TMS requirement to balance conversation 'about any subject' with
cricketing insights.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 22)
Comment number 23.
At 18th Dec 2010, G_K___ wrote:Salute them, you bold English chaps:
The boys in the baggy green caps.
Yer noble tradition -
Dectuple dismission -
The Olde English batting collapse!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 23)
Comment number 24.
At 19th Dec 2010, Miller wrote:Watson,Hussey,Haddin, and if conditions are right, Johnson,Harris and Hilfenhaus, are the only players that will cause problems for England.
Strauss,Cook,Trott,Peitersen,Bell,Collingwood,Prior,Swan,Anderson,Tremlett,Shazad or Bresnan, will all cause problems for Australia because they are better players, so we should win 3-1!!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 24)
Comment number 25.
At 19th Dec 2010, kencharman wrote:Would TMS like my wife to replace Michael Vaughan? At then of the first day when "Vaughanie" (is he paid by the word - especially stupid ones) was confidently predicting an England victory she looked up from the ironing and said "until both teams have batted you can't tell what is a good first innings total". There you go. Ten times more insightful. Far more sensible and she can iron. I think young Michael needs to concentrate harder on content and stop trying to be a "personality".
Complain about this comment (Comment number 25)
Comment number 26.
At 22nd Dec 2010, joshuamarker wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 26)